Made as a special commission, the case was topped by a figure of Chronos with its sides cast with an asymmetric swirl of scrolls and ruffled shell edges.
"George Graham's non-standard clocks probably
number less than ten," explained Bonhams specialist James Stratton. In fair condition, the UK-based dealer Richard Garnier bought it for £18,000.
Bonhams' most expensive entry was an 18th century gilt brass-mounted ebonised bracket clock by London maker William Agar. The magic must-have mix of being in untouched, market-fresh condition, and by a major name helped propel it to £21,000 when it was bought by a UK collector.
A healthy price was also tendered for a large silvered and gilt bronze grey marble mystery clock modelled as a bare-breasted classical figure holding aloft the top of a pendulum (the rest of the rod was missing) and standing on a plinth flanked by heraldic lions. Measuring 3ft 7 1/4in (1.1m) high, it was in need of some attention but fetched £16,000.
Adding gilt to Graham
GEORGE Graham’s 18th century ebony or ebony veneered bracket clocks are his most traditional and sought-after timepieces, but arguably representing better value for money was this flamboyant ormolu clock offered at Bonhams Bond Street (19.5/10% buyer's premium) on June 8 that housed one of a small number of George Graham’s non-standard movements.