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Fine Clocks & Barometers
Tuesday 15 December 2009
New Bond Street
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To arrange a free and confidential auction valuation or for further advice
on buying and selling at auction, please contact:
Rory McEvoy
clocks@bonhams.com
+44 (0) 20 7468 8371
If you want to be kept informed about your area(s) of interest click here
Bonhams will be holding two fine sales of clocks and barometers in July
and December at the New Bond Street location and four general sales of clocks,
watches and barometers in March, May, September and November at the Knightsbridge
location in 2009. The department will be looking for good examples of longcase,
bracket, mantel, novelty and carriage clocks for these auctions.
A fine early 18th century repeating bracket clock in original japanned
case, decorated in red, green, cream and gold. This clock was
discovered by our local representative and head of department James
Stratton on a recent trip to Europe. It has been in the same noble
family since it was bought new in about 1710. Because it has been kept
out of direct sunlight for most of its life, the colours are still very
fresh and remind us that many of the clocks of the past were originally
incredibly bright and colourful. Clocks decorated in this manner are
very rare by Windmills but one other example is shown on the back cover
of the standard reference work on the maker. Joseph Windmills was one
of London's foremost clockmakers of the day and his clocks command a
premium at auction today. As well as the wonderful decoration, the
clock also has the added benefit of having the original gilt brass
winding key.
Other highlights include a miniature lantern clock by Joseph Knibb a
unique weight driven skeleton timepiece with experimental escapement by
Joseph Wright, a table clock by Edward East, a small library clock in
its original travelling case by Vulliamy and a large barometer by the
inventor of crucible steel, Benjamin Huntsman.
2009 is the 150th anniversary of the first striking of 'Big Ben',
probably the world's most famous clock. The makers of the movement, Dent
& Company produced an advertising pamphlet in 1879 and commissioned a
watercolour painting of their movement, this is also in the sale.
London clocks made prior to 1720 are particularly sought after at the
moment - Bonhams achieved two world record prices in 2007 with clocks
from this sector. Marine chronometers, good novelty clocks and musical
clocks are also performing very well. Clocks are exempt from Capital
Gains Tax at the moment so now may well be the most economically
advantageous time to sell. If you have a fine piece that you are looking
to sell at auction, please do not hesitate to contact the department.
Further
Information
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Previously Sold Auction Highlights
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A fine and rare early 18th century chinoiserie, decorated bracket clock with original key J. Windmills, London
Sold for £67,200 |
A very rare early 19th century brass-lined rosewood mantel timepiece with original, numbered mahogany outer travelling case with recess brass handle, Vulliamy, London
Sold for £19,200
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A unique and quite remarkable early 19th century weight driven skeleton clock with complex experimental escapement. Invented by James Wright, made for him by the clockmaker George Andrew Jepson in 1826
Sold for £31,200 |
A fine and possibly unique mid 18th century mahogany wall barometer, Benjamin Huntsman, Doncaster
Sold for £33,600
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