Hi Ronald,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

James Cowan was an 18th-century Scottish (often described broadly as British) clock- and watchmaker working in Edinburgh, and he belongs to the important generation of craftsmen who defined Scotland’s horological output during the Georgian period. He trained under Archibald Straiton in 1744, became a freeman of the Incorporation of Hammermen (the key Edinburgh craft guild) in the 1750s and may have studied abroad (Paris, possibly London) before his death in 1781.

The style of this case is more Regency than George III though the engraved brass dial is definitely George III so I wonder if the dial was once fitted into a different case. Most clocks of this style - regardless of maker - are currently selling at auction for between $500 and $700, though given the condition of the case, I would not be surprised if it sold for less if offered at auction.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A transitional Scottish George III / Regency style bracket mantel clock
engraved brass dial signed "James Cowan"
The peaked case with applied rounded side molding and with oval inlay panels above and below the door, enclosing a circular dial with Roman numeral chapter rings, on a box base.
Height: 24 inches; width: 18 inches; depth: 8 inches
CONDITION: works tested, serviced and repaired; case with wear
PROVENANCE: Purchased at auction
$ 250-350*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia