A CONFIRMATION present found in a sock drawer at a remote cottage is estimated to be worth a staggering £20,000.
The 17th century watch, in the form of a cross, was given as a confirmation present to the inhabitant of the remote home, in Dorset, and was discovered by Charterhouse Auctioneers after the owner passed away.
“Usually when we are working in client properties we just find socks in sock drawers, so I was shocked to come across a little box with this amazing watch,” said auctioneer Richard Bromell.
“Of museum quality, it is a phenomenal find which, if we had not looked carefully, could have inadvertently been thrown away after the owner passed away.”
The watch was clearly treasured and loved, having no doubt been hidden away in the drawer of a remote Dorset cottage for safety, he added.
Dating to the mid-17th century, the cruciform watch, made from brass in a rock crystal case and decorated with enamel, measures just 8cm high.
The dial has a chapter ring with Roman numerals which is centred by the birth of Jesus above a vignette of Adam and Eve.
The back plate, engraved scrolling foliage, is signed Drovino A Potiers.
Generally it has survived the past 380 years in good condition, although it has lost its hand and the case is chipped.
Found in a little cardboard box with a pencil inscription 'Lorna’s watch-clock Confirmation Present from me', it is thought by the family to have been a present from her parents some 80 years ago or so.
It has now been entered into the Charterhouse two-day online auction on Thursday and Friday, March 11 and 12, and is estimated to sell for £20,000.
Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their busy programme of auctions including other audio equipment, coins, medals, stamps, clocks and collector’s items in this two-day March sale, pictures, books, Asian Art and sporting items in April, classic & vintage cars in April and classic & vintage motorcycles in May.
Items for these auctions can be posted directly to Charterhouse at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, or click and deliver by contacting them on 01935 812277. Alternatively email photographs of your lots for valuation on info@charterhouse-auction.com.
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