Slices of life, both written and photographed.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Monumental Grandfather Clock


There are all kinds of grandfather clocks but one going up for bid at a clock auction November 17  is a granddaddy of them all!

It's a Richard Whittington Grandfather Clock that will be in a special clock auction at Fontaine's Auction Gallery in Pittsfield, a town in Western Massachusetts. 


I saw this humongous, 12 foot clock while attending a different auction at Fontaine's last month.

 Quite frankly, I never saw anything like it in my entire life!



It's heavily carved in dark oak. One feels dwarfed standing next to it and has to look wayyyyyy up to see to its top!

People would see the clock, stop in their tracks, stretch their necks up to get a peek at the top and make comments.

One lady said, "Wow, did you ever see anything like that?"

"Where would you put it?" her friend asked.

"You'd have to have a very big entryway," she said.

The clock has a date on it of 1793.  

Sir Richard Whittington served four times as Lord Mayor of London.

 There's a four foot carving of young Whittington on the door of the clock as well as his cat chasing mice!




There are also carvings of musical instruments and winged angels on the magnificent clock, to name a couple. Full details can be read on the auction house's website.



An estimate of between $100,000 and $250,000  is given for the clock.

The clock apparently came from a Pennsylvania estate.

  Check out the website, www.fontainesauction.net for more details on this extremely unique and fascinating clock as well as on the upcoming clock auction at Fontaines!

DO YOU LIKE GRANDFATHER CLOCKS?  DO YOU HAVE ONE?

13 comments:

Linda @ A La Carte said...

That is some clock!!! I don't have a grandfather clock but I think they are kinda cool! Hugs, Linda

diane.stetson said...

I only have a cuckoo clock that I purchased in the Black Forest in Germany many years ago. This clock looks like it might have come from King Ludwig's castle...it's really ornate..wowie!

Anonymous said...

I think I'd have to have a castle to house that!
Love grandfather clocks, never had one.

Linda O'Connell said...

You'd have to live in a mansion to own a clock that size.I'm thinking Rhode Island mansions.

Chatty Crone said...

That is a huge clock - I think Linda is right - you would have to have a huge house to house that!!!!!!!

I like smaller less woody ones. I don't have one - do you?

Love, sandie

Dee said...

Wowzer!!!!!You would have to have a special house for this clock. It is very unusual...are you thinking about bidding on it :)

Nellie said...

What a clock! No, we don't have a grandfather clock, though we'd enjoy one - I think.:)

Glenda said...

We do not have a grandfather clock, either. This one is magnificent, but would have to have just the right place so it could really command it's space. I hope the winning bidder has such a place of honor for this venerable character!!

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

WOW! I can't imagine the space you'd need for that clock! First, I've have to cut a hole in my ceiling! LOL!!! It is stunning! The craftsmanship is amazing!

Barbara Neubeck said...

Hi Susan,
What an amazing clock.... the carvings are beautiful. Love the cat.
Have a good day
Barb from Australia

Ruth Kelly said...

Amazing! Most of our older homes and even newer homes only have 10 foot ceilings so whomever purchases these gigantic clock would need more than vaulted ceilings.

Donna said...

That is AMAZING Susan! I love the carved cat chasing mice! haha WE have a VERY inexpensive "grandmother's" clock that we purchased an an unfinished wood store many years ago. It's mostly for decoration as it needs new hands :)... Donna

Anonymous said...

Start with one, preferably an older version Like a 1920’s 1930’s German tall case which you can pick up at an Auction or consignment shop for anywhere $100.00-250.00 make sure it is working, has it’s weights(2) pendulum. See if you like the striking chime before you buy it! The German Clocks have a rich mellow sound which I love!

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