On Saturday 22nd October, Cheffins will offer the RH Clark model collection at auction, as part of the firm’s Cambridge Vintage Sale. Comprising of 12 models from the esteemed engineering author, Ronald H Clark, these engines could gross a total of £30,000.
The models on offer once formed part of one of the largest collections of historical engineering items in the UK, which had been collated by Harry O Clark during the 1930s. Following Harry Clark’s death in 1944, his son Ronald H Clark took ownership and extended the collection.
Harry Clark was a professional engineer as well as a skilled model engineer. He was Chief Mechanical Engineer for Laurence, Scott & Co of Norwich as well as being President of the Norwich & District Society of Model Engineers. He was a frequent contributor to Model Engineer magazine, many of his models were acquired as derelicts and rebuilt in his workshop.
Ronald H Clark, (1904-1999), was a chartered Mechanical Engineer and well-known author of many books and articles on the history of steam on road and rail, particularly in the Eastern Counties. His works include: The development of the English traction engine, Steam-engine builders of Norfolk, A traction engine Miscellany and Development of the English Steam Wagon amongst many others.
Jeremy Curzon, Consultant at Cheffins says: “The majority of the Clark collection was disposed of at auction following Ronald Clark’s death, however, a few of the engines were out on short term loan at the time and escaped being sold. These were then bequeathed to the current vendor by Ronald Clark. They have been on display at the Forncett Industrial Steam Museum, near Norwich, ever since. The model engines are true antique working models and as such represent an extremely rare opportunity to purchase items with such a fine provenance and scope for further research.”
One of the highlights is an Atkinson single cylinder three deck table engine with plank lagged cylinder. This engine was first built by a toolmaker at John Penn & Sons works in Greenwich c1865 and has undergone various re-incarnations since. Its history and build by H O Clark is recorded and illustrated in The Model Engineer on July 27th, 1939. This engine has an estimate of £5,000 - £6,000
Also available is a Duplex twin cylinder, horizontal mill engine, with much embellishment and mounted to a cast iron base, which has an estimate of £4,000 - £5,000; whilst a single cylinder inverted vertical engine, bearing a brass plaque reading ‘WM Goddard 1875 Norwich’ has an estimate of £3,000 - £4,000
The sale will take place on Saturday 22nd October at the Cheffins Machinery Saleground, Sutton, near Ely, CB6 2QT.
For more information, please call Cheffins auctioneers on 01353 777767.