Antique Scottish Clocks

 A handsome mid-19th-century Victorian mantel clock, housed in a beautifully figured rosewood case with exceptionally fine carved decoration.  The case is richly ornamented with scrolling foliage, leaves and floral motifs, with the carving extending around the arched dial surround and down the sides of the case. The warm, highly figured rosewood has developed an attractive colour and patina, complemented by the stepped plinth and turned bun feet.

The silvered dial has elegant Roman numerals, finely engraved minute divisions and attractive blued-steel hands. The dial is signed Shedden - Perth, with the subsidiary winding apertures neatly positioned below the centre.
The glazed front reveals the pendulum and gives the clock an appealing sense of depth, while the substantial architectural case makes this a particularly impressive example.  

The 8 day fusee mechanism is of robust construction and controlled by a mercury compensation pendulum.  The clock strikes the hours upon a single coiled gong.

A decorative and characterful clock, combining fine cabinet work with traditional Victorian horological craftsmanship, and an excellent addition to a period interior or collection. 

 SHEDDEN, CHARLES. 3 George Street, Perth, 1813-71

"THE INCORPORATED TRADES. In the evening the Trades dined in the various Hotels, when the usual supply of Bread ??? appeared on each table. At the Hammermen's dinner in the British Hotel, Ex-Baillie Shedden was presented with a handsome silver tea-pot and a silver claret jug. The presentation was made by Baillie Gray, who in a highly complimentary speech referred to the able manner in which Baillie Shedden had performed the duties devolving upon him as Deacon of the Hammermen's Incorporation during the past 25 years. The tea-pot and claret-jug bear the
following inscription:

"Presented by the Hammermen Incorporation of Perth to Charles Shedden as a mark of respect and esteem, and in testimony of his energetic, zealous, faithful and efficient services, as Deacon for the period of 25 years Perth, 7th October 1863"

 OLD SCOTTISH CLOCKMAKERS 341

"The service is 50 in value, and was furnished by Mr D. Greig, 8 John Street, Perth." Source unknown.

"Our obituary of to-day contains an intimation of the death of Mr Charles Shedden, watchmaker, formerly one of the Magistrates of the City, Convener of the Trades, and Deacon of the Hammermen Incorporation, which took place on Thursday at his residence in Princes Street. Deceased, owing to failing health and the infirmities incident to old age, retired from his business several years ago, and had attained to the advanced age of 79 years. He was a native of Perth,
and during upwards of half a century followed the calling of a clock and watch maker, and was a person of enterprise and activity. He was during the long period of 28 years Deacon of the Hammermen In- corporation, and devoted a great deal of his time to the promotion of its interests. He likewise for some time filled the office of Convener of the Incorporated
Trades. During a number of years he was entrusted by the Town Council with the charge of keeping in order the public clock and the music bells in the tower of St John's Church. In 1835 he was appointed by the Council Inspector of Weights and Measures for the Burgh. Until incapacitated by failing health, he discharged the duties of the latter office with much
satisfaction and acceptability, and, in fact, he performed all his public duties with faithfulness and integrity.
About 1850, he for three years filled the office of a Magistrate of the city. He was a Liberal Conservative
and a staunch supporter of the Church of Scotland, though not much of an ardent political or ecclesiastical partisan. He was of a social and genial disposition, and had many friends among his fellow-citizens, by whom his demise will be greatly regretted. Source unknown.
 

* extracts from "the Hammermen and their Altar" and "Old Scottish Clockmakers" by John Smith