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This round dial by John Simpson of Reading is the first tavern clock to be auctioned in 2025, in this case, by Woolley & Wallis on the 15th January. Unfortunately only one image on the WW website but the movement is described as rectangular plated so not the preferred A-plated shape but nonetheless not unusual. Last auctioned in Dorset in 2019. The estimate is £3000-4000 which accords with the last hammer. Looks wall ready and was until recently dealer stock.
Image copyright rest with the auctioneers.
This known clock by James Barfoot of Wimbourn makes another appearance at auction after having last sold in 2016. A restored white round dial with later applied cracquelure. A very fine mahogany trunk with much banding and a conch centre to the door. Suit a very formal drawing room. Redundant evidence of a passing strike. Auctioneers Bonhams estimate £2000-3000 and bidding ends on 9/12/24. Starting bid required is £1400. Sold for £2048 including premium.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
A late mahogany cased white round dial by Thomas Weller of Croydon to be auctioned by Bonhams. Bidding opened on 18/11/24 with the estimate of £1500+ and an opening bid limit of £1400. This is a 19th century clock as Weller worked until 1866. In that vein, it has a four wheel train typical of these clocks after 1800. The movement is not featured which is a bit lazy. Most likely it has a small barrel. Not sold.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers
Yet another replica by the prolific Mr Hill of Suffolk. Competently painted and if you want to pretend that you have a real tavern clock then this is for you. It has a battery operated movement notwithstanding a redundant winding hole. The auctioneers Moore Allen & Innocent estimate £50-80. If it sells in that range it is cheap as chips. Auction date 13/14 November 2024. Hammer price £85, cheaper than the timber cost.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
This anonymous 19th century case with an electric movement sold on 31/10/24 for a hammer price of £260 by auctioneers Dawson.
Image copyright rest with the auctioneers.
An anonymous octagonal tavern clock with extensive decoration, to be auctioned in the USA on October 19th 2024 by Kevin Stone Antiques. The estimate is $1500-2500. No image of the movement. Back of the case and dial look authentic. A decorative piece. Sold for $1400.
Image copyright rests with Kevin Stone
This late white round dial with a mahogany trunk comes up for auction on the 16th October 2024 by auctioneers Golding Young and Mawer. No estimate given. Attributed to George Claridge of Chepstow even though no name is visible in the supplied image. Dial numerals totally wrong for the period. Side view of the movement given shows lower pillars drilled and ready for a screw bolt but not in use? Hammer £1500. Auctioneer never answered how the attribution was made.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
This white round dial, 15inches, will be auctioned on the 24th October 2024 by Gardiner Houlgate with an estimate of £1200-1800. No date attribution is given in the description, possibly as the whole clock appears to be painted in modern times. The name Thomas Lee of Potton appears below the dial. No details on the movement other than it is single train. Hammer £1200.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
This very unusual banjo clock will come up for auction on the 24th October 2024. Auctioneers Gardiner Houlgate estimate it at £2500+. It is a striker and some stripping of the french polish appears to have been started as the various wood surfaces don't seem to be consistently coloured. The dial is somewhat out of proportion to the rest of the case. Bit of a specialist example. Movement obviously based upon the longcase model probably with adapted gearing. Not sold.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
This decorative shield dial is a "copy" of the real deal which hangs in a London Club. The auctioneers Ewbanks describe the clock as having a later dial and movement. This clock was last auctioned in 2019, see my latest book page 56. Estimated at £300-500 it will go under the hammer on September 27th 2024. As a decorative piece it should do well. Did'nt do well sold for £390 including premium.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
Last seen in 2010 and included in my latest book on page 220. A black dial teardrop by well known and somewhat prolific maker, Francis Perigal of London. Slightly elongated trunk compared with other teardrops of the period.
Auctioneers Woolley & Wallis will offer this clock on the 2nd October with an estimate of £4000-6000. Only one picture on the website so far which is disappointing for a clock which will have wide appeal. More please. Very low hammer price £3800?
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
This old friend comes to auction for the second time on the 13th September in Derbyshire offerred by Irita Marriott Auctioneers. It failed to sell first time out and hopefully will find a buyer this time. This white round dial by John Harris of Keninghall was restored by Tavernicus in 2008/9. It ticks most of the boxes and there are many photos on the auctioneer's site including the original A-plated movement. For a fuller description read page 130/131 of my latest book. If you don't have it then get in touch. Failed to sell at second outing.
If you want to discuss the clock by all means call me, leave a message and I will call you back.
Estimated at £8000-10000, image copyright Tavernicus.
This black shield dial appears again having been auctioned in 2011 and 2021. Auctioneers Dreweatts will offer this clock on the 12th September with an estimate of £4000-6000. The maker, P Lloyd of Bristol, is well recorded and a number of tavern clocks by him are known. Hammer £6500.
It's a bit hard to believe that anyone in the 18th century was named Burt but indeed there really was a clockmaker called Burtt Wade of London. This clock is to be auctioned on the 12th September by Dreweatts and the only vestige of Wade is the signature which remains in original remnant form but the whole of the rest of the case is covered in oxidised new work. Estimated at £1500-2500. Back of the dial worth inspecting because there is a plugged hole left of the centre hole. Looking at the plug from the rear of the dial the glue looks fresh with no dirt, so plugged in modern times? One of two possibilities, either a mistake was made by the casemaker or clockmaker, or the movement is a replacement. Hammer £3800, about £5000 including premium.
If you are anywhere near to Hatfield House in Hertfordshire then you will be rewarded, if you visit, with two tavern clocks by Perigal, both new to me. One is in the entrance hall where the tour starts and the other is in the old kitchen. The one pictured here is the better of the two and is co-signed by Duterrau; it hangs in the entrance hall.
Both clocks are in poor condition and neither is working. Clearly not a priority given all the other claims on restoration funds. The signatures on both clocks are indistinct to the naked eye but very clear with photography. Both clocks have incorrect replaced bases.
This old friend comes to auction on the 17/18th July in Derbyshire offerred by Irita Marriott Auctioneers. This white round dial by John Harris of Keninghall was restored by Tavernicus in 2008/9. It ticks most of the boxes and there are many photos on the auctioneer's site including the original A-plated movement. For a fuller description read page 130/131 of my latest book. If you don't have it then get in touch.
If you want to discuss the clock by all means call me, leave a message and I will call you back. Reserve not met.
Estimated at £8000-10000, image copyright Tavernicus.
This miniature tavern clock was sold by Bonhams on 3/7/24 for a price including premium of £7424. The auctioneer's description cannot be faulted as having inspected this clock in person the dial is later as described. There are spurious peg holes in the dial rails and the sides of the case. The movement has a very short hour pipe and as a result the dial has had to be gouged out at centre for this particular movement to fit.
The drop trunk case is stated as attributable to Edward Muddle of Chatham. The town is discernible and the first letter of the attribution is visible but all the other letters, notwithstanding some specialised photography and UV light, are not discernible. A very rare example which if perfect would have sold for very much more.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
An all mahogany and veneered late tavern clock with a numbered movement by Handley and Moore. Sold at Bonhams on the 3/7/24 for a hammer of £1800 against an estimate of up to £2500.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
This black round dial comes up for auction in Leyburn on the 13th July 2024 by Tennants. The estimate is £2500-3500. A-plated movement with a small barrel, looks to wind clockwise. Below the dial appears the name M Hill. Slightly mysterious as no place name which is not the norm. If you are minded to bid on this clock might be worth asking the auctioneer about the cracquelure on this case as it seems to be covered in it apart from the base which has none. Dial does not seem to seat into the curve below but probably just the photography. Hammer £3000.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
This 19th century wall clock is to be auctioned on the 2nd July 2024 with an estimate of £150-250. Good alternative to the real thing. Hammer £400.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers, Swan Fine Art.
Not a tavern clock, but a large round dial, 22 inches diameter. Rare to see dial clocks this large and given that the size of the dial is in effect the same size as a standard tavern clock, one wonders why tavern clock drop cases emerged when spring dials with fusees were in existence at the start of the tavern clock era. If you are thinking of adapting this dial to a tavern case then think. The winding hole in this dial is too close to the centre hole as weight driven movements have a wider gap between centre and winding holes.
To be auctioned by Bamfords on the 19/20th June 2024with an estimate of £250-350. Hammer £750. Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
This octagonal clock makes its reappearance, now smartened up and working, on Ebay at an asking bid of £2850. See below for previously sold price. No bids so far. lots of pictures and the movement on show. Front plate has four extraneous holes so it had a previous life. No sale on first close, reofferred at same price. reofferred again at £2600. As at 26/6/24 on offer on ETSY at £3800.
Copyright rests with UK Georges the vendor.
This modern replica with a 19th century fusee movement is to be auctioned by RWB Auctioneers on the 22nd May 2024 with an estimate of £500-800. Looks wall-ready but if you want the real thing this is not it. Will be of interest to the decorative market. Signed by Skiba of Kirton who may have gone to a lot of trouble to make this case for an available movement. Price realised £493.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers
Yet another anonymous clock. Only one image available from auctioneers Gardiner Houlgate for their auction on the 23rd May. This example showing all the signs of a lost soul with the trunk possibly being mated with the dial last century or a project never finished. Not enough detail or clues from the description. Interesting as a project but will never make it for the purists. Realistic estimate of £250-450. Hammer £340. Movement alone worth that.
This white round dial bearing the inscription Thomas Bayley is to be auctioned on the 23rd April with an estimate of £1500-2000 by Lawrences of Bletchingley. Hammer £1450.
Last seen in 2007 in Tenterten on offer at £3750. An interesting market test of values over 17 years for a run of the mill clock.
This black octagonal dial replica tavern clock case with an electric movement will be auctioned on the 19th April by Manders. It bears the signature H Fenn of Bath who most likely made this case in the 20th century. There is no winding hole so it never had a mechanical movement. A decorative piece with a low estimate. Someone will love it, especially persons with the surname Fenn. Hammer £260.
This black octagonal dial is to be auctioned by Gorringes on the 15th April 2024 with an estimate of £600-800. The estimate says it all as this is very low for a tavern clock. The description is minimal and there is no image of the movement, albeit more images may be available on request. If the movement is correct that would make it more interesting but octagonals are not everyone's cup of tea. The chinese style decoration on the door features a male figure at the bottom wearing what seems to be a Fedora hat. These hats were introduced in the 1890's. Hammer £600.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer
Hutchinson Scott will offer 8 tavern clocks for sale on 17th April 2024. This is the eighth as all the other seven are featured below. Again this is in no particular order. This white round dial with 20th century numerals showing the name Cowley Oxford Street. Estimated at £2000-3000. Hammer £2200.
The seventh tavern clock to be offerred by Hutchinson Scott on the 17th April 2024, again in no particular order. This late white round dial with a bezel and glass is a crossover from tavern to dial clock with its two train movement. Showing the name Wilson Peterborough with no signature makes it difficult to identify the maker. Estimated at £3000-5000. Hammer £3000.
The sixth tavern clock to be offerred by Hutchinson Scott on 17th April 2024, again in no particular order. The only shield dial and this one has a two train movement with a very complicated pulley system for the two weights. Not sure what bidders will make of the complexity. The back of the dial has no plugged hole to indicate a conversion. The signature is hard to find but it is on a narrow strip below the shield. Estimated at £5000-8000. Hammer £6600.
The fifth tavern clock to be offerred by Hutchinson Scott on the 17th April 2024, again in no particular order. This white round dial in a mahogany case bears the name Edward Bates of Cuckfield. Should do well as this is the only Cuckfield clock known and it has the nice feature of a small barrel which is the norm in this late type of case. Estimated at £2000-3000. Hammer £3250.
