I know a lot of you do not necessarily read the Antiques Trade Gazette, however, you can read much of it online and it's always full of interesting stories. This one caught my eye this morning. It's about fake antique carriage clocks on eBay.
The clocks are believed to have been made in China and a specialist dealer contacted Antiques Trade Gazette to point out that three identical clocks had been listed on the site within two days earlier this month. Two achieved substantial sums. One from a seller in the UK received 35 bids before it took $1025 on August 10, while another from the USA closing the following day took 14 bids and achieved $1100. Another listed in China failed to achieve its reserve in August.
What was particularly interesting about the listings was that the sellers stated that they would not accept returns; in the world of eBay this is always something to look out for. Also you should be sure to read the descriptions in as detached a way as possible. Try not to get excited by what's on offer; something, of course, that you cannot see, touch or smell. If you have any doubts email the seller and ask questions. The tone of their reply may give you a clue. Ultimately the overwhelming majority of things for sale are genuine and the sellers are equally genuine. Just like in any auction or sale situation don't let your heart rule your head.
There's a wonderful story in the Daily Telegraph about a watch made for Marie Antionette that was stolen in 1983 from a museum and has recently turned up. You can read it HERE
There’s an interesting report in today’s Eastern Daily Press here in Britain about a gilded bronze clock, which has been found in an antiques shop in Dereham. The elaborate timepiece is believed to have been brought back to Britain by a soldier. The shop’s owner said the clock belonged to a soldier dispatched to the dictator's bunker after the fall of Berlin in 1945, whose wife refused to display it in her home and chose to sell it after her husband's death. It was made in 1935 and topped with a bronze German eagle and the dealer said the quality of the clock meant it could have come from the desk of the Führer himself - but he was waiting for proof before offering it for sale. “It must have belonged to someone in that bunker and the quality of it means it certainly could have belonged to Hitler. No one would have had a clock like that in Germany at the time - you would almost have to be the top man. It is five-star quality bronze and a five-star Swiss movement. If I can find a photograph of it on his desk, then who knows how much it could make.”
It's a story that vividly highlights the potential upside of provenance, The difference in value if it were proved to have been a clock that stood on Hitler's desk could be tens of thousands of pounds.
Tomorrow there’s a specialist sale of watches, clocks and equipment at Arthur Johnson Auctioneers at the Nottingham Auction Centre in Meadow Lane Nottingham. It starts at 5.30 pm.
Among the lots is this gentleman’s stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date-Just wristwatch with Roman numerals and date aperture, with box and paperwork. It’s expected to go for between £800- £1,000.
We have a book on Watches coming out in a couple of weeks, which will make it easier for you all to compare prices, and different makes and designs. What is interesting about the guide prices at this sale is how many are under £100. The mechanisms on these old watches are so good that even if they might be running a little slow or fast a clean will have them as good as new in no time. You can buy Watches from Millers at a 30% discount from our online shop.
Among the lots is this gentleman’s stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date-Just wristwatch with Roman numerals and date aperture, with box and paperwork. It’s expected to go for between £800- £1,000.
