Press Release  July 19, 2018

Rare 17th Century Clock Achieves Top Lot at Bonhams

Courtesy Bonhams

Detail of a fine late 17th century ebony veneered quarter repeating table clock, Thomas Tompion, London, number 244

A fine late-17th century quarter repeating table clock by Thomas Tompion sold for £248,750 at Bonhams Fine Clocks Sale in London on Wednesday 11 July.

    Courtesy Bonhams

    A fine late 17th century ebony veneered quarter repeating table clock, Thomas Tompion, London, number 244

    Bonhams Director of Clocks James Stratton said, "I'm delighted with the results from yesterday. Demand is still strong for the best quality clocks, whether English or Continental. Thomas Tompion was one of the finest clockmakers of his day and his work is very much sought after by collectors. I am not surprised this magnificent clock achieved such an impressive price."

    Other highlights from the sale included:

    • A late 17th Century Walnut and Marquetry Paneled Longcase Clock of one Month Duration, made by English clock maker Joseph Knibb, sold for £70,000 (estimated: £20,000-30,000).
    • A very fine and rare late 18th Century mahogany floor standing regulator sold for an impressive £62,500.
    • A very rare and horologically important, signed and dated lantern clock made by William Bowyer of London in 1617, achieved £43,750 (estimated: 20,000-30,000). They became popular in Britain from the 1620s onwards making this clock an extremely rare early example. Other types of domestic clock began to appear during the 18th century and by the mid-1800s lantern clocks had all but disappeared. Estimate £20,000-30,000.

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