The fourth tavern clock to be offerred by Hutchinson Scott on the 17th April 2024, again in no particular order. This black round dial bearing the name William Warin of Thirsk. There is a well known clock by Warin, a two train, black dial, but this one has not been seen before to my knowledge. Estimated at £2000-3000. Hammer £5400.
The third tavern clock in no particular order to be offerrred by Hutchinson Scott on 17th April 2024. This white round dial last seen in 2003 and prior to that in 1996 has some provenance, hence a higher estimate at £2000-4000. Hammer £3400.
Herewith the second of the eight tavern clocks to be offerred by Hutchinson Scott on 17th April 2024, albeit in no particular order.
A highly decorated example with a miniscule name below the dial of, Tailer Kirby. Estimated at £2000-3000. Hammer £2000.
Someone has had a rush of blood to the head as for the first time in living memory 8 tavern clocks are to be offerred at auction by Hutchinson Scott on the 17th April 2024. This black round dial, showing the name Robert Swan of Bridlington is estimated at £2000-3000. Take your pick as there are seven more. Hammer £4000.
This restored white round dial signed David O'Neil is rare in a number of regards. First, Dublin clocks are in the hen's teeth category. Second, the dial references a pub in the city which is allegedly the oldest pub in Ireland. Lastly, the door has a slightly weird print which is all about not spying on your wife who may be otherwise distracted by a lover. Some package!
The bidding closes on Ebay tomorrow 21/2/24. Vendor goes by the curious name of "no-comment". Well no comment then. Comprehensive description on the listing and numerous photos. Not sure it sold but the top bid was £3352.
This late white round dial is to be auctioned by Hutchinson Scott on the 25th January. Signed Thos Fletcher of Barnsley this is a rare clock as not many originate from Yorkshire. Last auctioned in 2014 and smartened somewhat it now sports a seconds hand, not visible in 2014. Hour and minute hands unchanged. The estimate is £2000-3000. Date likely to be post-1800. Sold £2600.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
This white round dial signed Williams Newport Monmouthshire is to be auctioned on 17/18th January by Woolley and Wallis. This clock is believed to be the same clock that hung in the Red Lion in Salisbury where Woolley and Wallis are based. Assuming that to be the case then it has a good provenance. However the stand out feature of this clock is that it is just about the only Welsh tavern clock of any substance and is therefore going to appeal to those living in the 20mph country and should end up in a museum. Estimated at £2000-3000. Stated as having a standard movement. More images expected prior to auction. Numerous photos now available on WW web. Great job by WW, as at 8/1/24. Not sold.
Image copyright rest with the auctioneers.
This white round dial signed Christopher Biggin of Wisbeach is to be auctioned by Woolley and Wallis on 17/18th January 2024. The estimate is £3000-4000. Only one low resolution image so far and more higher quality expected prior to auction. Movement described as a standard 8 day. Further comments when new images available but looks the business and should do well. Numerous photos now on WW web. Great job by WW as at 8/1/24. Hammer £3654
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
A correspondent in the USA has alerted me to this clock which hangs in the gallery of a church in Boston, MA. If you are visiting then head for The Old North Church on Salem Street. Shame it has been repainted at some point and the maker's name lost. Text from the church's website follows:-
BOSTON – For more than almost three centuries, the Avery-Bennett gallery clock has kept time at Old North Church & Historic Site. A muted observer of war and peace, the 18th century relic has survived battles of the American Revolution and Civil War, met world leaders, including the Marquis de Lafayette and Queen Elizabeth II, and witnessed our nation’s transformations, from winning our independence to the desegregation of congregations and most recently a 13-month shutdown of Old North Church during the COVID-19 crisis. On June 16 at 9 a.m., Ken Pearson, a lineal descendent of the clock’s 19th century repairman, will complete a two-month restoration and re-install the time piece on the front gallery of the organ loft where it has ticked since 1726.
Bonhams will be selling this creation on the 29th November 2023. Described as made up of 18th and 19th centrury parts,with a later signature. Quite possibly Mr Brooks may be the assembler of this clock which has been done very competently and without more images it is difficult to tell, but the visible trunk below the dial appears to be from a shield dial tavern clock and the dial looks to be later. The dial and the trunk have been married together very well and the paintwork is well executed. Movement, not seen, but description seems to be for a correct example. Estimated at £1500-2000. Hammer £1600.
An Ebay auction on this 19th century evolution of a tavern clock ends today, 10/11/23, with a starting price of £550. If you want the look but are unwilling to pay the premium for the real 18th century thing then this may be the one for you. Good photos on Ebay. Dial signed Ellis of Exeter.
Sothebys auction of this clock, bearing a signature Edward Muddle of Chatham, closed today, 8/11/23, with a final live auction bid of £4064 inclusive of premium. Estimated at £4000-6000 and described as having "later extensive restoration". Tavernicus inspected this clock and can report it is totally repainted using modern materials and gilt is seemingly absent. Once a fine clock but now an attractive decorative piece. Movement is a four train and may struggle to run for 8 days in such a short trunk. Nice weight and looks ready to hang and run. The print on the door looks to be a later copy of the mezzotint named "Tasting", as it varies somewhat from the original.
On Ebay as at 10/10/23 at buy it now £60.
Very rare to find old finials. Seller speculates the origin as either longcase or tavern clock. Personally, looking at the bases I suspect the former but they can be adapted to fit. Hen's teeth come to mind.
This white round dial by Collier of London makes another appearance having not so long ago been sold at auction and later seen on Ebay. Auctioneers Bearnes Hampton will offer this clock on 10/10/23 with an estimate of £800-1200 with a requested opening bid of £400+. Hammer £950.
At the time of writing only one photo on the website but worth requesting more as mostly this is a good entry level late clock, probably 19th century. There were too many Colliers in London to be more accurate as to the dating. The dial is a mess of fake cracquelure but repainted would transform the clock.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
Bonhams will auction this white round dial showing signature Jno Hills Aylesbury on the 27/9/23 with an estimate of £3000-4000. Fully restored/repainted and described as part 19th century this clock will appeal mostly to the decorative market and is included in an Interiors Sale as one might expect. Dealer stock not that long ago so most likely wall ready. A-plated movement not pictured by auction house. Sold for £3840 inc commision possibly a new low for a restored clock
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
Dreweatts of Donnington will offer this movement on the 13/9/23 with an estimate of £80-120, described as a "tavern type" movement. Having inspected the movement, the description is accurate as it is not of the period but it is a later interpretation of that genre. To make it work the central arbor will most likley need to be remade as it is bent and the tip is broken. There is no bow spring and the lower pillars are not drilled and tapped. In the absence of the real thing, this is an acceptable substitute but make sure the distance between the central and winding arbors match your dial. Sold for £459 including commission
This restored shield dial by Fennymore of London is for sale on Ebay.com in the USA. Featured on pages 95 & 96 of my most recent book. The seller's description is comprehensive. A sound restoration with a unique movement which has a heavily grooved barrel to take a chain instead of gut, a safety first feature. Interesting weight arrangement. The seller has listed the clock with a buy it now price of $3800 which is very reasonable and if offerred in the UK it would undoubtedly be higher and shipping to the UK works at this price. See listing https://www.ebay.com/itm/295817209338
The seller is not offering shipping but will undoubtedly cooperate with a shipping company.
Image taken from Ebay, 5 days left as at 16/7/23
This is the third outing for this white round dial since 2019. It has appeared on Ebay and has been classically auctioned. Possibly the medieval dentistry became unattractive after a tooth infection. Certainly an odd choice of print but notwithstanding the clock ticks most boxes. To be auctioned by Chorley's on 25/6 July 2023. Estimated at £3000-5000 with requested opening bid of £1800.
Hammer £3500.
Image copyright rests with someone but not sure who. Not taken from the auction site.
A curiosity. Billed as a tavern clock but it has no winding hole and the door is not a door. That said an interesting object and worthy of its estimate for a piece of tavernalia. To be auctioned in Ireland by Victor Mee on the 30/31 of May 2023 with an estimate of 500-800 Euros. Hammer 900 Euro.
Cropped image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
Yet another anonymous clock in ebonised format with a 17inch dial with a wide surround which make the chapter rings look small. New hands with originals retained, no photo. On offer at auction by Gardiner Houlgate on 25.5.23 with an estimate of £1000-2000. Bidders need to inspect closely the fitting of the dial to the trunk in order to understand the gap between the dial and the trunk. Hammer price £1150.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
In the USA on May 18th Millea Brothers will auction this anonymous clock. It is a marriage of a dial from another clock with the trunk of a once beautiful tavern clock. I have chosen to feature the trunk door as the chinoiserie is exquisite and of the highest London quality. The movement is electric and the lock is lost. A great pity. The estimate is $800-1200 and the first bid is in at $400. If you have a dial and a movement buy this, as regenerated it would be a fine clock albeit anonymous. Sold for $1300 hammer.
Another anonymous clock to be auctioned by Burstow & Hewett on 5/4/23. Estimated at £500-800. What can I say? Bargain basement, possibly if the movement is correct. More that a weekend's work to put this one right. Maybe a winter project. Auctioneers have posted 22 images including a number of the movement. A hammer price of £1700 reported to me. Made someone happy.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
To be auctioned on the 4/4/23 by online auction, this white round dial with a long trunk and a short print on the door is signed William Nash of Bridge, which is near Canterbury. The clock is in Switzerland and is being auctioned by Koller. Estimated at 1500-2000CHF, the same estimate as the Ireland clock below by the same auction house. Sold for the very low 1875CHF inclusive of premium. This must be a new low for this quality of clock.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but to my mind the Ireland clock out shines this example by some distance.
Nonetheless a good clock with a good movement; once again serious gouging at the back of the obviously repainted dial. Also referrred to in Derek Roberts' book.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
This rather special banjo/teardrop tavern clock by J Ireland of Maiden Lane Covent Garden sold today (30/3/23) in Zurich at Koller auctioneers for 7500CHF inclusive of premium against an estimate of 1500-2000CHF. Add to that shipping duty and VAT to get it into the UK, this is a c.£9000 clock landed. Worth every penny as it is a well documented clock featured in literature and articles. Featured in a Derek Roberts' book.
Unusual in having a bezel. The door comes out as it should. Good movement which seems to have long enough motion work not to foul the dial; nonetheless the back of the dial is gouged out at centre. Lots of bumps and scrapes but all fixable.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
A wall-ready white round dial tavern clock bearing the name John Wylde of Nottingham, with the addition of the Salutation Inn on the dial. Only the second tavern clock with the name of the inn that I have on record. The print is dated 1776 and is entitled "The Preposterous Head Dress or The Feathered Lady", which is a satire on the ridiculous fashions of the time.
A-framed movement ready to go. Offerred on Ebay with 6 days to go as at 13/3/23. Bidding only just getting going and has some way to run yet.
Copyright rests with the Ebay vendor who has posted 12 images, so lots to look at. Ended at £5352.
Yet another anonymous clock, this time in natural oak. A white round dial and a correct looking tavern clock movement. Slightly odd is the proportion of the door which is very short for a long trunk. This has resulted in infill panels above the door and below the dial. If this had been painted and decorated it would not be so noticeable. Perhaps at one point in its history it was although there is no visible evidence. The door is that normally found on shield dials and rarely on round dials. The estimate is £2000-3000 and the clock will be auctioned on 18th March 2023 by Duggleby Auctioneers. Lot unsold.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
A "tavern timepiece" signed William Avenell of Farnham. This 16 inch wooden dial has a very nice patina and it is attached to its back case by dial clock pegs. The case has pencil case side "doors". The movement is a fusee. All in all an attractive package which hopefully will not be repainted other than possibly to strengthen the signature. Even then that presents a risk to the current look.
Hammer fell at £2800.
Auctioneers Dreweatts will offer this lot on the 7th March 2023.
Copyright rests with the auctioneers.
