Clocks

André Romain Guilmet’s industrial themed clocks, the epitome of Victorian ‘progress’, are an ever-popular series.

If horology is your passion then two events coming up will prove timely.

A single-owner collection of watches assembled over many decades and spanning 500 years of horology was offered by Aguttes (25/23% buyer’s premium) in Neuilly-sur-Seine near Paris.

Among the eye-catchers at Wendl in Rudolstadt from October 27-29 is an example of the world’s first functioning lighter.

Archibald Knox’s work for Liberty & Co often drew on the rich cultural heritage of his native Isle of Man.

Literally the highlight of Halls’ (23% buyer’s premium) Autumn Sale was a hall lantern demonstrating showy high Victorian taste at its most confident.

‘Subject to changes in taste, a pandemic and the loss of key collectors, the market keeps ticking over’

Proving that not all clocks need to sell for thousands to attract interest, this 19th century circular mantel clock sold at Stamford Auction Rooms (20% buyer’s premium) in Lincolnshire for £500 with an estimate of £50-£80.

Not quite in step with contemporary interiors, French decorative clocks have had a lower profile at auction in recent times.

The autumn season will bring a number of English Golden Age clocks by top makers to auction.

Two late 19th century novelty clocks at Dreweatts achieved good results on September 6.

An area of specific current interest is high-quality English 19th century clocks with precision movements housed in carriage or mantel cases.

Clock dealer Ben Wright has sold an important English golden age clock following its appearance in the pages and front cover of the Antiques Trade Gazette.

Items collected and meticulously recorded from the 1970s onwards by a trade couple had the attractions of ‘dealer’s choice’ provenances when offered at Hanson Holloway’s Ross (25% buyer’s premium).

Crescent City Auction Gallery in New Orleans is holding a two-day summer estates sale on July 15-6 which will include French, English and American period furniture and decorative objects, porcelain, clocks, jewellery and original works of art by noted regional artists.

Alan Elliot’s professional life – he ran a world-class provider of time management and communication systems for many years – overlapped with his private interest in collecting clocks.

Swaythling auction includes more than 80 pieces of 18th century English origin

Dealer Ben Wright is holding an online exhibition of clocks.

Highlights from a busy summer for auction houses and dealers.

Aponem is holding a sale at Drouot on June 15.