A famous astronomical clock created by a renowned Cockermouth maker is set to go under the hammer later this month at Mitchells and could make as much £30,000.
The clock, made by Gandy of Cockermouth, is being sold at Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Sale, which takes place from March 26 to 28.
The remarkable George II astronomical longcase clock comes from a private collection of clocks to be sold from a local estate.
The clock dates from 1757 and is nationally renowned for the quality of its unique design and construction.
Saleroom director Mark Wise said: “The existence of this extraordinary clock has been known to us at Mitchells for over 40 years.
“It’s an historically important and complicated clock boasting features that rarely appear outside of London. It exhibits great individuality in both design and construction, equal to the finest London clockmakers of the period.’
With an estimate of £20,000 to £30,000 the clock will be the most valuable lot in the sale.
Peter Blake and Terry Frost
Also up for auction is a collection of signed limited edition prints by the abstract artist Terry Frost and pop artist Peter Blake, best known for his design of the Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band cover as well as cover art for The Who, Band Aid and other artists.
The large single owner collection of limited edition prints by the abstract artist Sir Terry Frost (1915-2003) and pop artist Sir Peter Blake (born 1932) could sell for more than £40,000 with estimates for individual prints ranging from £400 to £2,000.
A signed limited edition print of Blake’s The First Print Target has an estimate of £1,200 to £1,800 and another signed Blake print, Got a Girl, is estimated at £500 to £800.
A signed print of Frost’s Swing Rhythm should make £500 to £800.
Pictures
Other highlights in a strong picture section in this sale are two artworks by Percy Kelly (1918-1993) including a charcoal drawing of Moresby Hall and St Bridget’s Church with Lowca to the rear with an estimate of £4,000 to £6,000 and a watercolour gouache painting depicting the Vale of Lorton which should make £3,000 to £4,000.
A 1935 watercolour, Eskdale, by Delmar Harmood Banner (1896-1983) is estimated at £300 to £500.
An oil on canvas painting attributed to William Oliver (1823-1901, Entrance to Town of Carmona Seville Spain, is expected to sell for £1,000 to £1,500.
From the studio of the deceased artist are 12 pictures by June Ascot Moss (1932-2023 RCA) who studied at Bournemouth and the Royal College of Art before lecturing at Harris Art School Preston and practising as a fine artist from 1978-2023 at Newbiggin Hall, Carlton Carlisle.
With estimates ranging from £50 to £350, the paintings include an oil on canvas portrait of Zakia in colourful clothing, measuring 60cm x 49.5cm in a gilt floral frame estimated at £250 to £350.
Silverware and ceramics
A Russian silver and enamelled Kvosch, hallmarked St Petersburg, Zolotnik 84 maker HU and measuring 12cm in length has an estimate of £400 to £600.
Valuable ceramics include a Prattware jar with scrolling banner The landing of the British Army at the Crimea, decorated with boats and soldiers.
Measuring 20 cm high, the jar is expected to sell for £400 to £600.
Liqueur whisky
Also for sale are several lots of Harvey`s superior Liqueur Whisky, Smiths Glenlivet 1924, bonded and bottled by John Harvey and Sons Bristol which are likely to sell for £300 to £500 each.
Furniture
A particular highlight among the furniture is a fine quality Edwardian mahogany bedroom suite to be sold in five lots which should make a total of £1,000.
When does Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Sale take place?
Day one of the sale on Wednesday March 26 will include Asian art, ceramics & glassware, jewellery, gold & silver coins, watches & pocket watches and silver & allied wares.
Day two of the sale on Thursday March 27 will include books, stamps & postcards, paintings, drawings & prints, objects of art, collectors’ items and metalware.
Day three of the sale on Friday March 28 will include textiles, table boxes, wall clocks, barometers & mirrors, furniture and longcase clocks including the Gandy astronomical clock, dining tables and chairs.
Where can I see the lots featured in the Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Sale?
Lots are on view in the Saleroom from Sunday March 23 from 11am to 3pm, Monday March 24 and Tuesday March 25, 10am to 5pm and throughout each sale day.
A fully illustrated catalogue can be viewed online at www.the-saleroom.com/Mitchells or www.easyliveauction.com/mitchellsantiquesfineartauctioneersvaluers/ where buyers can also register to bid live during the sale or leave automatic bids in advance.
What if I can’t attend Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Sale?
Visit www.the-saleroom.com/Mitchells or www.easyliveauction.com/mitchellsantiquesfineartauctioneersvaluers/ where buyers can also register to bid live during the sale or leave automatic bids in advance.
Alternatively, those unable to attend the sale can arrange to bid by telephone or leave commission bids in advance by contacting the saleroom.
For more information about lots featured in the auction and condition reports contact James Moore on 01900 827800.
Free valuation service offered by Mitchells
If you have something you think might be valuable and want to find out what it’s worth, Mitchells offer free valuations by appointment at its Cockermouth saleroom and home visits by arrangement, including in the South Lakes and Furness.
Alternatively, you can email your valuation request and photographs to info@mitchellsantiques.co.uk.
Contact Mitchells now on 01900 827800 to arrange your free valuation!
What is the next sale in the Mitchells calendar?
Mitchells Spring Country Sporting Sale will take place from Wednesday April 9 to Friday April 11.
