My friend has a lovely grandfather clock which came from her grandparents but she knows nothing about it. I rashly offered to look up the maker as there is a name on the front of the clock but I can find no record of it. She seems to think it may have an Irish connection. The name appears to be Bailie and underneath it says Downe which we are presuming is what is now known as County Down in Northern Ireland. Bailie seems to be a name found in Ireland but I have not come across any clockmakers with this surname. Any thoughts Thanks Hilary
'the name appears to be...' ... can't tell you how many times someone has posted saying that, only to have others figure out what the actual name is. you might be right, but photos of dial, movement and case would definitely help... the bigger and clearer, the better.
Perhaps: Bail(l)ie, Samuel of Dromore, Northern Ireland. A brief document giving some working dates for Samuel Bail(l)ie of Dromore As found here: Clock and Watch Research - Online Library - Index of clock and watch makers listed on the website with surnames starting with the letter B
Is the place Downpatrick? Loomes Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World lists:- Baille William Downpatrick Ireland 1824
Timepiece Antique Clocks Dublin have a bit about the Ballie family on their website at the bottom of the Irish Makers section Timepiece Antique Clocks
Some names continue through families with successions of clockmakers/retailers. We need to see the clock to help with dating and originality.