Antique clocks
Carved longcase from 1800's. Regulator circa 1900
Inherited
Yes
Hi Julie,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
The British Museum lists a Joseph Bell as a British clockmaker/watchmaker active between 1822 and 1846, with a recorded workshop on Bridge Street, St Andrews, Norwich. The style of this longcase clock aligns with those dates. It's unusual for a clock to be so heavily carved and adds to its fair market value, which would otherwise by $1,200-1,800, now $1,500-2,500.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
An antique George IV or William IV carved mahogany longcase clock
White-enamel dial inscribed "J. Bell/Norwich," case possibly by another maker, circa 1830-40
The bonnet with an arched relief-carved cornice over a door flanked by pilasters and opening to a white-painted dial with rosette spandrels and marked "J. Bell/Norwich", the waisted case with relief-carved door flanked by fluted canted corners over a box base with raised relief-carved tombstone-shaped panel, over a molded lower edge.
Overall height: 84 inches; greatest width (cornice): 23-1/2 inches; greatest depth (base): 10 inches
CONDITION: This appears to be in good cosmetic condition; value assumes that it is in working condition (or doesn't need significant work to get to working).
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$1,500-2,500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
GREAT - thanks and looking forward to getting the information, at your convenience.
23 1/2" width at the top of clock
20" width just below clock face
14" width mid section of the base
10" depth bottom of the clock
8" depth mid section
9 1/2" top depth
84" height of clock
Thanks, Julie, you're all set. Let me know if you have questions, but otherwise, thank you again for using Mearto and have a great day.
~ Delia
Hey Delia,
Thank you very much for your appraisal. Would you happen to have ideas about how to sell it? Or places to reach out to about selling?
Auction houses that specialize in fine art and antiques are good options, though they will usually charge a commission and some other fees that can add up. You can always reach out to antiques dealers in your area to see if they'd purchase this outright - they will probably try to "buy low" so they can make a profit and its up to you to accept any offers they might make. If they offer something higher than what I've noted, I'd strongly recommend taking them up on it.
Alternatively, you can post this on a local online marketplace and see what kind of offers you get - I'd start higher than the asking price only because you can always come down if you don't get any inquiries...but it's almost always impossible to increase your ask.
Let me know if you have other questions but I hope this helps - good luck!
~ Delia
Thank you very much.
Thank you Delia. I have purchased 3 for an apprasial. I will separate them and send clearer pictures as well as the dimensions.
Thank you