Gallery
The huge collection of more than 100 timepieces spanning two centuries of horological history chimed with auctioneer Richard Winterton during a routine inspection for a house clearance.
“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 plus a large number of interesting pocket watches.
“We have already had a huge amount of interest from potential buyers and I could see the entire collection clock up £50,000.”
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 starting at 9.30am.
Highlights include a longcase clock dial named ‘John Knibb, Oxon’ housed in an early 18th century walnut longcase; a George III musical striking and chiming bracket clock by John Williams; a Louis XV Boulle work and ormolu bracket clock with enamel dial named Jean Chrysotome Baltazar, Paris; and a late 19th century George III style chiming repeating bracket clock with Whittington and Cambridge chimes.
Another striking antique timepiece is a 74.5cm tall German Black Forest 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.
This example 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.”
The sale also includes numerous pocket watches and three Rolex Oyster Perpetual gentleman’s wristwatches which were consigned following a pre-second lockdown valuation event at The Hub at St Mary’s in Lichfield city centre.
The ‘bubble-back’ Chronometer circa 1947, a bi-colour Submariner Date circa 1991 and stainless steel Datejust from the same year all come to sale with Rolex boxes; the Submariner is together with spare bezel, links, Rolex paperwork, wax hang tag and service receipts.
The Datejust, on its original stainless steel jubilee bracelet, is together with an associated Rolex box, papers, hang tag and past receipts.
Mr Winterton added: “The 2020 pandemic has seen us evolve to incorporate COVID-19 secure practises in everything we do to keep our staff and clients safe.
“We moved all our auctions online months ago and have been holding weekly sales on Mondays since June, with internet buyers joining us from all over the world.
“For example, a recent local find of an Omega Seamaster 300 military wristwatch sold for £25,000 to a client in Hong Kong.”
In lieu of face-to-face valuations, the firm’s 'virtual valuations' service provides auction estimates and advice in a safe, secure and contactless way. Visit bit.ly/2WQIl17 for information.
“Demand is stronger than ever so it is a fantastic time to seek professional advice and find out what those hidden treasures could really be worth at auction,” added Mr Winterton.
“We cater for anything from jewellery, watches, silver and coins to militaria, pictures, vintage toys – even Pokemon cards, which are a great example of something fast becoming a ‘new antique’.
“Our background is one of more than 150 years of family experience and we have worked hard to evolve through the covid crisis.
“Not only have our online-only auctions proved incredibly popular I’m delighted to say we have taken on more staff too.”
For more information about upcoming sales and to book appointments for collections or deliveries, telephone 01543 406124 or email office@richardwinterton.co.uk.
Pictures attached:
