A rare 350-year-old clock, made by one of the finest makers of the time, has come to light in the Cotswolds.
The silver clock-watch, 9cm in diameter and with its original leather case, was made circa 1660 by renowned London-based clock maker David Bouquet and belonged to Sir Matthew Hale, an influential barrister who represented Royalist figures during the English Civil War and was later appointed Chief Justice of the King’s Bench by Charles II.
The timepiece has remained in the same family since the 17th century and will feature in a sale at Wotton Auction Rooms in Wotton-under-Edge on November 5th.
Auctioneer Joseph Trinder said: “It’s an incredibly early little timepiece, a clock-watch, made around 1660 – 1665 in London. We’ve valued it at £15,000 – £25,000 and I think it’s going to be rather hotly chased.
“Pieces like this perfectly summarise why I love what I do for a living – an object which combines beauty quality of craftsmanship with generations of history – to consider what this has witnessed over the centuries is a humbling thought – it doesn’t get any better.”
“Examples like this very rarely come along – let alone in this condition and with such impeccable provenance – this will undoubtedly excite collectors across the global market, and we very much look forward taking to the rostrum as this piece is sold on November 5th and to learn just where the next chapter this remarkable timepiece’s story will take it”
The solid silver case is engraved with a pair of hounds chasing a stag, the top and tail of the case is further engraved with a bearded man’s head. The outer tooled leather case has a red velvet lining and brass fittings. The intricate mechanism is signed ‘D Bouquet London’ and even features an alarm.
Examples of Bouquet’s timepieces are in The British Royal Collection, The British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection.
For more information contact Wotton Auction Rooms on 01453 703176 or email info@wottonauctionrooms.co.uk
Pictures and video by Matt Bigwood
