Description
Featured here an outstanding mahogany Longcase clock by John Smith. An eminent clockmaker from this tiny village of Pittenweem in Scotland. Note his characteristic way of signing his dials as ‘NORTH BRITAIN’. I can only assume this is a one off piece of work for a very wealthy London customer.
The case showing all the high quality London case features. In addition the white painted dial showing gold leaf spandrels. Also with flowers to the corners. Also with subsidiary seconds, calendar and moon phase. Shown with the moon, tidal times indicator to the arch. The tidal times are by means of an indicator. Therefore this could be set at whatever port the owner chose. A clock by the maker is pictured in Royal Clocks by Cedric Jagger pages 190-2.
Very little is known about John Smith. Previous to 1775 it does not appear he went out of Scotland. The clock pictured in Royal Clocks was taken to show King George III, but unfortunately the King had gone blind and was unable to inspect it. I wonder whether it was at this stage John Smith had purchased this cabinet. Maybe for one of his clocks.He could of already ordered one for this movement and picked it up on his journey home from the capital.
Clearly he must have been impressed by London cabinet making at the time. To sum up this clock is absolutely stunning and very rare.
