An eight-day mantel chronometer housed in a burr-walnut and ebony-strung case, numbered 1231, probably dating to c.1975 – £5500 at Chorley’s.
Less often encountered are Mercer table clocks that were made to equally high standards well into the post-war era. This 10in (24cm) eight-day mantel chronometer housed in a burr-walnut and ebony-strung case, numbered 1231, probably dates to c.1975.
It is powered by a single chain and fusee movement with maintaining power, a bimetallic balance with circular heat compensation weights and an Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement.
A decade ago it might have made its £2000-3000 estimate (another 1231 made £3000 at Christie’s in 2007) but this one made £5500 at Chorley’s (20% buyer’s premium) in Prinknash Abbey, Gloucestershire on May 21.
