300-year-old pocket watch could fetch £5,500 at auction
A significant pocket watch by the man regarded as the 'father of English clockmaking' is up for sale at Fellows Auctioneers, with an estimate of £3,500 to £5,500.
The item dates back to the 1700s, and was created by Thomas Tompion during his six-year partnership with Edward Banger.
Featuring the engravings 'Tho Tompion E Banger London', the historic item is still functioning, and is in a good condition for its age.
The pocket watch features as Lot 196 in Fellows’ Luxury Watch Sale, an auction taking place in Birmingham on Monday, April 19.
An estimate of £3,500 to £5,500 has been placed on the item ahead of sale.
Thomas Tompion made around 5,500 watches and 700 clocks throughout his career and was one of the first individuals to put serial numbers on his timepieces.
Upon the establishment of the Royal Observatory, the King selected Tompion to make two clocks accurate enough to be used for astronomical calculations. Tompion also had the patronage of King William III and Queen Anne.
Kes Crockett, specialist from the watch department at Fellows Auctioneers, said: “We are fortunate to see a wide variety of timepieces in our watch auctions but every now and again something quite special comes along such as this early 18th century pocket watch by Thomas Tompion & Edward Banger.
"Thomas Tompion was one of the most important and significant individuals in the history of English clockmaking."
