TIME IS MONEY
The Charterhouse June 10th & 11th two day auction includes a super selection of clocks.
“Generally wherever you are today, you will easily be able to see what the time is. Whether in the car, sitting at your desk or watching the telly, there will be a wristwatch, clock or mobile phone all of which will give you the accurate time.” Commented Richard Bromell. “Whilst we take this all for granted today, for centuries if you wanted to know what the time was you relied on the village or town clock, not that it stops us from being late today!”
Clocks in the auction date from the mid-17th century through to the mid-20th century and come in all shapes and sizes.
Dating to circa 1660, just a few years before the Great Fire of London, is a fine longcase clock. Of small and slender proportions, the dial is signed Fabian Robin Londini Fecit. Fitted with a sophisticated eight day five pillar movement striking the hours on a bell it is in a walnut case with floral marquetry inlaid decoration and is estimated at £3,000-5,000.
Another fine clock, dating to the end of the 19th century, is a carriage clock. Made in Paris circa 1870, this was an expensive travelling clock and remains so today with an unusual bird mounted carrying handle estimated at £800-1,200.
However, moving into the 20th century are two clocks from opposing sides of two world wars.
From the First World War is an Imperial German Navy ships bulkhead clock fitted in vessel V46. Launched in 1914, V46 was a high seas torpedo boat at 261 ft capable of 34.5 knots. At the end of hostilities, V46 was interned at Scapa Flow where attempts to scuttle her along with the rest of the German fleet were made but failed.
The clock, now mounted in a walnut case applied a plaque “Salved from V46 Scuttled at Scapa June 21 1919” this piece of First World War history is estimated at £400-600.
Moving forward to the Second World War and is it is the turn of the British to issue a clock. In a somewhat utilitarian oak case made to MOD specification is an RAF clock.
Issued in 1941 the clock probably spent the duration of the war in an officer’s mess, although it is not known where. Fitted with an Elliott single fusee movement it is also estimated at £400-600
Viewing for the auctions on Thursday 10th & Friday 11th June is at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th June 9am-5pm. Alternatively you can see all the lots and follow the auction live on www.charterhouse-auction.com
RAF Second World War Officer’s Mess clock £400-600
Charterhouse are now accepting entries for their specialist auctions of classic motorcycles on 30th June, pictures & books 8th July, mid-century modern & decorative arts 9th July, and for their auction of classic & vintage cars on 15th July.
Richard Bromell and the team of experts at Charterhouse can be contacted for entries at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 info@charterhouse-auction.com
Captions:
Mid-17th century marquetry longcase clock £3,000-5,000
Late 19th century French carriage clock £800-1,200
German Imperial Navy First World War ships clock £400-600
RAF Second World War Officer’s Mess clock £400-600