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  • Fine Clocks, Barometers and Scientific Instruments including The Michael Finnemore Collection | Tuesday 9 September 2025
Fine Clocks, Barometers and Scientific Instruments including The Michael Finnemore Collection | Tuesday 9 September 2025

Fine Clocks, Barometers and Scientific Instruments including The Michael Finnemore Collection | Tuesday 9 September 2025

Fine Clocks, Barometers and Scientific Instruments including The Michael Finnemore Collection | Tuesday 9 September 2025

On Tuesday, 9 September, we are delighted to present at auction a fascinating selection of globes, clocks, and scientific instruments from the esteemed collection of horological enthusiast Michael Finnemore. This remarkable offering will be featured in our upcoming auction 'Fine Clocks, Barometers and Scientific Instruments including The Michael Finnemore Collection'.

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Michael Philip Finnemore was born in Walcote, Warwickshire on 14 December 1938. Whilst only 13 years old, he worked out the very complicated mechanism for a clock which he made from Meccano; this was his first introduction to making and mending clocks and was featured on a BBC programme in May 1955. Michael subsequently wrote an article relating to its construction and has added further refinements over the years, all of which is documented online at walcotefarm.co.uk, under ‘I Made a Clock’.

Inline Image - Y Lot 286: A fine and rare Charles II ebony veneered turntable clock, John Ebsworth, London, circa 1680 | Est. £15,000-20,000 (+ fees)
Y Lot 286: A fine and rare Charles II ebony veneered turntable clock, John Ebsworth, London, circa 1680 | Est. £15,000-20,000 (+ fees)

Michael studied Electrical Engineering at UCL, obtaining a 1st class BSc in August 1960. Using this degree, he worked initially for the International Computers and Tabulators Company (ICT); this role was offered to him due to the BBC television programme aired in 1955.

In 1964 he married his wife Alison, and they had two children together.

Michael then joined Reddifon, a company based in Aylesbury, where he was a Project Manager of Flight simulator builds, including one for the DC10. In 1974, Redifon moved to Crawley, however Michael chose not to move, having recently purchased a farmhouse in Buckinghamshire. This decision led to a sideways move to air transportation company, Courtline, who were based in nearby Luton.

Inline Image - Lot 5: A fine matched pair of Regency 21 inch terrestrial and celestial floor-standing library globes, J. & w. Cary, London, the celestial dated 1799, the terrestrial dated 1815/1825 | Est. £15,000-20,000 (+ fees)
Lot 5: A fine matched pair of Regency 21 inch terrestrial and celestial floor-standing library globes, J. & w. Cary, London, the celestial dated 1799, the terrestrial dated 1815/1825 | Est. £15,000-20,000 (+ fees)

Two years later, in 1976, Courtline went into liquidation. Michael then decided to turn his hobby of repairing, buying, and selling clocks, barometers, and scientific instruments from home. He pursued this passion at home successfully for nearly 50 years.

In 2022, Michael's wife, Alison, passed away. Following her death, he downsized from their large farmhouse, which has prompted him to offer his collection for sale.

Inline Image - Lot 275: A fine and rare George III mahogany spring-driven hooded wall clock, Conyers Dunlop, London, circa 1770 | Est. £7,000-9,000 (+ fees)
Lot 275: A fine and rare George III mahogany spring-driven hooded wall clock, Conyers Dunlop, London, circa 1770 | Est. £7,000-9,000 (+ fees)

Michael Finnemore is an enthusiast in the true sense of the word. This is both demonstrated in the breadth of his collection and in his approach to restoration which was always undertaken with the greatest care and sensitivity and only after extensive research.

His other passion is cartography, showcased by his impressive reconstruction of a 1778 encloses map of the area surrounding the village where he now lives.

It is Michael’s wish that his collection finds new homes with like-minded enthusiasts, who he hopes will gain as much enjoyment from the objects as he has.

Browse The Michael Finnemore Collection

Auction Highlights

Inline Image - Lot 44: An important George I/II ebonised mercury wheel barometer, Francis Hauksbee, London, circa 1725-35 | Est. £12,000-18,000 (+ fees)
Lot 44: An important George I/II ebonised mercury wheel barometer, Francis Hauksbee, London, circa 1725-35 | Est. £12,000-18,000 (+ fees)
Inline Image - Y Lot 104: A fine 18ct gold 'Karrusel' lever keyless pocket watch awarded with kew 'class a' certificate, S. Smith and Son, no. 188-258 London 1903 | Est. £2,000-3,000 (+ fees)
Y Lot 104: A fine 18ct gold 'Karrusel' lever keyless pocket watch awarded with kew 'class a' certificate, S. Smith and Son, no. 188-258 London 1903 | Est. £2,000-3,000 (+ fees)
Inline Image - Lot 147: A fine and rare Victorian engine-turned gilt brass quarter-chiming carriage clock, Payne, London, mid 19th century | Est. £6,000-8,000 (+ fees)
Lot 147: A fine and rare Victorian engine-turned gilt brass quarter-chiming carriage clock, Payne, London, mid 19th century | Est. £6,000-8,000 (+ fees)

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Auction Details

Tuesday 9 September 2025 | 10.30am BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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Browse The Michael Finnemore Collection

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Viewing:
Dreweatts, Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

Friday 5 September: 10am-4pm
Saturday 6 September: 10am-3pm
Sunday 7 September: 10am-3pm
Monday 8 September: 10am-4pm
Tuesday 9 September: 9am-10.30am

Further information:
General enquiries: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553 | clocks@dreweatts.com
Press enquiries: press@dreweatts.com

 

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