An anonymous black round dial of good small proportions, 44 inches, is to be auctioned by Gardiner Houlgate on February 23rd, 2023, estimated at £1000-1500. Only two photos online; the movement has a very small barrel, so post-1800 likely. Inlaid shell motif unusual but not unique. Hammer price £1550.
Copyright rests with the auctioneer.
This shield dial, bearing a signature, Thomas Smith of York, will be offerred by auctioneers Roseberys in London on the 21st February 2023. Described as "later decorated", which is undoubtedly the case. The movement winding square has no wear and nor does the winding hole. All in all, a good decorative piece. Estimated at £1000-2000. Curiously, the lot was sold in April 1988 by Sothebys. One wonders whether the repaint is subsequent, does anyone have a picture? Hammer £3200. Someone liked it.
Copyright rests with the auctioneers.
This quite unusual clock is offerred on Ebay as at 17/1/23 for £1900 or offers. Signed Wood of Bristol on the dial. What is unusual is that the movement has a date calendar and passing strike, making it a rarity. The dial itself is metal and the back of the dial is a picture worth seeing, looks like it was done a very long time ago with a carving knife. Vendor says it will run for ten days. Oval weight.
Image copyright rests with the vendor.
Bonhams will be auctioning this anonymous black round dial on the 2nd February in Edinburgh with an estimate of £2000-3000. This clock appears to be the real deal and if it had a signature then you might double the estimate. Brave bidders can hope that the signature is not lost and that vestiges of it remain under the overpainted section below the dial. Slightly broken left ear, easily repaired. The clock has a lived-in look which will appeal. Bonhams have now uploaded a comprehensive condition report which includes images of the movement which looks the part. Only reservation is the back of the dial gouge. Hammer £3500.
Copyright rests with the auctioneers.
They do things differently in Sleaford. This one-off by George Border is to be auctioned by Hutchinson Scott on the 17th January 2023 with an estimate of £2000-3000, described as in the tavern clock style. Something of a idiosyncratic imagination, but nonetheless this is an interesting clock, not just because of its unusual style but go onto the HS website and look at the movement which has steel pillars, not seen before. Lovely weight. Sold for £2460.
Copyright rests with the auctioneer.
An anonymous hybrid teardrop/banjo of very good proportions. Nothing on the movement. The white painted dial bears the date 1806 which is probably later than the case. The dial has 8 filled holes where the dial struts appear to have been screwed from the front, unlikely to be original. The sale is on Ebay, search for act of parliament clock.
Vendor seeking £4000
Copyright rests with vendor m2019london
All serious collectors get lucky at least once in their collecting life. Someone in the USA hit the jackpot with this restoration challenge, sold on Ebay.com for $730. This middle period shield dial by John Lord of Faringdon, is complete and original but for a missing door and hands. The buyer is a very skilful clock restorer and I am confident that this clock is in good hands. No matter how hard you try you will not find this as a sold tavern clock on ebay as neither the descriptor TC nor AoP will appear on a search. Try "Antique Wall Clock for Parts", yes on offer as scrap. If this clock had been correctly described it would probably be on its way to the UK by now. Tavernicus will post shots of the finished article if and when the owner completes the task and is happy to share the result. We now know that John Lord made two tavern clocks, see the other, https://www.walwynantiqueclocks.com/fine-antique-clocks/clocks-by-design/john-lord,-farringdon-a-fine-small-tavern-timepiece-detail
Image by kind permission of the owner
This banjo clock returns after not reaching its reserve last October in Yorkshire. Bears the name William Gammon, the second banjo known by this maker. Long term family heirloom.
Estimated at £3000-5000 by Gardiner Houlgate it will come up for sale on 27/8th October 2022. Nice looking movement images available this time. This format is quite rare. Hammer £4000, so sold this time. Reappeared on Ebay as of January 2023.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
After the summer drought of horological activity this clock is described as a tavern clock. It came to auction on 21/22 September 2022 with an estimate of £1000-2000.
Readers who regularly read this blog know a tavern clock when they see one and they will make their own minds up. Certainly I have no doubts as to what this is. Answers on a post card. The movement is a good one and it appears to have a passing strike, which might be the clincher for the buyer. Trunk bears signature Ellison Simpson. Auctioneer's description describes the movement as having a fusee which it does not. Hammer price £800.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
This teardrop striking tavern clock by Thomas Grignion is to be offerred on the 14th July 2022 by Bonhams and is one of three from a collection. The other two are shown below. Clearly the rarest of the three as there are few teardrops and even fewer with striking movements with the correct 5- wheel trains and no alteration of the dial as there is no plugged winding hole.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
The estimate reflects the rarity at £4000-6000, being the highest of the three clocks. SOLD FOR A HAMMER OF £4500. Bidders should read the auctioneer's footnote taken from my latest book.
A shield dial signed John Dewe of London, to be offerred on the 14th July 2022 by Bonhams, being one of a collection of three clocks. The other two are above and below this entry. Most likely this clock was made by Dewe junior as the father signed his clocks as being made in Southwark. The auctioneer describes it as late 18th century. Dewe junior was apprenticed in 1764 so no certainties here.
Slightly smaller than most shields and the very unusual lower section should attract interest. Standard A-framed movement. Pendulum has odd extension to show in the lenticle. Overall the case is fully restored and wall ready.
Estimated at £3000-5000. SOLD FOR A HAMMER OF £6000.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
At last some quality, with this white round dial signed John Dwerrihouse of Berkley Square. A very original clock with a restored dial and the correct spelling of Berkley, sometimes Berkeley Square. One of three tavern clocks to be auctioned by Bonhams on 14th July 2022, all from the same source. The maker is well known and comprehensively covered in my latest book. This clock is included in the listings but without photos. Contact me if you want to identify the listing.
Estimated at £2000-3000 which is the lowest estimate of the three clocks on offer but to my mind these later mahogany cases are under-appreciated. The ground on the dial is superb and the bezel is pure quality with an enormous hinge. Passing strike in to the bargain. SOLD FOR A HAMMER OF £4000.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
Another anonymous clock looking for a home. Described as a tavern clock with later painted dial by Gorringes Auctioneers who are offering this example on the 28th June 2022 with an estimate of £1000-1200. The minute hand has an odd counterbalance and the movement is signed on the frontplate "J Padbury 1830".
Reported as sold for £950
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
Sold on Ebay USA for $795 in June 2022. Described as 18th century tavern clock. Unlikely as a metal dial and most likely 19th century.
This anonymous tavern clock reappears after an outing last year. Now to be auctioned on 26/8 May 2022 by Hutchinson Scott with an estimate of £4000-6000. Anonymous with a good movement, some minor damage to the ears with all chinoiserie intact. The market for anonymous clocks is always difficult but an honest example which will have appeal. Plenty of photos on the auctioneer's site. The estimate proved to optimistic for buyers as once again an anonymous clock failed to sell.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
This slightly wild contemporary imagining of a tavern clock comes up for auction on the 25th February at Gardiner Houlgate in Corsham near Bath. Re-auctioned on the 27th May 2022 it sold for a hammer of £580.
The case and the movement are all 20th century, barring possibly the door. The movement is a faithful interpretation of an A-framed tavern clock with the additional bells and whistles of a dead beat escapment and maintaining power. I bought the clock because the movement intrigued me. The case and lacquer needed some fettling and the movement has been rebuilt correctly by an FBHI expert, recently. This clock runs over two weeks on a big weight. The tick is very strong.
I have had my fun and I need the wall space. This is a marmite clock and for the those who love marmite it will not disappoint. Fill your boots. Not sold, re-entered in May.
Yet another anonymous round dial this one unusually with a black enamel dial. To be auctioned on the 25th May 2022 by Chorley's in Cheltenham. This is a well proportioned clock at 45.5 inches tall, with very nice figured mahogany. The movement is seized but complete with a 4 wheel train which suggests the clock was made post-1800. The dial may have started out life in the white with a maker's name. Brave bidders need to bank on this as the estimate of £3000-5000 is challenging. Unsurprisingly the lot failed to sell. The estimate was a big ask for an anonymous clock.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
This white rounfd dial with a faded print on the door, signed GODDEN MALLING is to be auctioned by Bellmans on the 10th May 2022. The image is not as crisp as it might be so condition is difficult to assess. The print is stated as being "overpainted". The estimate is £2500-3500. The trunk of the clock appears nicely faded and the dial is probably repainted but hard to say from the available images. No movement image shown which is a serious ommission but the text refers to "movement with anchor escapement". Images subsequently added. Steel hands. Should do well. Sold for hammer price £3800.
Image copyright rests with auctioneers.
This replica by C Hill, a once prolific 20th century maker, comes up for auction on the 31st March 2022 by auctioneers Bishop & Miller. Small, at 38 inches tall, so a miniature. The estimate is £150-200, a miserable sum for all the work but a good decorative piece if the condition report is favourable. Two train Junghans movement.
Sold for a hammer price of £130. A miserable sum for all the work put in by Mr Hill.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers
This restored white round dial bearing the unrecorded signature, Levy Isaacs, comes up for auction at Hartleys on the 16th March 2022. Good small size at 44 inches tall. The door has a print of an early tooth extraction and may appeal to the dental fraternity, then again, maybe not. Only one picture which is an omission. Movement may be associated according to the auctioneers. Clock previously sold on Ebay in October 2019 and featured herein. Estimated at £2000-3500.
Hammer price £2600.
This anonymous entry level black round dial is to be auctioned by Hartleys on the 16th March 2022. No picture of the movement which is an important omission. Estimated at £500-700. Interesting base.
Hammer price £540.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
Well I bet you have never seen one like this! Sold in 2009 in Switzerland by Koller and deciphered as by Edward Faulkner who worked in the early 18th century. However, the clock was catalogued as 19th century.
It appears that an octagonal dial has been superimposed on a regular shield, originally made by the said Faulkner. It also appears that the octagonal section is hinged to the shield and locked in place on the left, see keyhole. Hinges visible on the original posting.
Weird but it works for me.
Copyright rests with the auctioneer
This black round dial by William Warin was last seen in Ron Rose's book on dial clocks in the late seventies. See page 174. Ostensibly a correct two train clock but doubtful as the seatboard is not right and the back of the dial is not shown on the auction site in Germany. The auctioneers, AUKTIONSHAUS SAARBRÜCKEN GMBH, only give a starting price of 2600 EUR. The date of the auction is the 12th March 2022. Even more curious is the collection only stipulation.
If the movement is correct then this is a special and rare clock. Homework needed. Yorkshire tavern clocks are also very rare. Auctioneers not responding to request for image of the back of the dial. Sold for hammer 5700Euro.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
AMENDED 17/2/22
This largely decorative clock is to be auctioned by Dreweatts on the 2nd March 2022.
Now catalogued as an 18th century style tavern timepiece with 18th century movement. Quite a nice replica with rather well executed modern lacquer. Should appeal to those looking for a decorative piece without the eye watering cost of the real thing. SOLD FOR HAMMER £1700.
Image taken from numerous internet sources.
Another repro tavern in the USA online auction ending 19/1/22. Auctioneers; The Benefit Shop Foundation Inc. Mount Kisco, NY, United States estimate at $200-2000.
I can do no better than copy the site description.
"Black gold and Carmel toned wall mount clock, circular face with black gold and Carmel toned wall mount clock, circular face with Roman numerals, carved base with Asian scene birds and pagodas in relief, gold toned accents, has keys, decorative arts, Asian decor, orientalism, orientalia, measures ht52 inches width 25 inches depth 11 inches, front cabinet door opens and upper side door near clock face opens. Evidence of repair."
I think they mean caramel. Probably battery movement. Sold for $275.
