A fascinating collection of time-pieces, including what is believed to be the largest array of clocking-in clocks in the country, are set for auction.
They have been amassed and, in many cases, lovingly restored by Midlands’ businessman Peter Mayo – a man who understands clocks better than most. Over time, he became fascinated by the history of clocks and the stories they tell.
His interest sparked a particularly fine collection – a large portion of which is set for auction. Some 60 clocks amassed by Peter over the course of 17 years will be offered in Hansons’ April 26 Clock Auction, and Hansons’ clocks consultant Mike Wetton has been enthralled by them all during the cataloguing process.
They include a broad range of British, European and Victorian time pieces but Peter’s clocking-in clocks, also known as time recorders, are particularly fascinating. All have an historical tale to tell embedded in working life. They date from the beginning of industrial time-keeping through to recent decades.
For example, the sale includes an industrial floor-standing time recorder clock made for 200 employees. Meticulously restored, it was made by Howard Brothers London, estimate £400 to £800.
Peter’s clocking-in time pieces also include original Bundy recorders – completely nut-and-bolt restored. Bundys take us back to the very roots of time recorder clocks in the late 1800s.
The Bundy Manufacturing Company, a 19th-century American manufacturer of timekeeping devices, was founded by the Bundy brothers. It was the first time-recording company in the world to produce time clocks, colloquially known as ‘Bundys’.
The man we have to thank for this invention is Willard Legrand Bundy who was born in 1845 in Otsego, New York. He worked as a jeweller before inventing a time clock in 1888. He later obtained patents for many mechanical devices. He worked alongside his younger brother, Harlow E Bundy, born in 1856. Interestingly, the company later changed its name to IBM, so from humble beginnings IBM started.
However, Peter’s collection extends much further. The most valuable item set to go under the hammer is a rare, late 19th century English rosewood Komet musical bracket clock by A & H Rowley, 40 Theobalds Road London, striking on eight bell and five gongs. This large timepiece has an estimate £18,000 to £25,000.
It’s easy to imagine this clock in a Victorian home of elegance, a vision of craftsmanship indicating wealth and importance. It features a Roman and Arabic numeral chapter ring and a painting at the centre of the clock face displays a courting couple.
This clock chimes not just on the hour but also on the quarter and half hour. According to historians, Victorians were passionate about punctuality, so watches and clocks were embedded into every aspect of life. More than being just an every-day necessity, they were made to be cherished and admired.
The musical bracket clock certainly achieves that feat. It is a piece of engineering genius which aptly demonstrates the consummate skill of Victorian clockmakers.
Other examples coming up in The Clock Auction include a fine boardroom or table clock by Page & Keen of Plymouth striking on bells and gongs. In an ebonised case and adorned with gilded decorations, it has an estimate of £2,000 to £4,000
We also have an impressive boardroom or table clock by famous maker Benson London. In an ebonised case and striking on eight bells and a gong, its guide price is £1,500 to £3,000.
We are expecting interest from clock collectors all over the world and, if you have a special clock you are thinking of parting with, there is still time to enter your item into the April 26 Clock Auction – but waste no time. The closing date for entries is April 5. To arrange a free valuation, email: [email protected] or call 01283 733988.
Free specialist consignment/valuation events coming up at Etwall Auction Centre, Derbyshire, include books and works on paper with Jim Spencer, April 6, 1-4pm; firearms and weapons with Robert Nettleton, April 8, 10am-1pm; Fine Art & Antiques including Asian, Chinese & Japanese Porcelain with Charles Hanson, April 8, 10am-noon. To book an appointment, email [email protected].
