Rare Irish oak harp clock under the hammer in Waterford

A rare Irish oak harp clock comes under the hammer in Waterford, writes Des O'Sullivan 

A selection of longcase clocks at Keighery's sale in Waterford, including the rare 1860s Irish oak harp clock by John Donegan.

An unusual Irish oak harp clock by the Dublin maker John Donegan from the 1860s is the prime lot at RJ Keighery's clock auction in Waterford this Wednesday (May 13). 

Only eight of these clocks are known. This is the first to be sold at auction. It measures nine feet tall and is brimful of detail like harps, pikes, a wolfhound, two round towers and a lyre. 

The base depicts the Giant's Causeway, and the hood is in the shape of a harp. It is estimated at €6,000-€9,000. John Donegan is known as the last of the Irish watchmakers.

Rare 1860s Irish oak harp clock by John Donegan at RJ Keighery.

The auction offers 345 watches and clocks from four lifetime collectors, along with associated furniture lots. There are longcase clocks, wall clocks, carriage clocks, marble mantle clocks, barometers, and watch arts. A brass dial longcase clock by William Maddock of Waterford, made in 1766, is estimated at €1,800-€2,200. 

A large ormolu and boulle clock has an estimate of €1,250-€1,450. The auction is on view from 10am to 1pm today, 2pm to 5pm tomorrow and from 9am to 5pm on Monday and Tuesday. The catalogue is online.