William Mason

Circa 1815

During the later years of the eighteenth century into the early nineteenth century, a style of longcase clock developed in the eastern region of Scotland, reflecting the elegant and proportions of the finest architecture of the period. Typically referred to as "Edinburgh" style, their slim proportions and small size account for their desirability today.

This example by the hitherto unrecorded maker W Mason of Duns in the Scottish borders stands just seven feet tall including the brass thistle finial. The case is of rich well-figured mahogany with neatly sweeping swan necks that terminate in brass paterae above narrow waisted satinwood frets in the Edinburgh style. The trunk door and base panel are defined by satinwood stringing, and have original Sheraton inspired marquetry inlays to the centre. The brass capped hood columns and quarter columns to the trunk are fluted and provide a further slimming effect to an already elegant case. The impeccable originality and our careful restoration have conserved the fine rich colour and original finish.

The movement is of eight-day duration and of conventional construction. It has, what is referred to as, rack striking. The hours are sounded on a bell. It is driven by the two original cast weights via brass pulleys, and retains the original decorated pendulum bob with its painted and gilded finish – a particularly Scottish feature. Fully cleaned and correctly restored, it has passed through our workshop with no worrying issues. It has a healthy beat and keeps excellent time.

The time is displayed via the original gilded brass hands to the painted dial with Roman hour chapter, which is bordered by a gilded ring. The centre contains subsidiary dials for seconds and date, and is signed "W Mason – Duns". The corners are decorated with delicate floral representations and the arch contains a pastoral scene with a shepherdess tending her flock. At this period, dialmaking was a specialised practice and this example is from the manufactory of Wright & Co of Birmingham whose mark appears on the falseplate. The hands are particularly worthy of note for the fine chased and engraved decoration.

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