When Charles Hanson asked me to curate a specialist Clock Auction at Bishton Hall in Staffordshire I was excited, writes clock consultant valuer Mike Wetton.
Then the day came and the Hansons team went into action and did what they do best. I sat for four hours watching the lots go under the hammer on June 28, 2021, hoping all was going to be ok.
I was not disappointed. My star lot, a French travelling alarm by the famous Antide Javier made £6,200 (below right) – three times my top estimate – in a battle between American and French bidders. The clock is now on its way to America.
Other continental clocks continued to do well, in particular an Austrian Meyer of Wien timepiece. This was another star in my eyes and it didn’t disappoint with £3,000 on the hammer.
Our auctioneer was on a roll and understandably so. He, too, had probably thought the popularity of antique clocks had dipped in the auction market but this sale proved all the doubters wrong. It went from strength to strength.
Novelty clocks proved particularly popular. They are loved by interior designers and people with an eye for the unusual. Consequently, lots displaying quirky design soared way over estimate.
Novelty clocks excelled in our June 2021 Clock Auction
But let’s not forget our British clocks. A Byson of Edinburgh wall regulator made a very promising £1,200, and a lovely ship clock by Benson of London also did well at £850.
A big thank you to those who consigned and all those who participated in the auction. And though some of you may not have won the lots you desired I know something just as brilliant will come along soon.
This first specialist Hansons’ Clock Auction certainly challenged the notion that antique clocks are not doing well! Here at Hanson’s, antique clocks are back in the limelight, and guess what? We’ll be doing it all again with another specialist clock auction in November, this time at the firm’s Derby saleroom. This will allow us to showcase famous Derbyshire clockmakers as well as those from further afield.
Could your timepiece be the star of the show at our next auction? Or maybe you’re after a lovely wall-piece to fill that gap in your room or add to your collection?
Don’t delay, get in touch to arrange a free valuation (details below). I attend Hansons’ Etwall Auction Centre once a month to assess items and I can arrange to visit your home if you have larger items or a collection. Hansons is at your service to sell your clocks, barometers or other horological items.”
Book a free clock valuation
Free clock valuations with Mike Wetton will be available from 10am-1pm at Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, on the following dates: 6 August, 3 September, 1 October, 5 November, 3 December.
To book an appointment or to arrange a free home visit please contact Mike. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: 07790 709727
