A rare 300-year-old clock once owned by one of Britain’s longest-serving Chancellors is set to go under the hammer with an estimate of £60,000.
The striking longcase timepiece was crafted by celebrated British clockmaker George Graham, regarded as one of the greatest horologists of the 18th century.
Examples of his work rarely appear at auction and are highly sought after by collectors.
READ MORE: Exceptionally rare James Bond first edition signed by author on sale for £8,000
- Advertisement -
The clock belonged to Sir Michael Hicks Beach, who served twice as Chancellor under Conservative Prime Minister Robert Gascoyne-Cecil during the 19th century.
Briefly from June 1885 to January 1886, and then again for a more extensive seven-year period between June 1895 and August 1902.
Only Gladstone, Gordon Brown and Nicholas Vansittart have occupied the position for longer.
The clock is part of a collection of antiques from his family seat at Coln St Aldwyn, near Cirencester, Glos, as reported by What’s The Jam.
Other standouts include a pair of Meissen vases with pierced covers at £8,000, a George II silver salver by celebrated silversmith Paul de Lamerie at £3,000.
- Advertisement -
An early 19th-century Italian micro-mosaic gold-mounted porphyry circular snuff box and cover, estimated at £4,000.
Two oil paintings in the manner of famed 17th-century royal portraitist Peter Lely carry an auction estimate of £3,000 each.
Among several pieces of exceptional furniture are a mid-18th century south German walnut and parquetry cabinet on chest, estimated at £2,500.
- Advertisement -
Expert Lindsey Braune said: “We are very privileged to be auctioning such a collection of fine antiques from the Hicks Beach estate.
“The George Graham clock is a truly exceptional example of a longcase clock by one of the masters of horology.
“There are also many notable pieces of fine silver, furniture and paintings from the estate in what will be an outstanding sale.
The auction will take place at The Cotswold Auction Company, Cirencester, Glos, on March 31 and Wednesday, April 1.
