Another could be viewed at Nottingham auction house Mellors & Kirk (24% buyer’s premium) where it was the star of the September 22 sale which attracted interest from UK and US collectors.
Inscribed Deus Meus Est Rupes Meaa Psal: 18 (David asking God’s protection against his enemies), it was based on a 1641 engraving by Wencelaus Hollar but was dated c.1660-70 and was part of the Restoration cult of ‘The Martyr King’.
In a 5 x 4¼in (13 x 11cm) embossed copper gilt frame, the London embroidery was previously unrecorded when it was sold at the same rooms three years ago to the month at £30,000.
Back on the market at the single-vendor sale from the deceased collector’s estate, it sold at the same sum, representing something of a loss, he having paid the buyer’s premium and the vendor the auction house’s commission.
Massey manufacture
Nicholas Massy ebony table clock – £12,000 at Mellors & Kirk.
Two fine late 17th/early 18th century basket-top ebony table or bracket clocks bought from Tonbridge clock specialist David Roberts in 1986 showed a marked appreciation, however.
One signed by London maker Nicholas Massey, dated 1686, had a verge movement with pull quarter repeat on three bells. In a 15¾in (40cm) tall case with repousse gilt brass basket, bird-headed handle and four finials, it was bought in Tonbridge for £6250.
At Mellors & Kirk it was pitched at £2500-3500 but sold at £12,000.
The second, similar clock, dated c.1700, was signed by Massey’s son, Henry, to the backplate engraved with the full-length figure of Britannia. With a similar movement striking on six bells in a 15in (38cm) tall case, it had cost £5750 from Derek Roberts and at this Nottingham sale also made £12,000.
