Drumhead longcase clock by James Whitelaw of Edinburgh

An excellent Regulator style longcase clock by this well known Scottish clockmaker.

The typically well made 8 day duration movement strikes the hours on a bell and has a recoil anchor escapement. The round silvered brass dial features seconds, matching blued steel hands and is signed by the maker to the centre, James Whitelaw, Edinburgh. The movement also features a large brass pendulum bob to aid regulation and brass weights.

The elegantly proportioned mahogany veneered case of typical drumhead design has high quality crossbanded veneers throughout with  reeded quarter columns to the trunk.  The weights and pendulum are accessed through an unusually designed trunk door which is removable via the rare top mounted lock. The base has a raised single moulding and small bracket feet. To the hood a glazed concave lockable brass bezel allows access to the dial.  The plain drum shaped top which is typical of the period and Edinburgh area is mounted upon turned horizontal supports with ebonised paterae.

The ever popular drumhead designed longcase clocks have both a contemporary and period feel.  An excellent example.

Note:  James Whitelaw was a member of a large and very skilled Clockmaking family who it appears specialised in longcase clocks.  He is known to have worked from both Princes Street and Register Street. He died in 1846 at the age of 70.