Maule Clock Restorer

"I am interested in longcase clocks from the North East of England, so naturally I was very interested in Cindy's story and was delighted to be asked to appraise the Andrew Maule clock.  I was initially a little apprehensive; readers will know that 'suspect' longcase clocks are frequently met with, so arriving at the charming residence of the owner, I was very eager to see the clock.

"Initial impressions were good.  The clock was clearly genuine - early 19th Century in date - and in the same case as two of mine.  Clocks from this part of the world have an 'East Scotland' feel to them.  The case styles are restrained and elegant and 30-hour clocks are virtually non-existent.

"The case was a bit grubby but in good order.  The dial was dirty and a bit faded but the ground paint and decoration were intact.  It was difficult to read the name at first but, with a good light, (the Sun!) it showed well.  The false plate had the well-known legend 'Beilby and Hawthorn/William Whittaker'

cast in.

"The eight-day movement was pretty dirty and had not gone for some time.  Our delightful host told me it used to be looked after by the local odd-job man, who eventually could 'do no more'.  A broken pivot on the 'scape arbor and severely mangled pallets bore testimony to this and made the restoration more interesting."