Longcase clock going home to Mid Wales after auction purchase

An 18th century longcase clock made in Llanfair Caereinion is returning to its home area after being purchased for £1,450 at auction in Shrewsbury this week.

Made by Samuel Roberts in collaboration with neighbouring cabinetmaker and joiner John Lloyd, the clock went under the hammer at a successful fine art, antiques and jewellery auction held by Halls Fine Art on Wednesday. Lloyd made the case which still carries his label inside the door.

“Roberts was a well-documented clockmaker between 1750-‘80s,” said Alexander Clement, Halls Fine Art’s senior general valuer and Asian art specialist. “To serve the local community, Roberts established a ‘clock club’ with customers paying by instalments and entering a lottery for each clock as it was completed.

“Some of the cases were made by Roberts’ neighbour, the joiner John Lloyd who, unusually for the period, attached paper labels.”

Halls Fine Art has a busy schedule during October, with two live and two timed, online auctions. The live auctions are pictures, ceramics, collectables and modern design on October 4 and silver, jewellery and watches on October 25.

The timed auctions are a single owner collection of paintings belonging to the late Mr Magdi Obeid, which runs from September 29 until October 17 and modern and contemporary art from October 13 to 31.

To consign items, contact Halls Fine Art on Tel: 01743 450700 or email: fineart@hallsgb.com.

Picture caption:

The 18th century longcase clock by Samuel Roberts of Llanfair Caereinion.