D. Smith St. Andrews, clockmaker.

[David Layne]

My Grandfather clock was made by D. Smith, St. Andrews.  I would be grateful if someone could tell me when he was actively making clocks. 

Regards. David Layne

[davaar36]

Hello David

According to John Smith in "Old Scottish Clockmakers 1453 to 1850" p.349 there was a David Smith in South Street, St Andrews 1835-1872. The business was carried on by a son (no name given) who died in 1904 after which a grandson, David took over. The book is available online for reading or download. Somebody with knowledge of clocks may be able to suggest an approximate date for the style of the clock or its decoration.

Dod

[MonicaL]

What a pretty grandfather clock 

From Dod's info, this is a little snippet from google books (I've shrunk the link) www.rootschat.com/links/0xbf/

Looks like it was three Davids in a row  You may need the clock dated to know which of them is the D Smith?

The family's 1851 census entry as background:

David Smith 50 Watch Maker (master Employing 1 Appr) b. Aberlour, fifeshire
Helen Smith 46 b. St Andrews, fifeshire
David Smith 18 Appentice Watch Maker b. Leven Fifeshire...possibly this entry https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XBVC-ZV1
John Smith 15 Drapers Apprentice b. St Andrews, fifeshire
Mary Smith 12 b. St Andrews, fifeshire

Address: South Street, St Andrews

Monica

[MonicaL]

From the dates we have been working on for the Davids. Dod's reference to David Snr's dates - 1835-1872 - fit with an entry on www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk Wills & Testament section:

David Smith, 01 Sept 1873, Watchmaker in St Andrews, Cupar Sheriff Court, Ref. SC20/50/46   

For son, David who took over business from what has been sourced, also an SP entry in Wills & Testaments:

David Couper Smith, 13 August 1904, Watchmaker and Jewller in St Andrews, d. 20 May 1904, Cupar Sheriff Court, Ref SC20/50/86

Monica

[MonicaL]

Still at South Street for 1901:

David C Smith 67, watchmaker b. Leven, fifeshire
Louise Smith 57 naturalised British subject, Germany
Harry Smith 25 Registered Chemist Druggist
Albert A Smith 22 Journeyman Watchmaker

Address: 95 South St, St Andrews

Maybe their marriage here https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XYMW-YXH

[MonicaL]

Maybe only two Davids?

1891, and no sign of a third generation David:

David C Smith 58 Watchmaker & Actuary b. Leven
Louise Smith 48 b. Germany
Harry Smith 15 apprentice druggist
Alexander Smith 14
Albert Smith 12

Address: 2, Crails Lane, St Andrews

Maybe it was Albert that took on the business from his father. He shows in 1901 as a Journeyman Watchmaker.

Monica

[davaar36]

As far as I can see David Couper Smith's estate passed to widow, Louise in 1904. In the 1911 Census at 95 South Street, St Andrews we have
Louise Smith, Head, widow, 70, Housekeeper
Alex.C. Smith, Son, single, 34, Lithographic artist Printing Works, worker
Albert D. Smith, Son, single, Watchmaker& jeweller, employee
It may be that the business carried on as "David Smith" but judging by the appearance of the clock 1904 would be well after its manufacture.
In the top illustration (maybe Flora MacDonald) is there a signature bottom right? Maybe the name of the dial painter. Maker of the dial may be stamped on back of dial. If so this might give another identifier to date the clock.

Dod

[David Layne]

Many thanks for the replies, most helpful.

Dod there is no signature bottom right of Flora, its gorse I would think.

From the information given and the style of the clock I believe it to be David Smith 1801-1873.