Made by William Selwood (1607-53), one of London’s finest clockmakers before the ‘Golden Age’, this 16½in (42cm) mid-17th century brass lantern clock topped Ewbank’s (22.5% buyer’s premium) spring sale in Send.
It was signed William Selwood at ye Marmaid in Louhbury fecit – a reference to the ‘sign of the Mermaid’ building in the City region of Lothbury where a number of metalworkers and clockmakers were located before the Great Fire. Professionally restored some years ago, it was estimated at £5000-6000. At the March 21-23 sale, it went to a London specialist at £13,000.