Scottish Longcase clock by James Howden, Edinburgh (1768 - 1810)
£sold
A nicely proportioned flame mahogany Scottish Longcase clock with 8 day anchor mechanism striking the hours upon a single bell. The silvered brass dial is engraved with roman numerals and sub dials showing seconds and calendar.
James Howden is noted as the Booked apprentice to James Cowan from 1764 until January 1768. He was quick to establish himself as a highly regarded craftsman and astute businessman in Edinburgh.
87" Tall
James Howden is described in the book by John Smith ""Old Scottish clockmakers 1453 - 1850" :
"HOWDEN, JAMES . Edinburgh, 1764-1809.
August 1764. " Booked apprentice to Alexander Farquharson."
3O/// January 1768. " The Incorporation, with consent of Alexander Farquharson, agreed that James Howden should serve out the remainder of his indenture with James Cowan."
2nd November 1771. "Discharged of his indenture by James Cowan."
4th November 1775. " Compeared and presented his essay, being a watch movement, begun, made, and finished in his own shop, in presence of James Cowan, landlord, Samuel Brown and Thomas Letham, essay masters, as they declared, etc." E. H. Records.
This maker, by the excellence of his production, soon formed a large and lucrative connection, which he handed on to his sons on his retirement in 1809.
---- A quotation from "Old Scottish clockmakers 1453 - 1850" by John Smith page 196 ----
