Aberdeen, Scotland, circa 1785. Very rare Tavern or "Act of Parliament" Clock with 25" diameter three-planked oak cream painted dial having 3 inch high black Roman numerals, minute dots and 1 1/4" high, outer Arabic fives, with matching spade brass pierced hands with a counterpoised tail to the minute, all within a molded japanned edge surround . The drop trunk case with leafy scroll shaped ears at the throat below the dial, flanking the area for the maker's name: "John Gartly (of) Aberdeen written in gilt scroll text. The concave top caddy with molded door decorated with faded gilt scrolling foliage with fine gilt painted foliate borders on a black background. The whole terminating on an ogee molded canted foot, decorated with stylized flower heads. The sides have large floral spray decoration. Inside of the door there is remnant tag of the possible retailed, inscribed, "Antiques, John Bell, Aberdeen".
John Gartly (clockmaker/watchmaker; British; 1749 - 1827), Clockmaker and watchmaker. Made clocks for King's College cathedral, Aberdeen and Tolbooth, Aberdeen. Height 54.75", width 28.4", depth 8".
An "Act of Parliament clock" is a type of large clock originally hung in inns and taverns in the United Kingdom, beginning in the mid-18th century. Such clocks were plain in design, the faces were around two to five feet in diameter, and they were hung on the wall. They are also commonly called Tavern Clocks. The term "Act of Parliament clock" came about long after these clocks were already in existence. In 1797, a tax against clocks of five shillings was introduced in the Kingdom of Great Britain by the Prime Minister William Pitt. The tax was very unpopular among clockmakers and was repealed after nine months. The large clocks in inns were later popularly (though incorrectly) said to have been developed as a response to this tax.
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Some separation to boards in front face (see image 3). All over scattered paint loss and chipping. A .75 inch wood loss bottom right of the face under the numeral 25 (can be seem in upper right corner of image 2). There has been an apparent repair to face between numerals VIII and IX with repainting to the VIII. Moisture damage to front door with fading of paint and gilt (bottom part of image 2). Flecks of paint missing from front door showing white. Hinges to door replaced. Strip molding around base is loose. 6 inch crack to the very bottom of ogee base that runs to the right side.