A PIECE of clock-making history from Winsford is due to go under the auctioneer's hammer next week.

A grandfather clock made by the Maddock family is believed to have been in the Hough family, of Winsford, since it was built around 150 years ago.

But the most recent owner of the magnificent timepiece has found it is too big for his home and has decided he is willing to sell.

Marshall's in Knutsford are the auctioneers for the clock, which has an eight-day movement.

It also has a label inside stating it was made by Maddock, of High Street, Winsford.

Adam Partridge, auctioneer and salesroom manager, said the most recent example of a clock made by Maddock fetched around £3,000 at auction, although he estimates this particular clock to be worth up to around £1,800.

He said: "This is a really nice clock, it is in good working order and it is at its original size so it has not been sawn down at all, which makes it particularly desirable.

"What I would really like to see is for the clock to stay in the area as what we often see are antiques being shipped over to America, so it would be great to sell it to a collector from Cheshire if possible."

The auction will take place next Tuesday, April 30, starting at 10.30am at Marshall House, Church Hill, Knutsford.

For more information about the clock please ring Marshall's on 01565 653284.

l Watchmakers and Clock makers of the World lists several clockmakers named Maddock in the Winsford and Middlewich area and they date back from the early to mid 19th century.

This shows the Maddock family could be a clock-making dynasty.

If you have any more information about this family, or if you are a descendant, then please ring reporter James Powell on 01606 43333.

l PIC TO COME

jpowell@guardiangrp.co.uk