Aladdin's cave of clocks to auction
AN “Aladdin’s cave” of clocks discovered in Sutton Coldfield is set to make tens of thousands of pounds at auction in Lichfield later this month.The huge collection of more than 100 clocks spanning two centuries of horological history chimed with auctioneer Richard Winterton during a routine inspection for a house clearance in the Royal Town.
Mr Winterton was smitten with the array of timepieces lovingly collected by one enthusiast.
“It was an absolute Aladdin’s cave of clocks of all different designs, shapes and sizes and it just took my breath away,” he said.
“From bracket and mantel to wall, longcase and the incredibly intricate Black Forest, there’s just every type of clock you could hope to see from the past 200 years.
“We have already had a huge amount of interest from potential buyers and I could see the entire set clock up £50,000.
“We are so excited to make this collection available to other enthusiasts and the clock is already ticking!”
The clocks feature in Richard Winterton Auctioneers’ Antiques & Home Sale on Monday, November 30, in an online-only auction broadcast from The Lichfield Auction Centre.
One striking antique timepiece is a German Black Forest mantel clock carved from a single huge piece of walnut.
Production of Black Forest clocks began in the mid-17th century and carvings from that area often feature birds and bears.
The 74.5cm high example pictured above made circa 1880 features intricately carved pheasants and foliage with bright blue enamel numerals on the dial.
“It is a fabulous, remarkable piece in wonderful condition,” added Mr Winterton.
“I don’t believe I’ve ever seen an example of one as magnificent as this in all these years.”
Above and below:
- Detail from a longcase clock dial named ‘John Knibb, Oxon’ housed in an early 18th century walnut longcase
- A Louis XV Boulle work and ormolu bracket clock, the enamel dial named Jean Chrysotome Baltazar, Paris, height 96cm
- A George III musical striking and chiming bracket clock by John Williams, height 73cm
- A late 19th century George III style chiming repeating bracket clock with Whittington and Cambridge chimes, height 64cm
For more auction information, to arrange a free home visit for house clearance or large items, or to book an appointment for free valuations, telephone 01543 251081 or email office@richardwinterton.co.uk.
View the online catalogue from Saturday, November 21 via our auction dates page