Time to put historic clock under the hammer (From Warrington Guardian)

Time to put historic clock under the hammer

A RARE Northwich clock is expected to fetch more than £2,000 when it is auctioned in Knutsford next month.

The timepiece was made by the J Barlow firm of clockmakers in Northwich at the end of the 18th century and is believed to be one of only 40 similar clocks still in existence.

Northwich was not noted as a hotbed for clock making but it is thought Barlows made around 100 pieces during the company's existence.

Many of the timepieces were similar to the traditional grandfather clock but a number of the creations were cut down in size to fit into local houses and cottages, which makes this particular piece of interest.

Rebecca Daniel, from auctioneers Marshalls - which received the clock from a private vendor last week - explained why this item was now valued so highly.

She said: "There are not too many of this type of clock out there any more.

"In fact I haven't seen one like this for nearly eight years.

"It had been in one family for many years and it's of extra value because it was made by a local man and there aren't many available in this condition."

The clock - around 6ft and made of oak - has a guide price between £1,000 and £1,500 but the auctioneers expect it to be sold for a much higher price than that.

"The Northwich clock was seen as a very simple country clock and was not desirable or highly valued, which is why people would chop them down to fit in their homes. But that has changed now because there are so few left in their original state and we are very confident that this item will fetch a very good price."

The auction takes place at Marshalls auctioneers, Church Hill, Knutsford, at 10am on March 1.