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Bomb-surviving carriage clock sells for $67,490 at Bonhams
A French carriage clock which survived a bomb during the London Blitz has sold at auction
Paul Fraser Collectibles, Saturday 23 June 2012
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A 19th century carriage clock which survived a German bomb during the second world war has sold at auction in London.
The French "bubble top" grande sonnerie giant carriage clock, made by the renowned Paris-based Berrolla family between 1850 and 1860, sold within estimate for £43,250 at Bonhams' Fine Clock sale on June 20.
 The clock that kept calm and carried on |
Fascinating histories often help push collectibles prices higher, and it was again the case on this occasion.
Despite an exploding bomb hitting the top of the house in which it resided during the London Blitz in the second world war, the guilt bronze clock carried on ticking downstairs.
Its carry case, stored up in the attic, was less fortunate, suffering shrapnel damage.
However, the exquisite nature of an 18th century George Graham walnut longcase clock took the top lot honours of the day.
The London-based clock maker is hot property on the dealer and auction markets due to his pioneering designs - he introduced several improvements to the pendulum clock, including the dead-beat escapement in 1715.
The seven foot-high specimen, which had last been sold when brand new in 1733, had stood in the same British house ever since. It sold for £175,250, beating its £150,000 high estimate by 15%, a testament to its excellent condition and the popularity of the George Graham name.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has a superb range of high-end 18th and 19th century English furniture available to you to buy today.
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Images: Bonhams
