French ormalu clock could show it's the time to buy at California auction

A Californian auctioneer has an impressive range of antiques on offer including a French ormalu clock

Some particularly fascinating antiques from some luxurious Californian properties are heading up Don Presley's exciting 535 lot auction today (February 4). Full internet bidding is available.

The clock section is likely to include the top lot for the sale, with carriage clocks, repeaters and mantel clocks sourced from both France and the USA. An enamelled ormolu clock from France is one of the best pieces, and carries an estimate of $3,000-6,000.

For lovers of antique metalwork, a hand-hammered three-dimensional brass elephant which has been listed at $700-$2,000 stands 45 by 58 inches. It is believed to have been created by Bustamante, which makes the estimate seem on the modest side.

Glassware is well represented too, with four Handel lamps featuring in the section. The most attractive is perhaps a desk-model lamp with goose-style neck and pendant-shaped shade, though it's a Sunset table lamp with the highest estimate: $4,000.

The ornate French ormalu clock with enamlled numerals

Perhaps the most striking of the jardinières, of which there are nine in total - all on pedestals is a lavender and green Wisteria jardinière on an 18-inch stand. A brown piece with a 10-inch pedestal is also worth a look.

Other pottery highlights include a vast 'Japanese Satsuma' covered vase on a stand, dating to the 1920s, and listed at $3,500-$5,500.

Finally, for those in search of a piece of history a 17th-century silver relief footed chalice urn was owned by the Puritan missionary John Eliot.

Eliot served as a missionary to Native Americans in New England and was known as "the Indian apostle." The chalice is expected to sell for $1,500-$2,500. Watch this space for the results of this exciting sale.

Recent and related articles

· William Henry Buck landscape painting could show the way to $120,000 at auction | 2 February 2012

· Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry's memorabilia goes under the hammer | 2 February 2012

· Northwest Persia Serapi rug could bring $30,000 in Boston carpet auction | 2 February 2012

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Images: Don Presley