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Who was ‘Cliff the Clock’? Plus Upcoming Clock Pieces in our September Auction

Debbie Porter

Some of you may remember Cliff Price as ‘Cliff the clock’, born on the 18th July 1948 in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. Unfortunately, Cliff passed away in February of this year, but his legacy lives on in the local area as one of the finest clock and watch repairers in Staffordshire.

He had a great passion for and knowledge of clocks, watches and antiques, with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the makers and how to repair the clocks or watches along with the history of when they were made.

Cliff started his work with clock and watch repairs when working for Brian Smith’s Jewellers, Newcastle-under Lyme, or at the Potteries antique centre in Hartshill.

Many clocks and watches have passed through Cliff’s hands and he sought to keep the ones he thought of as special or well-made. Many of the clock items (Lots 812 – 872) and some of the watches listed (Lots 1208 – 1231) in our upcoming September online auction are from his private collection, and have been appraised by Dave Frost who was a good friend of Cliff’s. Dave was also Cliff’s student, he learned a lot from Cliff about clock and watch repairs and they both shared their passion together for many years.

Throughout the years Cliff has owned some wonderful pieces and here is his final legacy. Please take a look at some of the lots below, enjoy, and don’t forget to submit a bid if you’re interested in giving a home to a delightful antique clock with some great local history attached to it.

Click here to check out the full range of longcase clocks available at our upcoming auction on 12-13 September.

A 30-hour Longcase Rolling Moon clock by Thomas Lister of Halifax, circa 1718-1779, and an 8-day Longcase clock by Thomas Radford of Newcastle Street Stoke on Trent, circa 1822

Lot 848 is a 30-hour Longcase Rolling Moon clock by Thomas Lister of Halifax, circa 1718-1779, while Lot 849 is an 8-day Longcase clock by Thomas Radford of Newcastle Street Stoke on Trent, circa 1822. Both clocks are going under the hammer with an estimate of £200-£400 at our September online auction

A 30-hour square dial Longcase clock by C.W. Nickisson of Newcastle, circa 1793-1826, and an 8-day Longcase clock by Edward Massey the second of Burslem, circa 1792-1802

Lot 865 (left) is a 30-hour square dial Longcase clock by C.W. Nickisson of Newcastle, circa 1793-1826. Lot 867 (right) is an 8-day Longcase clock by Edward Massey the second of Burslem, circa 1792-1802. Both of these clocks are estimated to go for £200-£400 this weekend

A 30-hour Longcase clock by John Counsell & Son of Ross circa 1815, and an 19th century floor standing Regulator clock

Lot 846 – left – is a 30-hour Longcase clock by John Counsell & Son of Ross circa 1815, with an estimated sale price of £150-£300 at our September sale. Lot 822 – right – is a 19th century floor standing Regulator clock that comes with a sale price of a staggering £1500-£3000

If you have items for auction, get in touch and we can help you with a valuation. Talk to our team of experts who will be able to give you an accurate auction estimate on a range of items from household goods to antiques.  You can join us at one of our valuation days, email us for an appointment enquiries@potteriesauctions.com  or call us on +44 (0)1782 638100 Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. 

Email Valuations

If you can’t come in and see us in person but would like to submit items for auction or valuation, send us an email to enquiries@potteriesauctions.com with details and a photograph (eg make, model, model number, measurements, condition) and one of our experts will provide information and auction estimates. Alternatively, give us a call on 01782 638100 to arrange an appointment.