Clocks, watches and 20th century paintings were among the excellent sales at Masterpiece London, held from June 30 to July 5.

Dealer feedback remained very upbeat during Masterpiece London, a fair that has well and truly established itself on the international circuit in only its second year. Anthony Woodburn of Anthony Woodburn Limited, an eminent dealer in fine 17th and 18th century English clocks and barometers said, “Masterpiece London 2011 has been a very successful fair for us so far. In fact, Preview day was the best day I have ever had at a fair and I have been exhibiting for forty years.”  

John Carlton-Smith has sold an exquisite decorative mantel clock of small size (13 inches) by Robert Ward London c. 1780 for in excess of £200,000. This magnificent eighteenth century table clock is in silver with a very fine gilt mount including the busts of George III and Queen Charlotte inlaid with jewels and standing on four silver elephants.

Somlo Antiques, London’s leading antique pocket watch and vintage wrist watch specialist, has sold a rare early rock crystal cased, pre-balance spring watch made by Robert Grinkin: Fleet Street London. The watch is dated 1640.

20th century paintings have also been a popular investment at this year’s fair with sales made for both Sims Reed Gallery and Offer Waterman & Co. Sims Reed Gallery, renowned for original modern master and contemporary graphics and works on paper by European, American and British Artists, has had success with the sales of a Joan Miro – Trace sur la Paroi III -  for £20,000 and a Warhol – A&P Surprise – for £3,200.   Offer Waterman & Co. has sold a Frank Auerbach painting - Portrait of Christopher Dark - dated 1977.  This stunning chalk and charcoal on paper drawing is signed and dated by the artist.  In addition the gallery has also sold E (T.R.) IV by John Golding dated 1976.

Causing a stir was a magnificent lady’s dressing table circa 1930 on the Butchoff Antiques stand which was made for one of the many wives of The Nizam of Hyderbad, the world’s richest man in 1930. It is priced at £175,000 and was made by the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company Ltd of London. Butchoff Antiques has also sold a pair of bronzes to a first-time visitor of the fair.

Erik Franck of Erik Franck Fine Art was reunited with his past when he discovered that 88 Gallery was exhibiting a perfect example of his grandfather’s exquisite Africanism-inspired panelling.  Until today Erik had no idea his grandfather’s work would be at the fair, let alone on the stand directly opposite his.

The event, held at South Grounds of The Royal Hospital Chelsea, London SW3, showcases exceptional pieces across all disciplines including the fine and decorative arts, classic cars, jewellery and fine wine.