A beautifully proportioned and fine quality longcase clock by this eminent maker. The mahogany case with the finest veneers has a well executed swan necked pediment with carved gilded wooden roses at the ends and with a carved gilt wood finial in the middle. It has nicely fretted light wood frets and well executed reeded columns to the front of the hood.

The trunk of the clock has reeded canted corners and an exceptionally long full length door which reaches almost to the top mould of the base. The top of the door is nicely shaped. The base of the clock has a very well chosen flame veneer at the front. It is plain rather than panelled which is typical of this period of Scottish longcase clocks and the clock stands on well shaped bracket feet.

The clock has a very attractive brass dial. It has a well shaped cut out in the arch for the signature plaque, ‘James Cowan, Edinburgh,’ below which is a slot for strike and silent. The area between the signature plaque and the spandrels is well engraved. The clock has four well cast spandrels and a plain dotted chapter ring with Arabic minute numerals and Roman hour numerals. It has a large but thin seconds ring between the centre arbor and 12 o’clock and a date aperture above 6 o’clock. The centre is well matted. The blued steel hands are nicely fretted out and the hour hand is of an unusual design.

The eight day bell striking movement strikes the hours on a bell mounted above the movement. It has four well knopped pillars and well fretted wheel work.

Height to top of finial: 7' 2" (219 cms.)