It was not the oak case that made this George III eight-day longcase clock such an attractive lot at Batemans of Stamford – it was the movement and face which bore the magic name of Thomas Ogden of Halifax.
Ogden's movements often have unusual
features and this one had five, rather than the customary four,
pillars, and included a 'Halifax' globe that spins to indicate
phases of the moon.
Seven telephone bidders and two
commission bids ensured that the clock tripled its estimate on
February 1-2, selling to a Yorkshire dealer for £4200 (plus 15%
buyer's premium).
West Midlands Clock
There were no fewer than 14 longcases among
the 173 lots from a Staffordshire home sold by
Hansons from a packed Derbyshire Auction Centre on
January 12 (a sale that included the 17th century double portrait
sold for £62,000.
Like much of the contents, a medley of oak
tester beds, coffers, press cupboards and the like, many of these
fitted into the 'furnishing' category but it is worth noting an
early 18th century oak 30-hour longcase, signed to the
dial T. Deykin, Worcester, No 391.
As detailed by Brian Loomes in an article
titled The Deykins of Worcester, this is a well known
name in the West Midlands: starting around 1700, father and son
Thomas and Henry Deykin were in business in Worcester for about 80
years and together made more than 1400 clocks.
We know this because, early in the century,
they began to number their movements - number 391 dating this clock
to the middle of Thomas Deykin's career (he died around 1750 - the
highest numbered clock said to be about 800).
Deemed a decent West Midlands vernacular clock, it sold at
£2300.
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