Clocks

Highlights from the estate of Max Clendinning and Ralph Adron sold at Sworders

One of the more unusual items on offer at Tennants’ (20% buyer’s premium) Summer Fine Sale was a lock of hair from the 19th century nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale (1820-1910). It was thought to have been cut in 1883 when she was 63 years old.

This rare 16th century German travelling clock in the form of a book sold for £27,500 at Hutchinson Scott in Skipton, North Yorkshire.

Bonhams’ Fine Clocks sale in London on July 3 included a table clock by Thomas Tompion (1639-1713) that came for sale via an unorthodox route.

Two days needed to disperse items collected over generations thanks to biscuit production success

Moses automaton watch is one of the stand-out hammer highlights in recent sales

If proof were needed that regional British clockmakers were as capable of making impressive works as those of London colleagues, then an 18th century longcase clock being sold by Metz on July 19-20 in Heidelberg without reserve, provides it.

Derek Roberts, who has died aged 93, was an antiquarian horologist, author and dealer, who brought the modern world into a previously somewhat rarified business.

One lot entered into TW Gaze’s dedicated Clocks & Watches auction in Diss on May 16 caused a wave of interest among maritime historians.

This impressive clock featured in the sale held by Dorset firm Busby (25% buyer’s premium) on April 18.

Around 200 lots of clocks and watches feature in a strong section as part of a four-day sale