Scottish Tall Clock
A Scottish tall clock brings steady presence to a room, housing precise inner movements inside tall wooden cases fashioned by regional makers.
Scottish Tall Clock
A scottish tall clock, frequently referred to as a longcase or grandfather clock, stands as a commanding vertical timekeeper enclosing weights and a pendulum.
The examples gathered here span from the 17th century through the Victorian era, taking shape predominantly in mahogany, oak, and satinwood.
Regional variations appear across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, and smaller burghs, showcasing both simple country cases and refined urban designs.
Construction and materials
Cabinetmakers built the tall wooden housings using solid timbers like mahogany and oak, occasionally incorporating flame veneers, marquetry, or painted details.
Clockmakers fitted brass or iron movements, often pairing them with painted iron or enamel dials, and protected the face behind glass panels.
Scottish Tall Clock Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for scottish tall clock among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Some provincial clock dials record local burghs so precisely you can practically hear the blacksmith checking his pocket watch.
Quality factors in Scottish tall clocks
The distinction between standard and superior pieces rests on the crispness of the cabinetwork and the reputation of the signing horologist.
Regional clockmakers who signed their dials, such as those working in Edinburgh or Dundee, often produced movements paired with more elaborate cases featuring moonphase dials or drumhead designs.
Hendrie Ogg Dunfermline·Gordon of Aberdeen·D Straiton Montrose·Tait Peebles·Priory of Dundee·Andrew Thom·William McEwan·Matt Wylie Paisley·David Craig Ford·David Morice·Robert Thomson·G Brown Edinburgh·J Melrose Edinburgh
The Scottish Tall Clock Glossary
- Longcase clock
- A tall pendulum clock enclosed in a wooden case that rests directly on the floor. This form is often called a grandfather clock.
- Moonphase
- A dial mechanism that tracks the phases of the lunar cycle. It appears on the upper arch of certain Scottish clock faces.
- Drumhead clock
- A clock style featuring a circular dial housing mounted atop a tall wooden trunk. This regional variation is seen in Victorian examples.
- Regulator
- A precision timekeeping clock designed for high accuracy. These movements typically feature specialised dials for minute and second tracking.
Scottish Tall Clock: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wind a Scottish tall clock?
Winding requires raising the internal weights using a crank key inserted into the dial face holes.
Care must be taken not to overwind the mechanism, ensuring the pendulum maintains an even beat.
Where should I place a tall clock?
Position the case against a sturdy interior wall on level flooring to maintain an even beat.
Avoid placing the wood near direct heat sources or damp areas that could warp the casework.
How do I identify the period?
Examine the wood selection, dial material, and cabinet proportions alongside any recorded maker signatures.
Georgian examples often display classic mahogany veneers, while Victorian pieces introduce drumhead variations and oak cases.