The clock was returned to its 'spiritual' home, Govan Fire Station, by Robert Stirling, grandson of the Firemaster, along with portraits of his grandfather and an early photograph of fire fighters in steam-driven tenders.
Govan man Robert, who is 81, said; "I'm very pleased the clock is going where it will be appreciated. This fire station is its spiritual home and it certainly didn't seem right to sell it.
I never expected this kind of ceremony, I should have brought my wife!"
Robert remembers seeing the clock on the mantleshelf of his mother's home in Rothesay and when it passed through the family and into his hands, he decided to give it to the Govan Fire Station.
Assistant Firemaster, Andrew Shuttleworth, who formally accepted the gifts on behalf of Strathclyde Fire Service, praised the research by Station Officer Andy McCafferty who done a lot of work in his own time to uncover in the old minutes of the Burgh of Govan, the nail-biting story of Superintendent Peter Stirling's appointment.
They revealed that on May 10 1886 the Firemaster, David Philip, resigned. The Commissioner of Police convened a special meeting on May 24 1886, to appoint a replacement at an annual salary of £70 plus free house and taxes.
The Town Clerk, Mr A MacDonald, was instructed by Provost Campbell to advertise the post with a closing date of June 10 1886.
At 8pm on June 23, Provost Campbell chaired a meeting of ten dignitaries to discuss the appointment of the new Firemaster.
Three candidates were put forward - James Barclay, Peter Stirling and Alexander Thompson - all Govan men.
A vote was taken with Mr Thomson recieving 4 voted to 3 each for the other two men. A second vote had Peter Stirling pipping James Barclay by 6 votes to 4 so eliminating the latter. A third and final vote saw five votes to each of the remaining rivals.
This meant Provost Campbell held the all-important casting vote and he chose Peter Stirling who was duly appointed Fire Superintendent of Govan Fire Brigade.
He remained in the post until his retirement on March 28 1889 when he was presented with the clock which is now in the safe hands of Govan Fire Station.
Members of the Govan Reminiscences Group were delighted to see history being preserved.
"We're always pleased when that happens" said Rita Young. The group, which meets in the Pearce Institute on Tuesdays from 2pm, invited Mr Stirling to join and are keen to attract more members, including teenagers who have important memories.
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