Copyright rests with the auctioneers
Billed as a 19th century Act of Parliament clock by Jones and Jacob Auctioneers. Sold today, 12/1/22 within estimate at a hammer price of £750. It is debateable as to whether purists would call this a tavern clock but no matter, having inspected it, it is a stunner and a gift at the price as it is complete. The movement which is not original is probably 18th century. Unsigned but the dial needs cleaning only. Best of the year so far. Now on ebay starting price £1750
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers
This very special and highly ornate shield dial once belonged to the East India Company and this image now features on the website of the Wellcome Collection. The image appears to be of an engraving and not the clock itself. It is reproduced here as it is in the public domain. Such a shame that this important clock or relic is anonymous. Clearly not a bracket clock, see below.
"Wellcome Collection. Licence: Public Domain Mark
Credit: Clocks: a bracket clock formerly in the possession of the East India Company. Process print."
This anonymous octagonal dial clock will be auctioned by Trevanion Auctioneeers on the 12th January 2022. Described as 19th century, the trunk and movement seem quite original even if some mouldings are missing. The dial appears to be later and too small. The estimate is £500-800. Hammer price £550.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
This shield dial will be auctioned on the 7/1/22 by Hutchinson Scott. Decoratively restored and lacquered in a reddish hue, judging from the images. Estimated at £5000-8000.
A-plated movement is pegged to the seatboard with hook bolts. The hour wheel appears to be counterweighted internally. The back of the dial has been routered or chiselled out to allow the motionwork to travel freely. Maker not listed in Loomes. Hammer price £4600. Correction: now showing on auction site as not sold or information unavailable.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
This octagonal dial is to be auctioned on the 7/1/22 by Hutchinson Scott. Totally repainted having been stripped first, judging by the back of the trunk behind the dial. All pine case. Estimated at £6000-8000.
The movement is attached to the dial on a plinth arrangement and buyers should satisfy themselves that the geometry will allow this clock to tick in beat. Note the elevation of the bottom rail of the dial to the right of the transition moulding. The dial is attached to the trunk by horizontal rails and toggles. Both the movement plinth and the toggle arrangement are found on clocks of this period. Buyers should also look closely at a particular photo of the top of the trunk as it seems that the right hand side of the trunk (facing) is narrower than the left. If that is so, the clock will not sit square to the wall.
There were a number of Tickells (note two ls) working in Devon and this clock case dates to c.1750. Originality is diffcult to assess given the degree of new paint, so largely a decorative piece with certain age. Hammer price £4600. Correction: now showing on auction site as sold for £6000.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
Breaking news. This shield dial clock by John Lee of Cookham was stolen from Bisham Abbey near Marlow in Buckinghamshire some time before 2008. As a result of careful sleuthing by a number of activists, including Tavernicus, the clock has now been returned to Bisham Abbey. Watch this space for details of another stolen clock the whereabouts of which remain a mystery.
See pages 174/5 of my latest book.
This tavern clock, bearing the signature Matt Hill, last seen in 1988 in Miller's Antiques, was auctioned on the 19th November 2021 at East Bristol Auctions with an estimate of £2000-3000. In the event, the hammer dropped at £3000. Ostensibly a find, but on physical inspection all was not what it at first seemed. No doubt the lacquer and chinoiserie had been fully repainted prior to 1988 and some distress resulted since. No matter, as if the movement had been correct this clock would have far exceeded the estimate. Unfortunately the substitute movement was an obvious recycled affair with a major adaptation to avoid reboring the winding hole which is offset south west. The adaptation which is too complex to explain here (emails please), resulted in only one lower pillar being anchored to the seatboard. Far from correct or ideal. Be interesting to see what the purchaser does with this. Restored, this will be an impressive clock but the position of the winding hole will always be an issue.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
This well known clock by John Wright of Dorking will be auctioned by Wilkinson Auctioneers on the 27/8th November. The estimate is £10000-15000 which if sold within the range will make it the most expensive clock sold this year. The clock has exceptional hands and the print on the door is by John June and it is known as "Old Derby & Joan" .
It is to be hoped that the auctioneer will post images of the case details and the movement. One image of the movement is on the saleroom and it is clear that it is non-standard. Buyers unimpressed as hammer fell at £6500.
Copyright of the image rests with the auctioneers.
They keep coming. This rendition of a teardrop will be auctioned by Pook & Pook Inc in the USA on the 29/10/21. Unfortunately there is only one photo from which it is impossible to draw any conclusion as to originality. The minimal description sheds no light. Additional information has been requested, pending which bidders should follow the maxim caveat emptor.
SOLD FOR $3100
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
This anonymous rendition of a shield dial is closing today, 22/10/21, in a live auction in the USA by BRUNK AUCTIONS. Described by the auctioneer as 19th century. Interesting as a decorative piece. Side view of the movement looks ok.
Unsold notwithstanding low estimate of $400-600
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer
This clock will now be reofferred by Gardiner Houlgate on 21/22 Oct 2021. The dial is not as yellow as this image and the movement has not been confirmed as associated; CHECK. Estimate £4000-6000. HAMMER £4500
Start the New Year with a present for yourself, as on the 1st January 2021 this clock by John Hawting of Oxford will be live auctioned by Peacocks of Bedford. At last a clock that is signed and has all its major components. The Hawtings were a father and son team and this is by the father who died in 1791. There are three other clocks by Hawting, two of which have no christian name.
Broken ears, five pillar movement and a bit thin on the door chinoiserie. Quite a lot of loss to the lacquer. Dial looks unaturally yellow but that may be the photography. Auctioneer has 58 images on its site. If you are bidding ask the auctioneer prior to doing so whether the movement is original or associated. Auctioneers estimate £500-800. STOP PRESS; SOLD FOR £4500 including on costs.
Image copyright rests with original auctioneer.
This slimline banjo clock by William Gammon of Hereford is to be auctioned by Hutchinson Scott on the 23rd October 2021. Estimated at £4000-6000. A smallish round dial of 22 inches and overall 63 inches high, the clock is a bit elongated compared with another banjo of more tradtional proportions by Gammon. Door is not hinged and pulls out once the lock is opened and this is normal. Competent restoration. Check for more detail on the movement.
Hammer price £3000
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
To be sold by Andrew Jones Auctions in a live auction in the USA ending on 24th October 2021. Last sold in the USA in December 2012 for £3500 at auction. This is a big octagonal bclock by Thomas Hopkins of London, at 72 inches high. Sold in the UK in Cambridge in 1986 and now looking for its next owner. Auctioneer dates clock to 1800 but Hopkins worked from 1740-69 according to Loomes. Assuming this clock is corrrect, then it is earlier as a number of octagonals were made in the earlier era. Estimate is $2500-3500. Opening bid required $1200.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
This early restoration of a shield dial bearing the signature P Lloyd of Bristol makes another appearance, having previously been auctioned in 2011 (not sold). Signature unrestrained and bold. The lacquer has somewhat dulled, especially on the door. The arc of the lower shield periphery sections is more acute than normal. Estimated at £4000-6000. Auctioneers Gardiner Houlgate. HAMMER £5200.
Image seen on a number of websites. Copyright possibly from 2011.
Having failed to sell in May 2021, it now is being reofferred on the 21/22 Oct 2021 by the same auctioneer. This time the estimate is £5000-8000 with an opening asking bid of £3600. HAMMER £4800.
This unusual, possibly unique, mahogany clock makes it reappearance after having been sold at Sothebys in 1998 for £6000. Those were the days. Now to be offerred at Gardiner Houlgate on the 27th May 2021, with an estimate of £7000-10000. Apart from its one-off nature it has a few features of note. The central mahogany disc can be opened to reveal the movement and there appears to be a keyhole below XII. The hands are oversized. The two train movement, which is built like a battleship, is signed and dated on the frontplate, J Drury 1760. The movement sits on its own purpose built platform ie not on a seatboard and not fixed to the dial. The hour wheel has an internal counterweight. No base. Unsurprisingly not sold.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
As predicted in an earlier blog, this octagonal clock which failed to sell at its first outing has returned. It will be auctioned by Bonhams on the 19/10/21 with an opening asking bid of £2000. Movement is associated and some structural work to accommodate it weakened demand last time. Better luck this time for what is a handsome large decorative piece.
Sold for a hammer price of £1800
On the 22nd June 2021 Bonhams will auction three tavern clocks, see one below and one above. This rare octagonal is by John Austin of Uxbridge, possibly the only tavern clock made in this town, the home of Brunel University. This clock will no doubt appeal to those collectors wishing to plug a hole in their collection as good examples of octagonal clock are hard to find. As is normal on these clocks, the signature appears on the lower three mouldings of the dial surround. Bonhams have now posted a condition report. It is now clear that this clock is prinarily a statement piece as the movement is a replacement and to fit it into the trunk a heart transplant has been undertaken as about the top 25% of the trunk has been cut and shut, to coin a phrase. Nonetheless, this one of the three makes the greatest impression, but is the least original. Auctioneer's estimate £3000-5000. Failed to sell.
Image from the Tavernicus library.
This late mahogany trunk, white dial, tavern clock is to be auctioned on the 15th October 2021 by Lawrence of Crewkerne. Nothing of any consequence has been auctioned since June so this clock is hopefully the start of the autumn season. Vitually no details as yet from the auctioner and only one image. It is a 19th century clock as Palmer worked in Bristol between 1826-42. There is no estimate but the current online bid is £650. If the movement is correct it will go higher. More images posted.
Knocked down for an amazing £5500
Copyright rests with the auctioneer.
First impressions count. This is the first image of the current restoration. Still work in progress, but have a look at the Gallery section for before and afters. More images will be posted as the work concludes. As will be seen from the before images the trunk was very tired but all the chinoiserie design was intact, but for years of wear and tear. Structurally the trunk needed quite a lot of reinforcement/repair. The dial was in good structural order but had been badly repainted some years ago and this has been the major work to the case. The movement has been restored, the hands cleaned and polished. MORE IMAGES IN THE GALLERY
The unique thing about this clock is that the middle christian name appears in the signature section, a first?? JOHN VINCENT BAXTER worked in Bristol prior to 1763, went bankrupt and fled to Paris (Loomes).
This A-frame tavern clock movement sold on Ebay on the 31/7/2021 for £256 including postage. This is a correct movement or at least it was, but it has had alterations over its hard life. Today, the second wheel is replaced in an altered location resulting in holes in the front and back plates as new holes were made to make the wheel fit. There are no crossings in the replacement second wheel. The central arbor is broken off at the front plate. The anchor and escape wheel are replacements. The motionwork is mostly missing. All that said, this is a recoverable movement and since they are as rare as hen's teeth the price is no surprise. It will cost more than the bid price to put this movement into correct working order and the holes in the plates, even if filled, will always be discernible.
This Scottish clock bearing a signature of David Norrie of Leith makes it's second come back after a failed sale. It was sold last October in a very distressed state, see below by scrolling down. Now with its dial surround either reconstructed or replaced and the dial numerals retouched it is to be auctioned again on the 12 August by McTear's in Glasgow. The clock previously described as partly later is now described as of "18th Century Design". I have previously asked the auctioneers for details on the movement. One of the hands has been replaced. The estimate is still £800-1200. Previously "sold" for £950, the details of the movement never forthcoming. Sold this time for hammer £700.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
This late 19th century dial clock with a fusee movement is being auctioned at the end of July by Canterbury Auctions. Clearly not a tavern clock, but at 32inches total width it is the clear evolution of the tavern clock you might say. Maybe not.
In Ron Rose's excellent book on English Dial Clocks he featured a black round dial (only) on page 35 which he suggests is the forerunner to tavern clocks as he dates the clock to 1720.
If the purpose of the standard format tavern clock at 5 feet high was to tell the public the time this was possible with a large format dial clock before the tavern clock era, broadly 1725-1825 and after. The fusee movement giving accurate time for 8 days was around before the era and continued long after.
So why the tavern clock with the extra timber work and the costly painting etc? Early bling and just showing off. Answers on a postcard. SOLD FOR A HAMMER OF £275
When you think you have seen it all you come across this monster clock at Lyme Park, the National Trust property where Pride and Prejudice was filmed. Remember Colin Firth in the Lake?
