“I should have known something was going on, it is the oldest trick in the book,” said proprietor Geoffrey Howard. The man asked to inspect one of a set of eight wheelback chairs which were on display in the window.
It is believed that he then removed the clock by placing it under his jacket when Mr Howard was distracted removing a chair from the window.
The 12in (30cm) high chinoiserie clock dates from around 1750 and is in the style of F.T. Germain. It is similar to the clock pictured but lacks the two porcelain flowers which adorn the feet.
Since the theft Mr Howard has searched for the clock at markets around London but with no success.
Any information regarding its whereabouts should be directed to the West End Central Division. Please quote crime reference number: 64/4764/01B.
Alert after clock theft
UK: The trade are being warned to be on their guard following the theft of a Louis XV rococo clock worth in the region of £10,000 from Mayfair dealers Howard Antiques. At approximately 4pm on Tuesday, August 21, a man aged between 40 and 45 and of Eurasian appearance entered the Davies Street shop.
