Rare clock found in charity shop

Rita Inch shows off the 17th Century lantern clock

A pensioner who stumbled across a "priceless" clock in a second-hand shop has donated it to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Rita Inch, 79, from Lesmahagow in Lanarkshire, found the rare artefact as she rummaged through piles of antiques.

She later discovered it was one of the last known surviving lantern clocks made by renowned Edinburgh-based clockmaker Richard Mills.

The brass and steel 12-hour lantern clock was made in the 17th Century.

Mrs Inch said: "I found the clock in the late 1960s so we have had it for a long time.

"We are happy to give it to the museum. It was made in Edinburgh, so it should go back home and be looked after there."

Horological history

Richard is thought to be the nephew or son of Scotland's first clockmaker, Humphrey Mills.

Only four clocks by Humphrey Mills are known to survive in the UK, one of which is currently on display at the National Museum of Scotland.

Dr Alison Morrison-Low, principal curator of history of scientific instruments and photography for National Museums Scotland, said: "The museum is delighted to be presented with such an important piece of Scotland's horological history.

"Lantern clocks signed by Scottish makers are extremely rare in any case but there are no other examples of clocks signed by Richard Mills, so it's a fantastic find."

Records show Richard Mills was apprenticed to 'Umphra' Mills in 1661, presented his 'essay' and became a clockmaker in 1678, and died in about 1710.