If anyone has any idea about this clock please get in touch. Not a tavern clock in the traditional sense but worth including here.
This very distressed late clock was made in Southampton by an anonymous maker. Sold on the 7th July 2021 for a hammer of £650. It has a heavy bezel, a decent weight and an odd but correct movement. The case is borderline scrap so the value may be the sum of the parts. Good luck to the buyer.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers Crow's Auction Gallery
The third of the trio of tavern clocks to be auctioned by Bonhams on the 22nd June 2021, see the other two below. This example, also from long term ownership, is by William Stevens of Cirencester. Black round dials are less common that white dials and once again this may fill a gap in a collection. There is another black round dial by Stevens and this is the smaller. Auctioneer's estimate is £5000-7000. The auction will be a good test of the market. More photos required.
CONDITION REPORT PUBLISHED. Only thing to add is that the backboard is made up of clean oak strips which have mostly unglued themselves. Dial boards and door appear to be pine. Hammer price £5000 plus 33%.
Image from the Tavernicus library.
On the 22nd June 2021 Bonhams will auction three tavern clocks, see the other two above. All three are from long term ownership and have not been seen since they were sold in the 1990s. This example by John Davis of Windsor is the smallest and comes with a print on the door. Auctioneer's estimate is £4000-6000. Bonhams have now uploaded a condition report which says the clock is basically in fair condition but for the repaired joint across the dial which means taking it apart and repainting it or living with it. The print is in poor condition. The movement "looks original".
Sold very well at a hammer of £9500 plus 33% premium.
Image from the Tavernicus library.
This decorative tavern clock will be auctioned on the 20th June 2021 by Wilkinson Auctioneers. The auctioneers have provided 41 images to enquirers. John Page worked in Ipswich up to 1760. The images of the movement show pilars which, based upon the reference literature, suggest 1875. The back of the dial is rebated to allow the motionwork to rotate freely. The back of the dial itself appears quite fresh with no ageing. The lacquer is all repainted. The auction is in the "live" format with no attendance on the day. The estimate is £4000-6000. Sold for a hammer of £3600. £4680 with premium.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
Not strictly a tavern clock but this post 1800 mahogany tear drop by I Whaley of Wroxham is in the Norfolk tradition and it makes the cut here because it has a tavern clock movement albeit fixed to the metal dial by a falseplate and is at the crossover from tavern clocks to dial clocks. This maker is not recorded but this format is one of a baker's dozen either from East Anglia or London. To be auctioned by Gardiner Houlgate on the 27th May 2021 with an estimate of £1500-2500 having sold at said auctioneer in 2000 for £1950. Prices have of course fallen since then. Sold just below estimate.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
This clock signed in full by John Vincent Baxter of Bristol was auctioned by Dreweatts in a live auction which ended on the 12th May. Oddly, this clock only had one photo on the web but more were provided to enquirers. This is a big clock with a 30inch dial. The movement was referred to as a "later replacement wall timepiece movement". Ahead of the auction the auctioneer declared that the movement was "probably original ", which indeed it is. The estimate was £1000-1500, with the hammer falling at £2400 plus 36% premium. Watch this space for details of the restoration of this untouched clock, made in around 1760 before Baxter went bankrupt and disappeared in Paris.
This restored clock will feature in an online auction in the USA to be held by Skinner Inc of Boston ending on the 29th April. The signature panel bears the inscription D Panchaud of London. Unfortunately Loomes does not list a D Panchaud but there was an Abel Panchaud. It is likely that when the clock was repainted the signature could have been misread. Also AP signed his clock address as Oxford Street.
That aside, this is a good decorative piece with significant repairs to the back of the dial. Good A-plated movement and the case internals appear correct.
Estimate is upto $2500. Sold for the predictable sum of $5000 plus premium. Hopefully the buyer will get in touch.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
This clock was on offer on Ebay, with a reserve not met bid of £4000 when bidding ended on the 16th April. A good example of an 18th century clock with a 5 pillar movement. Just a pity it is anonymous but that will make it more affordable for those looking for the real thing at a lower price. Showing signs of having lived a life but nothing to worry about. Lots going for it. Bidders held their nerve and stuck at £4000 knowing the reserve was not met. Now the clock is relisted and bidding ends on the 23rd April 2021. So far no -one has bid. A cat and mouse game is afoot. The clock did not reach the reserve the second time out.
Image copyright rests with the vendor.
This clock by Thomas Barclay of Montrose in Scotland has been repatriated from the USA where it sold in December 2020, see below. Beautifully restored and now available on Ebay. Listing ends March 28, 2021. Not sold. 12 great photos, the most interesting of which is the treatment of the back of the dial, nice and not seen before. It is now clear from the image that the dial is not later.
Relisted on Ebay, closing 11/4/21. Withdrawn during offer period.
Image copyright rests with the vendor
This Scottish clock is to be auctioned in the USA by Andrew Jones Auctions on December 6th 2020. Auctioneer's description; "Lacking original works, now with modern battery powered movement. Lacking weights and pendulum. Crack across dial. In overall distressed condition. Dial later and roughly decorated. Case inscribed Thomas Barclays/Montrose. - very rubbed. General marks, scratches and wear. Working condition not guaranteed".
A correspondent has been in touch with the auctioneers and the maker's name is now known to be Thomas Barclay. His working dates were 1811 onwards.
Estimate $800-1200. Needs to be repatriated and a movement found as there are so few Scottish tavern clocks. Sold for $900 hammer.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers
This clock was repatriated from Germany in 2020 as a speculative lockdown restoration project with little or no information on what would arrive but for one initial photograph. The dial was a complete dog's breakfast and the movement was clearly battery driven. A punt therefore? Not exactly, as the auctioneer did subsequently provide one photo of a movement. On arrival, the clock came with a movement, hands and pendulum. Structurally, someone had butchered the back board such that about a third of it need replacing.
It is impossible to know how this assembly of clock components came together but it is safe to say that the movement on its seatboard, the dial and trunk met as strangers in the 20th century and the marriage broker never got them to the chapel. The components are all high quality and date to the 18th century for the most part.
The restoration has been extensive, and the dial giltwork is a new masterpiece based upon the clock at Dedham in the USA, see immediately below. The latin inscription, in lieu of a maker's name, is AB HOC MOMENTO PENDET AETERNITAS: Eternity hinges on this moment. CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE COMPLETE CLOCK
This beautifully proportioned octagonal clock hangs in the Dedham Historical Society Museum in Dedham Mass. in the USA. The photo is Courtesy of the Dedham Historical Society and Museum. https://dedhamhistorical.org/.
Donated to the then Meeting House in 1763 by Samuel Dexter. In 1894 the clock was both shown as an image and recorded in the Dedham Historical Register. Much has happened in between but the clock hangs in the museum today in working order.
It is not known whether this clock was made in the USA or in England as there is no maker's name. The periphery of the dial has the following latin inscription; "Ab Hoc Momento Pendet Aeternistas"
Eternity hinges on this moment.
Just wonderful in all respects. Awaiting news of the movement which was serviced in 2017.
In case you missed it first time this home made replica with a fusee dial clock movement is back on Ebay. No bidders first time at £499.99. Better luck second time. Never ceases to amaze me how much trouble clockies will go to to rehome a decent movement. Now on offer at £425, (16/4)
This movement is currently (21/3/21) on offer on Ebay UK with a starting price of £150. The vendor is MAR582. If you are thinking of bidding the main thing to note is that the central arbor and hour pipe are too short to go through a tavern clock wooden dial and therefore the movement will require modification. The front plate has holes which indicate it was once fixed to a false plate and the pillars suggest 19th century.
This unsigned 19th century clock comes up for auction by Minster Auctions on the 10th March 2021. Although the later elements are clear given the hinged bezel and the hands, this is an example of the evolution of tavern clocks into the 1900s. The weight driven tavern clock movement sits on a seatboard anchored with bolts through the lower pillars. Although the auction listing says the dial is enamel it does not appear that way. The estimate is £800-1200 which seems realistic for what is a handsome, if anonymous clock. Great result for the vendor as the hammer was £2000 plus premium.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
This unusual clock signed Tailor Kirkby will come up for auction by Hutchinson Scott on the 6th March. It is the second outing for this clock as it was auctioned in Yorkshire in August 2020 in a very distressed, but complete state. Now well put back together and the whole case cleaned and faithfully refreshed.
The style of the decoration is mid 20th century and it may be that the original artwork was "improved" by the red lacquerwork as opposed to gilt. If by Tailor of Kirkby Stephen, his working dates were 1730-84. The movement format fits with this era but not the decoration and the hands. The dial surround moulding is not seen in the 18th century
Nonetheless a very good entry level decorative item with an estimate of £1500-2500. Someone liked it as it sold for a hammer price of £3000 + commission
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
The images below have been sent to me by a trusted correspondent who is concerned that any potential buyers of these clocks or others in similar vein take care to inspect what they are buying as these clocks may be replicas. One of the trio is currently on offer at auction listed as 18th century, caveat emptor. There is a red lacquered teardrop clock which can be found on the internet also bearing the name George Allett, see clock on the left.
This banjo tavern clock was auctioned in Florida on the 20th January 2021 by AGOPB. It sold for $5000 including premium. The auctioneers misread the signature and catalogued it as by Egmere of Lewes. It is actually by Comber of Lewes. The image makes the clock appear as though it is red lacquered but this is just digital colour rendering whereas it is black lacquered with chinoiserie. Structurally a sound clock with a most likley associated movement as the back of the dial is gouged at the rear centre and the colour of the gouged area does not match the rest of the dial. The lacquer work was restored in the late 20th century in the London style.
Image copyright rests with AGOPB
It never ceases to surprise that someone goes to this much trouble. To be auctioned on the 26th January 20210 in the USA by Kamelot Auctions. Described as "WALL HUNG ADVERTISING CLOCK". Amazingly it has a modern approximation of a tavern clock movement. Bidding opens at $400. Good luck.
Image copyright rests with the Auctioneers.
Tavern clock movements are difficult to find. Even more difficult is finding an example which is correct. This example has just sold on Ebay and will no doubt be cleaned up back to brilliant brass and housed in a tavern clock which has lost its movement. It happens see below. This one has lost some of its motion work which can be replaced. Look closely and you can make out an empty hole at the top left of the frontplate. There are two other redundant holes in the frontplate. They can be filled but will always be discoverable. What they say is, this movement has had more than one use before it gets its next task.
Sold for £380 including postage. It will need a further expense of at least £200 to put it into working order, so say £600 to get it into useable condition. That suggests a floor price for any tavern clock no matter how degraded it is, so long as the movement is recoverable.
Image copyright rests with vendor, 27daze.
This sorry looking clock is to be offerred in Scotland in Edinburgh on the 31/10/20 by auctioneeers Ramsay Cornish. Lot number 274 is rare in so far as Scottish tavern clocks are few and far between. This example is signed by David Norrie of Leith. DN worked in Leith after 1787 and died in or around 1801, (Loomes). The dial is missing its surround or at least it is missing from the image. The hands are not paired and the door has a curious sculpted effect at the top.
Nonetheless the auctioneers have given this clock an estimate of £1000-1500 with an opening bid required of £600. Good luck with that, as the cost of rescuing this clock relative to its end value is doubtful but being a Scottish clock may save the day. Someone loved it as the hammer was £1200.
Image cropped from auctioneers website so copyright still rests with them.
