A rare 300-year-old clock discovered during a house clearance in North Derbyshire could sell for thousands of pounds at auction.
The monumental mantel clock dating back to the time of King William III or Queen Ann was found by Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers.
He said: “It was wonderful to find a clock of such exotic fancy made 300 years ago. It’s a remarkable survivor.”
The late 17th or early 18th Century clock, which dates back to circa 1700, was made by eminent clocksmith William Jourdain of London who created his wares between 1690-1720.
Mr Hanson said: “In a striking red chinoiserie lacquered case, its design owes a lot to the overriding fashion at the time to own objects inspired by China and the mystical world people attached to the country.
“The case with its stepped, domed outline gilded and decorated with raised lacquer, captures the early European intrigue with the Far East. With a silvered dial and inscription, it has a beautiful foliate back plate on a repeating strike and moon phase.
“It really is a work of art and captures the true meaning of an antique – it’s functional, it’s practical, and it’s almost a beautiful piece of small furniture, fit for any table, mantelpiece or sideboard.
Estimated to fetch £2,000 to £4,000, this clock will be included in Hansons Winter Fine Art Sale on February 24.
Further entries are invited. To arrange a free valuation, book a home visit or house clearance, please contact Charles Hanson at Hansons Auctioneers on 01283 733988 or email [email protected].
