Antique pair of 'Knight Torchieres' highlight the estate of Countess von Haller

Alongside beautifully crafted antique clocks, the towering pair of 'knight torchieres' will grab attention

There's a truly fabulous collection of antiques lined up for sale later this week from the Countess Ute D. (Brammer) Von Haller v. Hallerstein's collection.

The Countess was the wife of Count Jochen von Haller. Originally German, she was a painter, poet a member of the Eastern Point Yacht Club amongst others. The auction offers furniture and art from both her homes.

There is a great range of impressive clocks on offer in the auction. Two examples will give an idea of the range and overall quality:

One of the highlights is a 19^th century bronze mantel clock by the French Lerolle Brothers.  The brothers were originally sculptors, and brought a fine attention to artistic detail to their clocks. These were exhibited in London and Paris on a regular basis.

French bronze mantel clock by the Lerolle brothers

The example of their work here, which includes its original key, depicts two regal looking women wearing crowns and brandishing a cog and a hammer is listed at $3,000-$5,000.

Another highlight is a wonderful 18th century Dutch veneer eight-day tall-case clock.

With brass works and two bells, its face is engraved and boasts not only a silver dial moon phase but also month and day dials.

The spectacular 'Knight Torchieres' pair

Towering over the viewer at 8 feet tall, before you even include the finials, it stands at 25 inches wide and 14 inches deep. Supported by lion paw feet it too has a winder with key and pendulum included.

The most striking item however is not a clock - not even an eight foot tall giant. Instead it must be the pair of Continental bronzed iron torchieres. Presented as a pair of knights in armour carrying their light like standards the pair stand 87 inches high and are estimated at $2,000-$4,000 - perhaps an example of over modest pricing.

The February 25 and 26 auction will include internet live bidding. Watch this space for the results.

Recent and related articles

· Samuel Yellin antique candelabrum highlights antique ironwork in New Jersey auction | 16 February 2012

· Conductor Anthony Morss's antiques collection will bring music to the ears of collectors | 15 February 2012

· Queen Anne antique furniture chest of drawers could close at $15,000 | 14 February 2012

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Images: Kaminiski