This unsigned clock will be offerred in the USA by Skinner in late October. Described as follows "English Tavern or "Act of Parliament" Clock, early 19th century, 20-in. turned bezel surrounding the white-painted roman numeral wooden dial above the figured walnut waist door, eight-day, time-only brass movement, regulated by a cylindrical pendulum and lead weight, ht. 46 in." Estimate $300-500, should do well. Auctioneer reported as passed. Erratum, sold for $1875
Image copyright with Skinner
This octagonal dial clock by James McNab of Perth was last seen in 2009 when it was shown at a London Fair. The asking price then was £5500, from memory, which was a substantial mark up from when it was sold at auction in 2008. Obviously it was restored in the interval and overheads at London Fairs were and are eyewatering. Lot 55 will be offerred by Dreweatts, on the 4th November 2020. The estimate is £600 with online bidding to start at £380. Described as "A Scottish scumbled act of parliament or tavern timepiece.. " Bid through the Saleroom and the fees will 36%. Hammer £650.
Image copyright rests with Tavernicus
This is an interesting if somewhat basic late tavern clock bearing the signature Handley & Moore. There is some difficulty here as the movement is stamped H M with a number which looks like 146. However Handley & Moore made movements for many makers who by 1801-20, the HM working period, were retailers as opposed to true clockmakers. The difficulty is that this movement does not have the HM crest stamped on the frontplate. There are both varieties extant so buyers need to work this out for themselves. Simple oak case with a fine escutcheon. Nicely crazed dial with evidence of glue repairs: can be fixed. Sold hammer price £1200
Lot number 3461 next week at a live auction starting on 14th October 2020 by J S Fine Art in Banbury. Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
This somewhat odd clock is signed by J Blackmore of Sidmouth. The Blackmore family were well know clockmakers, sundial makers and stamp distributors in the 18th century. Pity that they made such an appalling clock. Needless to say it did not find a buyer when offerred at auction in the USA. The auctioneer did a great job of providing numerous photos but that did not tempt buyers with the top bid of $50. The signature is visible beneath the dial in the detailed photos. The newly painted dial has a bezel with glass which is not discernible in the photo. The movement passes muster but the case is so basic and requiring much love that, thus far, it is not on its way back to Sidmouth but one never knows!
Copyright rests with auctioneers, Estate of Mind Auctions,
This unsigned round dial tavern clock comes up for auction at Woolley & Wallis on the 21st October. Only one photo on the website so far so not a lot to go on. Auctioneer's description "A GEORGE III JAPANNED 'ACT OF PARLIAMENT' OR TAVERN CLOCK C.1760-70 the brass eight day movement with six turned pillars, with an anchor escapement and an outside countwheel, striking on a bell, the circular twenty-three inch dial with Roman numerals, the black lacquer case decorated with gilt highlights, the trunk door painted with figures 141cm high"
So this appears to be a striker with external countwheel but only one winding hole visible. Someone tell more please. One correspondent describes the case as "nicely done to a crisp". One man's crisp is another's patination. Dial boards run north south. The barely visible print (not a painting) is , I think, FIRE after Amiconi, hard to be sure. The estimate is £300-500 which will be exceeded. Hammer £1900.
Image copyright rests with auctioneer
This very unusual, smallish clock by James Eley of Fenchurch Street, London was sold recently on Ebay for £2800. NOW REOFFERED ON EBAY 16/11/20. Sold for £2958 on 22/11/20. Nice original dial and the trunk showing quite faded but seemingly complete chinoiserie. Lenticle on the bombe base not seen very often. Proper movement going by photos. Might not be the format that traditional buyers of tavern clocks seek but at the price handsome enough. Eley worked from 1761-87.
Vendor on Ebay was Cozolla, where do they get these names from. Image copyright belongs to the vendor.
Hutchinson Scott will also auction this shield dial between 3rd-5th September, alongside the Hanson below. They also have an Ipswich "norwich clock" in the same sale. Busy times after a dearth of quality. Signed by Thomas Moore of Ipswich, a well known maker. This shield dial with a white chapter ring and short trunk is on offer after its return from the USA, now restored, but oddly the auction image does not show the hands. The estimate is £2500-3500. Again someone will love it. Later print on the door. The clock sold for a hammer of £2000, how things have changed. Even if this is viewed as just a decorative object the price was rock bottom. Clocks like this have been selling on Ebay for about £5000. Miserable outcome for the vendor.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
After a dearth of signed clocks along come a few, a bit like buses. This is a small late tavern clock by William Hanson of Windsor. Post 1800 with perfect proportions (99cm high). As it was made just into the 19th century it is a crossover clock with typical dial clock upper section with brass bezel and small lower trunk. Auctioneers Hutchinson Scott will offer this lot between September 3rd-5th with an estimate of £3000-5000. Someone will love it. The clock sold for a hammer of £3600 which is small beer for a clock of this quality.
Image copyright rests with auctioneer.
At last something of quality but you will have to wait until September 2nd when it will be auctioned by Lyon & Turnbull in Edinburgh. The estimate is a very low £600-800 with an opening online bid request of £360. The photos online are minimal but this looks to be in good condition and should do well. The final hammer on this timed online auction was £6000. Ten years ago the price might have been double given the provenance, see below.
Auctioneer's description follows "GEORGE III BLACK JAPANNED TAVERN CLOCK, BY HALEY, LONDON LATE 18TH CENTURY the single-train eight-day movement with cream painted Roman numeral dial, the trunk decorated with a Chinoiserie scene of two figures by a pagoda, inscribed HALEY, LONDON (112cm high, 53cm wide) Footnote: Provenance: The Earls of Crawford and Balcarres, Balcarres House, Fife, Scotland."
Image copyright rests with the auctioneers.
Another tavern clock without a signature. This larger than standard teardrop (58inches) is to be offerred in the USA by Leland & Little starting as an online auction, lot 22, on the 13th Augusr 2020. Amusingly the estimate is $25-25000 and the bidding is open at $225. SOLD FOR $900
This is a wholly repainted and aged example with a two train movement. Genuine old case. The movement is not shown nor is the back of the dial so it is not possible to assess the clock properly.
Handsome enough and stated as going. From the Collection of Jacquelyn Nouveau, Pittsboro, North Carolina.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneeers
This unsigned octagonal is being offerred in Germany today. Another example of a well intentioned attempt to ruin a clock by a gifted amateur. What were they thinking about, the dial is a mess and the signature which would have been on the dial mouldings looks to be lost. Add to that the use of a battery movement and you get an estimate of 300 Euros. All that said, this is a clock worth saving.
This curiosity sold for a hammer of £650 on the 22nd July at Stacy's Auctioneers in Essex. The auctioneer did not repond to my request for addtional photos. No photo was posted on the web of the whole clock, so it was not possible to work out if this was a dial married to a longcase trunk. The dial itself is of interest with the paint damage below the repainted chapter ring. The movement looks to be a standard longcase. Never seen the centre hole on a clock in the dial board split. At £650 probably worth the punt. Be very interested to hear from the buyer.
Image copyright rests with Stacy's
Less is more. This is my latest. Feedback welcome.
Repros seemingly in abundance at the moment with very little of the real thing on offer. This 20th century octagonal with quartz movement is better than most. It will not deceive but it is reasonably well done. Some damage to the paintwork. For a quartz movement the hands look better than most. On offer at auction by TW GAZE in Norfolk with bidding ending on the 3rd of June 2020. Estimate £50-100, cheap as chips. Name on the clock possibly a seriaL maker of replicas. Hammer price £150.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
If you are fortunate enough to be in the vicinity of Bath then head south to Norton St Phillips where you will discover the George Inn. During lockdown, the inn is closed but before long it will be open and they, like all inns, will be glad of your custom. Whilst enjoying a pint of Wadsworth in the bar you will see this shield dial by John Pyke senior, who worked at Bedford Row in London.
Loomes lists the father and son although the son worked at Grays Inn. Pyke senior died in 1762 and this clock dates to post 1750. Some over painting seems to be in evidence from the photo but my visit is pending and anyone who has seen the clock is invited to email me any thoughts and crisper photos would be helpfull.
Image copyright rests with the George
Eastbourne Auctions offerred this barn find in their sale on May 14, 2020. Whilst this clock may understatedly be described as distressed it is exactly the type of clock which excites the trade. Barring some missing mouldings which will not be cheap to replace the clock is more or less intact. The movement is certainly of the period and probably original; needless to say it needs work. The auctioneer's photos leave one in no doubt that this clock needs a great deal of work to put it in good order. The question is can it be worth it financially as there is no maker's name visible. From what one can glean the name is long missing as the trunk has been stripped and refinished and the dial numerals are also not original. Dealers often take a punt on a no name clock but this one looks problematic.
The estimate of £200-300 proved to be a come on as the hammer fell at £2100 which with fees gives a figure of £2680. One for the brave.
Image copyright rests with the auctioneer.
Another unusal item to appear on Ebay by vendor Classictime2015 is a replica shield dial containing an enormous spring driven movement. Someone went to a great deal of trouble to house this beast!
The Covid lockdown has resulted in the market going to sleep. In the meantime some odd things come up. Englishclock, an Ebayer, is selling an unusal movement as a tavern clock type. It would be difficult to recycle it as it is offset wound but someone will like it as it has the most wonderful inscription dated 1727 which is of course just before the tavern clock era. As far as I can make out it says "A gift to the congregation that was under the care of the late Reverend Mr Isaac Robinson and is now entrusted with Mr King presented by their hearty wellwisher, (signature indistinct).
In the first week of April 2020 a replica tavern clock with an octagonal dial sold on Ebay for £552. The case is of take it or leave design and finish but the movement is special. It is not clear whether it is old , new or adapted. The old part may be the pilars which are very finely done. The almost never seen features are latched pilars and maintaining power. More to follow when the movement is dismantled.
At last a tavern clock in very distressed condition. The trade loves untouched clocks and this looks like the real deal. To be auctioned by Eastbourne Auctions on the 12th March. Good photos on the website. The description suggests the maker to be Stowe M?. Certainly there is a gilt residue of the signature which with care would reveal the maker's name.
This one is for the brave. The estimate is £300-500, meaningless. Watch this space.
Hammer on the day, £4000 plus premium c.£5k. Inside my secret envelope this was exactly my prediction.
This well documented clock by William Mayhew of Woodbridge is to be auctioned by Penrith Farmers & Kidd on the 26th February 2020. It is included in a dispersal of the Wainright Collection of silver vesta cases.
I took this photo in June 2007 when visiting George and Jill Hadfield in Cumbria before they moved. Sadly George passed away some while ago but he was a force to be reckoned with and known throughout the clock world. He was one of the few dealers who specialised in tavern clocks.
How things have changed,; this clock in 2007 was on offer for £17250 and today the auction estimate is £6000-8000. We shall see what happens on the day but many collectors of clocks of all kinds are nursing losses. Every cloud has a silver lining as new collectors come in at a lower entry price.
Hammer price £7000
Seen here is the removal of the huge octagonal tavern clock from the Royal Mineral Hospital lobby in Bath. The building has been sold to be converted to an hotel. All the art works have been removed. The good news is that the clock is not going into storage but can be seen at the Museum of Work in Bath. The removal could have been handled better as it was taken down and moved whole. Quite apart from the possible damage to the movement or hands the opportunity to disassemble and inspect the clock was missed.
However, I am happy to report that it is up and working in its new location. I shall visit and report. The movement is a two train one. The original lacquer and signature are all lost and the current paintwork leaves everything to be desired. Nonetheless this is an important clock needing a rescue to restore it to how it might have looked in the 18th century.
On page 98 of my second book I highlight the series of replica black shield dials made by the late Colin Bent (Albion Clocks). Many of the series were signed Owen Jackson of Cranbrook, who in period did make more than one such clock. I met Colin in his workshop, at his request, to show me one of the series and very convincing it was. There was no attempt to pass the clocks off as original as many of the series were sold at trade fairs to Americans as replicas.
We are now fortunate to see one of the series on offer on Ebay with full disclosure and supporting paperwork including the order and the invoice, click on photo to view. Please have a look as it is an education and live history of a maker and restorer, now sadly no longer with us. It is also sad to see that the buyer of this clock and now his decendants being poorly rewarded for his investment.
