Georgian clocks from the Eastern half of Scotland are often very desirable for their small size,
pleasing proportions, and good use of inlay and brass fittings.

Case: Miller's clock stands just 7 feet, 1½ inches high, and although the handsome flame mahogany veneers on the trunk door and front of the base are the dominant decoration, inlays and banding subtly enrich the case. Circular fan inlays are used on the tips of the scroll cornice, with an oval fan inlay just below the brass finial. Panels of satinwood framed by boxwood and ebony stringing are inlaid in the cornice. The glazed side windows of the hood are shaped to match the peak of the trunk door which in turn is crossbanded with mahogany between lines of boxwood stringing, with quartered fan inlays at the lower corners. The base panel is outlined by a border of satinwood framed with boxwood and ebony stringing, with further quartered fan inlays at all four corners. Altogether, a very pretty case and with a warm, deep patina. The brass finial is old but not original, the finish has been recently repolished, and the feet are the only significant restoration.

Dial: The 12 inch arched painted dial is from the manufactory of Francis Byrne, Birmingham, a seldom-encountered maker who practiced from 1780 to 1810. The rear of the dial has the number 878 in white paint, dating it to just before 1800. (See M.F. Tennant, Longcase Painted Dials, pp71-4.) The spandrel corners each carry a gold-leafed urn, incongruously pictured next to a small gold country house with a "willow" arching over. The arch depicts a larger version of the urn with a leafy border. Full five minute numbering around the chapter ring again indicates a date of 1800 or earlier. The hands are matching blued steel.

Movement: Miller's eight day brass and steel movement uses four pillars, anchor recoil escapement, hourly rack striking on one bell, and strike repeating. Weights are cast iron (probably old replacements), and the pendulum bob is paint-decorated cast iron. The seat board is an old replacement.

Maker: Alexander Miller is recorded in John Smith's Old Scottish Clockmakers as practicing in Montrose in 1798, and dying September 26, 1808. This clock was made about 1800 or a little before.