A George III Scottish ebonized brass-mounted bracket clock, signed Turnbull & Aitchison dated 1777

The movement engraved Turnbull & Aitchison / Edinburgh, the clock face with an inscription COL. BIRD 15 REG./HO^{BL. WILLM. FALCONER/LT. GRENAD. KILD./action of Brandywine/SEPT. 11 1777.}

The Dowager Duchess of Manchester, thence by descent
Sold in these rooms, January 21, 1995, lot 309

Overall good restored condition; the case with some wear to the edge and redecorated; the clock face with a later black velvet background; old repaired chip to front left edge at joint with latch; finials slightly loose and possibly later; age cracks to front left and front right corners of hood; some repairs and later black paper to fretwork panels; overall with some marks and scratches
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The dedication of the dial refers to a significant battle fought on the banks of the Brandywine River, located between Philadelphia and Wilmington, on September 11, 1777, during the American War of Independence.  The American troops, under the command of General George Washington, suffered heavy casualties.  They were encamped in a fortified position on the banks of the Brandywine River, but were thrown into deadly confusion when the British troops, advancing on Philadelphia under the command of Sir William Howe, who with Lord Cornwallis and General Knyphausen, outflanked the American forces and forced their retreat to Chester, Pennsylvania.

Turnbull & Aitchison, the makers of the clock, are recorded as working between 1768 and 1780.