» Time and money
Collecting clocks can be daunting for the seasoned collector, let alone the beginner, says Francesca Collin
Unlike a bronze or a painting, what you see is most definitely not all you get and it is often the mechanism as much as the beautiful exterior which sets its value.
Antique clocks come in many shapes and varieties - from the so-called grandfather clock, or longcase clock, to decorative clocks for tabletops and dressers.
The earliest domestic clocks are from France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. Of open-frame construction and mounted on the wall, these clocks had a bell within a spire and were driven by weights. The invention of the mainspring in the late 15th century triggered creativity and the manufacture of portable clocks. The earliest surviving examples, which are rare, date from the early 16th century.
Compared to other collecting fields, prices for antique clocks can be surprisingly affordable; often a clock by a top maker will generally cost much less than a painting by a top artist of the same period. French 19th century French decorative mantel clock or a French striking carriage clock from the latter part of the 19th are good pieces to start a collection, with prices ranging from about £150.
If you are after something more imposing, a long-case clock makes an impressive piece of furniture, and with prices continuing to rise steadily over the past few years, they can also be a shrewd investment, especially when you consider that when sold they are not subject to capital gains tax.
Most longcase clocks were made in England between the late 17th and 19th centuries, although lesser numbers were also produced in Europe and America. Like most type of clock the value of a longcase depends on the quality of the case, movement and dial. If a clock has an unusual or attractively painted dial, or an elaborate marquetry or lacquered case it will cost more, such as a late 17th century walnut and floral marquetry longcase clock which sold for £5,400 at Gorringes recently. And longcases by London makers are usually particularly sought after, especially Thomas Mudge Sr, William Dutton and John Holmes.
"Compared to other collecting fields, prices for antique clocks can be surprisingly affordable; often a clock by a top maker will generally cost much less than a painting by a top artist of the same period"
Sometimes a clock may have an interesting story behind it which adds value too – the late 19th century French brass combination carriage clock and barometer (left) was originally presented in 1898 to Richard George McConnell (1857-1942), a member of the Canadian Geological Survey, and is up for sale at Gorringes’ next auction in September for £500-700.
Gorringes, 15 North Street , Lewes BN7 2PD
Next sale: 11, 12 & 13 September
Viewing: 7, 8 & 10 September
Enquiries: clientservices@gorringes.co.uk
