Clocks

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Phillip John Gale (FBHI) who died peacefully, after a short illness, on February 21, 2023. His death represents a great loss to horology.

Thousands of items are available to buy from dealers online. Here we pick out one that caught our eye this week.

For three decades, from the 1950s-80s, a Bavarian connoisseur amassed a collection of clocks, some of which are being sold by Nagel in Stuttgart.

Carving once available in low four figures now sells for five in North Yorkshire saleroom

This 7½in (19cm) high carriage clock in a fanciful gothic revival taste is stamped to the base AF, probably for the renowned Parisian jeweller and goldsmith Alexis Falize (1811-98).

London auctioneer Charles Miller holds his next Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art auction on April 25

This monumental Black Forest figural clock with matching stand, c.1880, is a mighty 7ft 1in (2.16m) high overall.

Clock formed as memorial to Napoleonic general stars among contents of d’Estaing family home

Eye-catching bijouterie attracted international buyers to Olympia Auctions’ (25% buyer’s premium) 320-lot European Works of Art sale.

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.