Mr Best, the original customer of this clock, specified no ageing or patination so it looks as new. The example I saw was fully aged and patinated which should put all buyers of these clocks on guard when they see a restored clock.
Clockies are a breed apart. Sometimes their endeavours are for the passion of the subject and this clock is a prime example of this trait. It is to be offered at auction by Tooveys in Sussex on the 23rd of January 2020. The estimate is £150-250. If this miserable sum is all the clock makes it bears no connection to the passion and money that went into its creation.
The recreator started out with a wonderful fusee movement stamped H M. A brand new case has been created in the style of a tavern clock. The gearing of the movement results in a long pendulum. Just painting the case would have cost well over £1000. Hammer price £700 plus premium.
This clock is now on Ebay, 1/2/20. Readers might want to analyse the vendor's description. Sold for £1060
Image copyright rests with Toovey's
Tavernicus was alerted to this handsome white round dial with a banjo trunk by tavern clock owner and correspondent TC. It hangs in a methodist chapel in Bristol. Nothing is known of the clock except that the case is made of oak. It may have been made specifically for a religious establishment and perhaps chinoiserie decoration was felt to be too ornate. Equally it may have been stripped of its decoration at some point. What is interesting is that there are two or three Bristol made banjo cases which are almost identical as far as images allow scrutiny. The other three are by Brock of Bristol, Joshua Smith of Bristol and Stretch of Bristol; The latter may be the same clock as that by Smith as AJ Moore, who wrote the book on Bristol Clockmakers, appears to have his facts wrong. It appears therefore that in the mid 1700s there was a casemaker in Bristol who made more to this pattern than anyone else. I wonder?
Shield dial by John Lister of London is now on Ebay UK. This is an interesting clock as it has a small trunk and therefore gives the appearance of a smaller clock but the shield itself appears to be a standard size. Overall dimensions given are 30 inches wide and 54 inches tall. The vendor, lizards-eye, has posted 12 images. The white dial is not to my taste but many will see it as brightening the appearance of the clock. The movement is a five pillar version which is a good sign of quality. It sits on a seatboard with a number of unused holes and although the lower pillars are pre-drilled for anchor bolts they are not used. Some evidence of crackle glaze. Signature looks strong. Good structural oak case. Auction ended 12/1/20, sold for £4950. This price appears to be a ceiling for Ebay.
Image copyright rests with vendor.
This is the movement of the black shield dial by Fennymore of London, sold in the USA last year, and now restored. Is it unique, certainly I know of no other? Clockies amongst you will immediately observe that there is a chain on the barrel set into grooves. The movement is conventional in all other respects with a weight for power but the gut line is a chain. This is an engineering solution to the problem of a breaking gut line which often causes severe damage to the base of the trunk. I am told by the owner that it runs absolutely perfectly. Does anyone know of another??
Seen on the internet on Jeff Formby's Twitter feed is this old photo of the monumental Tavern Clock made by William Scafe which used to hang at Temple Newsam House near Leeds. Current whereabouts of this important clock unknown but if anyone has any information please get in touch.
Some years ago a "copy" of this clock to the same scale, about 66inches high, was made by Colin Bent of Albion Clocks. I saw this clock on the wall at Colin's premises. Absolutely vast and running off a 36lb weight. This version of the Temple Newsam clock was auctioned in 2018 for the insulting price of £1750. A huge amount of work went into the making of the clock.
There is also a similar contemporary version of the Temple Newsam clock
Both the originals and the copy are described on pages 166-168 of my second book.
Another clock to be auctioned by Hutchinson Scott on the 17/18th January 2020, by John Grant of London. This clock was auctioned in Amsterdam in 2002 and subsequently offerred in London in 2008. It is unusual in so far as it is more correctly described as a Norwich clock as the whole of the dial section removes from the trunk in the manner of that type of clock. Also the dial is metal and the movement is a two train piece with rack striking. See page 69 of my second book . Estimated at £5000-8000. Hammer price £3900. Not entirely sure this was sold as may be top bid. HS site showing no result.
Image not taken from HS website.
This clock by John Fardon of Deddington will make its reappearance in January 2020 on the 17/18th at Hutchinson Scott Auctioneer. Its last outing was in 2010 when it looked nothing like it does now; see page 56 of my second book for a full description. The clock was overpainted and had some weird castings attached to the door. Most of what you see now is recreated but the signature, now reinforced, is original. Estimated at £5000-8000. Hammer price £4500. Not entirely sure this was sold as may be top bid. HS site showing no result.
Image not taken from HS website
This white round dial first appeared in 2014 when it was auctioned in a distressed state in the USA. After arrival in the UK it has been fully restored. The clock could not be conserved as time had taken its toll so this is a sympathetic restoration with the original movement and hands.
The clock, by John Gartly is a rare example of a Scottish tavern clock and my original description of the clock on page 65 of my second book dates the clock to c.1785. Clocks in this condition have sold reasonably well on Ebay where it now appears, being sold by luftflotte5 based in Salisbury. Sold for £4858.
Image copyright rests with luftflott5
This early style shield tavern clock was auctioned by Tennants in Yorkshire on the 16th November 2019. It bears the signature of Mark Hawkins, a known maker in Bury St Edmunds. The detailed photos were uploaded by Tennants on the 11th. Without seeing the clock in person it is difficult to be conclusive but the following observations stem from the photos. The current movement is punch stamped S. ROWLETT at the bottom of the front plate (see website image), indicating an association. Loomes lists a Samuel Rowlett working in King's Lynn in 1875-92 and then in Hunstanton up until 1900. Bidders should be satisfied as to the originality of the dial boards and the base. The whole clock was painted some years ago. Additional photos were requested of the rear of the backboard and the rear of the door. The estimate was £2500-3500. Sold for hammer £7000 which with premium becomes £9058. Last early shield in totally original condition to sell at auction went for £22000.
Image copyright rests with Tennants
This white round dial tavern clock bearing the signature on the dial of William Frodsham makes another appearance having been offerred on Ebay some while ago. The Frodsham family were a well known and prolific dynasty of clockmakers in the 18th and early 19th century. This time around the clock will be offered by Canterbury Auction Galleries on the 27th November 2019. Currently, only one photo on show but there were 12 photos on Ebay from which this image is reproduced. Structurally, a well evidenced example of 18th century work with a nice feature of a passing strike. Fully repainted in non-standard style. The estimate is £5000-7000 with a top up for buyer premium. Fully repainted, wall ready, tavern clocks are selling on Ebay for around £5000 with no on-costs. The trade is not drawn to restored clocks so it will be interesting to see what bidders make of this example.
Hammer price £4800 plus premium 24% (+VAT on premium).
This anonymous round dial will be offerred by Bellmans of West Sussex, in late November (16-21st) with an estimate of £600-800. Quite a pretty thing with loads of chinoiserie. The normal winding hole below centre is void in the one photo and it appears to be wound above centre so look out for this or enquire if you are bidding. Without ears the clock looks a little out of balance but not a bad decorative piece at the estimate price. Sold for hammer £850.
Image copyright rests with Bellmans
Probably the most interesting octagonal tavern clock to come to auction for a while. Scant detail from the auctioneers Cottone Auctions in New York State. The lot is to be offerred on the 23/11/19, with an estimate of $2000-4000. Cottone say that it appears to be "all original". Awaiting a reply to an information request but the trunk looks right. It is posssible that the chinoiserie is lost and during the possible repaint the signature was moved to the base. If so, nicely done. The hinges on the door do not feel right but if they are "new" then the butt of the previous hinges must have been the same as no wood is missing around the butt. Hands look recent. More images now on the website, "all original" seems to have been deleted. Sold for $3000 including premium.
Of great interest is the maker as the J could be James, John or Jane. Loomes lists a James, 1761-83 insolvent in 1769. A John working in 1754 followed by his wife Jane in 1773. Given that octagonal clocks were typically made early in the century this is probably by John Walker who is recorded as having made a shield dial. See The Tavernicus Tavern Clock Archive page 214. Image copyright Cottone Auctioneers.
This "decorative" clock sold at Gardiner Houlgate near Bath on the 24/10/19 for a hammer price of £1650. The octagonal dial bears the name John Withers of Greenwich. Loomes lists a JW working in Greenwich in 1778 who went bankrupt. This lot has not been seen by Tavernicus but the auctioneer's description of a decorative clock tells a story. Also, an image on their website shows that the two train winding barrels have no grooves. Probably a modern replica, quite well done. The buyer is welcome to send internal images which might contradict this assessment.
Image copyright rests with Gardiner Houlgate
The clock by Isaacs, below, is one of a small number featuring a print on the door. These prints were in vogue in the last quarter of the 18th century. The best of these are today known as Drolls. The grim subject matter of this print entitled "The Country Tooth Drawer" is self-evident. Nothing droll about that!
Printed and sold by Bowles & Carver in 1794. If original to this clock then it must have been made after 1794
The DECRAMINATOR, seemingly with an inexhaustible supply of small tavern clocks, is offering this white round dial signed Levy Isaacs of London. This is his third offering in a short period, see others below, which did quite well. It is a pity that Loomes does not list an Isaacs with the Christian name Levy, but, according to Wikipedia the name Levy can be Anglicised to Lewis, although there is no indication of when this practice may have started. Lewis Isaacs is listed. There are a dozen good pictures on Ebay and this looks to be the best of the bunch thus far although the door print is not to my taste. Bidding closes 13/10/19. Sold for £4655 on 13/10/19.
Image copyright rests with Decraminator
Seen at the Abode Hotel, Canterbury, formerly known as the County Hotel, are two quite neglected and forlorn tavern clocks, the signed one illustrated here by Fagg of Sandwich. Both clocks are hidden away in an upstairs lounge. Both are fixed to the wall with a protective metal strap. The unsigned clock has no hands but the movement is in the case which has a white round dial and mahogany trunk, arguably the better proportioned clock. The Fagg is a black round dial with mahogany trunk, but the dial painting looks suspect with the date which is straight out of Loomes.
The DECRAMINATOR had its second outing on EBAY, see earlier sale below. This non-standard octagonal dial clock bearing the name William Devis on the dial sold on the 15th September 2019 for £4050. Clearly the buyer found the crackle on the trunk attractive. Nice movement and hands. Very odd base which may have come from another clock.
Image copyright rests with Decraminator
This late tavern clock by A Hall of Hatfield is to be auctioned by Dreweatts at Donnington on the 2nd October 2019. The estimate is £1500-2500. What makes this very ordinary clock a bit special is that the A-plated movement is stamped Handley & Moore with the serial number 2017. Handley & Moore, rather like Thwaites & Reed, made movements for many makers. This clock will appeal to a specific group of collectors. The trunk is missing its base but overall this clock should do well. The clock dates to c.1830 and is amongst the last of its genre. Sold for £2350
Image copyright rests with Dreweatts
Seen at the National Trust property known as Uppark in Sussex. This shield dial by Thomas Butterfield of London hangs in the cafe of this historic property. Butterfield working dates according to Loomes were 1714-44. This is the only tavern clock known by this maker and would have been made at the end of his working period.
The clock has survived in unrestored condition typical of the NT approach. The clock was not working when photographed and this is not unusual and in this case a ladder would be needed to carry out the winding. The base is an incorrect replacement and oddly there is no hole in the door for a key.
The National Trust images website does not list this clock which is an omission.
This ornate tavern style clock is to be auctioned by SWORDERS FINE ART AUCTIONEERS on the 11th September 2019. Correctly described as "A lacquered and gilt chinoiserie tavern clock, in the 18th century style, the dial with Arabic numerals and inscribed William Cook Kingston", and further elaborated as "While the case may incorporate some early elements, the movement and face are certainly recent additions".
