An astronomical clock made in Cumbria has been sold for £23,000 at a county auction to an international collector.
The clock, made by Gandy of Cockermouth, was from a local estate and was one of the lots at Mitchells’ recent Antiques and Fine Art Sale.
The George II longcase clock was made in 1757 and is nationally renowned for the quality of its unique design and construction.
Saleroom director Mark Wise said: “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.”
Other highlights in the sale included a private collection of signed limited edition prints by the abstract artist Terry Frost and pop artist Peter Blake, designer of the Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s album cover, which made a total of £33,800 for the collection.
The most valuable lots were boxed sets by Sir Peter with a set of 12 signed prints, Replay, selling for £6,100 and another boxed set, Venice Suite, making £3,500.
The highest selling individual signed prints were by Sir Terry Frost – Sun Tree and Vertical Rhythms II which both sold for £1,300.
Other high selling lots in a strong picture section were two artworks by Percy Kelly (1918-1993) including a watercolour gouache Vale of Lorton sold for £3,800 and a watercolour titled Village Street West Cumbria which made £2.200.
Also for sale were several lots of Harvey`s superior Liqueur Whisky, Smiths Glenlivet 1924, bonded and bottled by John Harvey and Sons Ltd Bristol, founded in 1796, with one bottle selling for £2,100.
The highest selling lot among the furniture was a mid-century folding armchair by Yohannes Hansen of Copenhagen Denmark, in teak with a caned back and seat which sold for £2,900.
The most valuable piece of jewellery was an 18ct white gold five stone half eternity ring set with 2.11 carats of natural diamonds which made £2,900.
The highest selling lots amongst the coins were cased millennium 22ct gold proof crowns which sold for £2,100 each.
Other valuable lots included an Ancient Egyptian bronze of Neith which made £1,500, a Johannsen & Company two day marine chronometer sold for £1,500 and a copper framed mirror attributed to Keswick School of Industrial Arts which made £1,400.
Mitchell’s Spring Country Sporting Sale will take place from Wednesday April 9 to Friday April 11.
Entries are open now for its Summer Antiques & Fine Art Sale and Vintage & Antique Toy Sale.
If you have something to sell, Mitchells offer free valuations by appointment at their Cockermouth saleroom and home visits by arrangement, including in the South Lakes and Furness.
Alternatively, you can email your valuation request and photographs to [email protected]. Contact Mitchells now on 01900 827800 to arrange a free valuation.