This clock is an amalgam of old and new. The movement is a 20th century fusee with a long pendulum. The chapter ring is repainted in a modern arabic font never found on clocks made in the 18th century.
At first glance this clock is the one by William Cook, listed in my books, but the chapter ring immediately gives this away as a decorative piece modelled on said clock which hangs in a members' club in London. Someone has gone to a lot of trouble. Estimated at £800-1200. Hammer price £950, reflecting that this is not the whole package and largely decorative.
Image copyright rests with Sworders
This unsigned shield dial is to be offerred for auction in Australia on the 15th September 2019 by LESKI AUCTIONS PTY. Described as "Act of Parliament clock, chinoiserie case on oak, England, mid 18th century. 8 day weight driven movement with long pendulum beating true seconds".
The dial appears to be completely repainted and the signature is currently lost even though remains of it can sometimes be revealed by skilled restorers. The hands are all wrong. Hard to tell, but the trunk looks like much of the original chinoiserie is there and the base is a one-off.
Likely to remain in Oz as the cost of bringing it to the UK is prohibitive relative to its value. Bidders do not like unsigned clocks as one with no name is a lonely fellow. Bidding to start at 3000AUD (£1680). Well well the hammer was 12000AUD. Not so lonely after all.
Image copyright rests with Leski Auctions Pty
This small white round dial by THOMAS HUNTER of LONDON is currently being offerred on Ebay UK. A rather pretty looking example of small size, 44 inches tall. The maker is listed albeit not the only Thomas listed and the clock dates to about 1800, see below. This clock is shop ready to hang on the wall so will bid up to reflect this. The cut of the ears suugests the later date and the print on the door is very fine. The Britiish Museum does not seem to have a copy of this print. The movement is classic A-frame. Should do well.
Bidding ends on the 11th of August and there are 23 bids to £2450 at the time of writing (7/8). Sold for £3885.
Image copyright rests with the seller Decraminator in Bristol
DUKE'S AUCTIONEERS AUCTION 18 JULY 2019
This white round dial by John Simpson of Reading was auctioned on the 18th July by Dukes. There were two online bids for over £1000 ahead of the auction indicating at least two interested parties. The estimate was for £1000-2000. Oddly, there was only one photo of the clock as shown here and not much in the description. That said, my correspondent has been to see the clock and reported that the back of the dial has been gouged out to enable the current movement to fit. Hence the low estimate. Without having seen the clock it appears that the dial has been completely repainted and it may be an optical distortion but the 60 is much larger than the 30. Marriage or not, this looks to be a handsome piece which at the right price will adorn someone's wall. Working dates for John Simpson in Loomes is given as from 1775. SOLD FOR £4420 INCLUDING BUYER'S PREMIUM
Image copyright rests with Duke's
Currently on offer on Ebay UK, (July 2019)
Offerred as a tavern clock movement by ebay seller fuseeworld at a buy it now price of £250 but open to bids. Recycled from another use as the front plate has four spare holes and the winding arbor is south west of the centre. It has a five wheel train which is often found on tavern clocks.
Image copyright rests with Fuseeworld
Currently on offer via Ebay Uk, (July 2019)
This white round dial clock by Abel Panchaud of Oxford Street is the first such clock by this maker to come to my notice. It is also rare to have the location indicated by a street name. The image is unclear but the designation is certain. The price is £12500 offerred by ebay seller symonb2005 on a buy it now basis. Images do not really do the clock justice. The ears may not be original as Panchaud worked after 1764 when the ears were much more ornate.
Image copyright with symonb2005
CASE STUDY: EARLY SHIELD DIAL BY CHRISTOPHER TUCKER, c.1735.
Christopher Tucker was working in London prior to 1726 and upto 1760. He is recorded in Loomes, and, Northern Clocks have sold a bracket clock by this maker which they dated as c.1730. Tucker's will is in the National Archive dated 18 January 1745. He is described as Watchmaker of Saint Margaret Westminster.
This is the only known tavern clock by this maker and is probably the only version signed with the abbreviation XTopr for Christopher. Use of X as an abbreviation for Christ, (viz Christmas) is well known in early documents. As the abbreviation is not at all common it is possible to misread the signature.
There is a label on the inside of the door which states that the clock hung in the Hotel a la Tete d'Or in Ypres in the room of an Englishmen and that it was purchased when the contents of the hotel were liquidated. There is a record elsewhere of the hotel existing in 1840.
Previous owners of this clock have made a number of "improvements" all of which need to be undone if at all possible. The dial, trunk and ears are in wonderful untouched condition but the rest of the clock needs work, including adding a suitable base to get the proportions correct. The work will take months and the Gallery will feature elements of the restoration
JOHN GODWIN AUCTION 20TH JUNE 2019
This unsigned entry level late tavern clock will be auctioned with an estimate of £400-600. There are already two bids. Typical of the 1820s the clock is a crossover because it has a bezel. The ears may be incomplete. The movement which has the later shaped plates, sits on a seatboard implying that the dial is wood. 4-train movement with a very small barrel. Hard to tell whether the trunk is mahogany or faux painted. The description simply says "Tavern Clock AF", presumably as found. At the right price a good way to start a collection as this looks like a tavern clock for the price of a dial clock. Hammer £900
Image copyright John Godwin
CLEVEDON SALEROOMS 13TH JUNE 2019
This wonderful octagonal clock case by William Sayer of Devizes, date pre 1765, is offerred with a much later movement. As a result of the movement change the winding hole is now south west of centre. What a shame as this clock with the correct movement would have been one of the stnnners of the year. That said, the lacquer and chinoiserie look from the image to be in good original condition and the estimate has been set to reflect the condition notwithstanding the marriage at £1200-1800. Should find a buyer looking for an early clock by a recorded maker. The trunk may be missing its base. Hammer £1900.
Image copyright Clevedon Salerooms
CHISWICK AUCTIONS 27TH MARCH 2019: RE-AUCTION 12 JUNE
This one off wall clock was previously offered at auction with an estimate of £2000-3000. The auctioneers showed the lot as passed. The clock is by Richard Francis of Attleburgh with much documentation on the back of the dial and the movement is stamped with the maker's name. The dial (only) was restored by Tavernicus artist Glynis Overton some 10 years ago. Revised estimate £1200-1800. Not sold.
Image copyright Chiswick Auctions
Gardiner Houlgate sold this unusual wall clock on the 23rd may 2019 for a hammer price of £3200, above the estimated top of range £2500. My initial thoughts were that this is not quite a tavern clock and is more in the Arts and Craft style. It was made by R Griffith of Denbigh in Wales. The auctioneers date the clock to 1799 as the date is apparently on the dial. Not readable from the photo. There were quite a number of R Griffiths in Denbigh and working dates go well into the 19th century. No image of the movement but described as "single weight tavern clock". This is a big clock at 78 inches tall and I suspect the buyer is attracted to its style rather than its function
Image copyright Gardiner Houlgate
Doyle Auctioneers in the USA sold this shield dial on the 22nd May 2019 for under $4000 including premium. This clock was made by Fennymore in London prior to 1750. Loomes has him working in 1746. The style of the gilding on the door is early English as opposed to later Chinese emulation. The images on the auction website did not show the clock in its best light which although quite distressed it is complete and all the gilt work is visible. In the right hands, this will be a fine clock and I am fairly sure the buyer has a very sound example with hopefully images of the movement to follow in due course.
Image copyright Doyle Auctioneers
This tavern clock by Francis Perigal is being offered on Ebay USA (as of 14th May 2019) by the Antique Clock Emporium in Sarasota. It is probably the most important tavern clock to be offerred on Ebay to date at $15500 on a buy it now deal.
The images are very clear for the case and the chinoiserie on the trunk is of a very high quality and comparable with the well known example featured in Ron Rose's English Dial Clocks, published in 1978. The latter date is important as no other Perigal has appeared since then in this format and of this quality. That said it is not possible to form a view on the movement from images provided to Tavernicus as the movement images are taken from the side doors.
Image copyright Antique Clock Emporium, Ebay seller greybamboo
Bellman's Auctioneers sold this repainted tavern clock by Robert Peake of Dereham on the same day as the Burfield, below. This demonstrates the market's view that an untouched recoverable clock is valued more highly than a fully restored clock ready to hang on the wall, as the price here was £2375. In writing this entry and checking my files I must confess to a blunder as in my second book the entry for this clock says that it was once in Ickworth House. It was not, and the clock that came from this house was in fact by Beckett of Durham. A confusion between Durham and Dereham. Apologies.
Image copyright Bellman's
Bellman's Auctioneers sold this wonderfully distressed tavern clock on the 14th May 2019 for £7000+ including premium. If you can take the time to look on the Bellman's website at sold items the images tell you that this untouched condition, complete with filthy movement, is just what the trade wants. A hefty price for the buyer but a good result for the vendor with whom Tavernicus has been in contact. The signature is hard to read but it is Robert Burfield, Arundel.
Image copyright Bellman's
BADA FAIR CHELSEA BARRACKS 26TH MARCH 2019
At this year's BADA Fair in Chelsea there were three clock dealers, Howard Walwyn, Richard Price and Toby Birch, the latter with a unique display of the work of Mudge and Dutton. On the last day, the fair was busy in the afternoon and we await sale reports. The Fair orgainisers make an award for the Best Object in Show. Clearly they missed this tavern clock by William Chalklen, which is well known, featuring in the standard tome on Kent Clockmakers. Perhaps I should declare bias, but this clock is one of the best tavern clocks in existence. There are only three of this shape. The gilt work is the finest and the patina oozes quailty. Even the dial is in the top echelon. Hence, this clock gets the Best Object in Show award from Tavernicus.
Image courtesy of Howard Walwyn
TAVERN CLOCK RESCUE AT MALLAMS IN ABINGDON
18TH March 2019
This very nicely proportioned middle period shield dial was offered at Mallams, described as “an 18th century and later tavern clock”. At some point and possibly a century ago, this clock appears to have fallen off a wall and suffered very serious damage to the base and even the door section. The shield and upper section of the trunk came away from the disaster without too much trauma. Surgery followed on the base of the trunk and the flared out section is wholly added and the door itself may also have been replaced; the latter is hinged to the right and covers the entire area below the dial which is not how these clocks were made in period. It is possible when this “modernisation” took place there was a deliberate attempt to lengthen the run time as the drop trunk is very short. Since the work was carried out there has been additional damage to the new section, possibly another fall or broken weight gut. The movement is from the period but has lost one of its 5 pillars and is not attached to the seatboard in the traditional manner. The hands are later and made of bright metal but not brass. The “gilt work” which is actually yellow gloss paint looks more likely to be late 20th century and evidence of the original signature is not discenible to the naked eye. The buyer of this clock has a challenging time ahead with decisions on the base, the door, the faux gilt and a signature reveal which is perfectly possible
Image copyright Mallams
This clock features in the Clocks section as an unusual example of a late black dial. Made by Henry Lane in Bristol before he was transported to Sydney in 1802 for forging banknotes. After arriving in Sydney, then a colony of about 5000 people, he subsequently married his former "concubine", Charlotte Holland, who had been his partner in crime in Bristol and who was also transported soon after Lane. Both were eventually pardoned and Henry was appointed as Clockmaker to the Colony, advertising his business in the Sydney Gazette operating from premises in Pitt Row, now Pitt Street, a main thoroughfare of the modern city.
Lane is recorded as the repairer of a regulator clock by Thomas Earnshaw in 1803 not long after his arrival in Sydney. The clock was used on a survey ship, HMS Investigator during 1801-3, which mapped the entire coast of Australia. The clock returned to England in 1805 aboard the ship Rollo and remained with the Board of Longitude. Notwithstanding Lane's serious crime he appeares to have reformed himself. Hopefully readers of this blog will bring to light examples of his work in Sydney after 1802.
