AN ALARM ‘obsessed’ great grandad is selling his collection of over 550 clocks – and they could be worth thousands.
Frank Randell has been gathering the novelty items from across the globe since the early 1990s and many are set to fetch a whopping £1,000 at auction.
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The 79-year-old’s fixation was sparked by a James Bond themed alarm clock, which prompted him to notice a Beatles one shortly afterwards.
The retired transport director, from Nottingham, said: “It turned into a passion, some might say obsession.
“Wherever my wife Ann and I went in the world – America, France, Japan, China – if I saw a clock that suited my collection I bought it.
“I searched for them at collectors’ fairs too. They were all kept on display in glass cabinets in a basement room used for family events.
“I documented every clock, where I bought it and what it cost. And every six weeks I checked over them all, replacing any dead batteries. That was a big job.”
But now Frank is seeing in his 80th birthday, he has decided to throw in the towel and discover if three decades of dedication will prove to be fruitful on April 28 at Hansons Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire.
However, he is holding a few back to gift to his three children, six grandchildren, and great granddaughter.
Steve Fulford, Hansons’ valuer, was amazed at Frank’s collection, he said: “I have never come across anything quite like it. It’s phenomenal and I absolutely love it.
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“People amass all sorts of things, from toys and cars to ceramics and militaria, but specifically focusing on alarm clocks is pretty unusual.”
The expert highlighted the collection holds value because it contains 20th century alarm clocks dating back to the 1930s.
“They’re so fun and cute, especially the animated ones. Thanks to their connection to pop culture they demonstrate what made people tick through the decades”, he added.
Novelty items include Noddy, the Flintstones, Mickey Mouse, Roland Rat, Wallace and Gromit, Popeye, Star Wars and Mr T themed clocks.
Steve continued: “They connect us with our childhood, famous films, books and TV shows.”
Another promising feature of Frank’s clock hoard is their range in price.
Hanson’s Auctioneer’s has assessed pieces ranging from £40 to £1,000 which means there will be something for everyone.
“The best example I am aware of is a Bakelite clock with a moving ship. I have seen those fetch between £400 and £1,000 at auction”, explained Steve.
They are sure to appeal to bidders who desire a change from the “characterless slab of plastic that is their mobile phone”, according to the expert.
He continued: “Let’s face it, that’s not half as much fun as a nodding Noddy or animated cockerel.
“Frank’s collection is a joy. He paid thousands of pounds to buy his clocks over the years.
“And if you haven’t started collecting alarm clocks yet, maybe now’s the time.”
This comes as many people are discovering their unusual collections could fetch them thousands at auction.
A vintage Star Wars toy hoard found at the back of a cupboard is set to go under the hammer for an eye-watering £600,000.
The over 400 near-mint figurines – including Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader – are still in their original packaging.
Dating from the late 1970s and early 80s, the plastic toys had been stashed in a carboard box for 40 years by a pensioner.
In Livingston, Scotland, a dad-of-two hopes his giant collection of Pokémon cards will be worth more than a quarter of a million pounds.
Gordon White, 58, has been hoarding the rare trading cards for 16 years and has amassed thousands.
He has already cashed in by selling half of his collection, which fetched a whopping £200,000 when it went under the hammer in November last year.
And, a collector who found 1,246 coins over the last 45 years sold the lot for £2million.
Robert Puddester paid up to £250 for some of the rarer coins, but the value of East India Company coins has shot up over the last 30 years.
The top selling lot was a Bombay half-mohur from 1765 which sold for £117,800.
A 1765 Bombay gold mohur sold for £99,200, as did a rare 1770 Bombay gold 15 rupees, which was one of only four known examples.
Suprising household items that are worth a fortune and how to find them
Experts believe the average UK attic hides valuables totalling a staggering £1,922, and around £33billion worth of “junk” lurks in our cupboards and drawers
Antiques expert Charlie Ross, who regularly appears on Bargain Hunt and Flog It!, has listed several items to look out for in your home.
’90s vinyl
“Records made from about 1992 to 1999 are especially valuable as not a lot was made at that time. Vinyl from bands like Mansun might sell for £80 or Kula Shaker, £65,” said the expert.
Star Wars
“What really sells well is carded figures, One auction recently sold a rare character called Yak Face, from Return Of The Jedi, for over £1,500,” said Charlie
Fountain Pens
The Bargain Hunt presenter said: “A rare Namiki fountain pen once sold for £6,000 at auction, while auction house Dreweatts sold a limited-edition Montblanc for an incredible £14,000.”
Old mobiles
“Even if they are not worth a huge amount now, there is no doubt that they will become valuable, so they are worth keeping. The first one of any particular series might also be worth something in years to come”. said Charlie.
Autographs
“If you have a collection of all the Beatles’ autographs, you are sitting on a fortune!” Charlie added.
“I recently met a chap who had a book full of cricketers’ autographs – even that was worth £100.”
Comics
“A Batman Adventures Comic from 1993 could make you around £800. Comics are valuable as they are typically limited edition and quite rare,” explained the expert.
For more information on hidden valuable items, read here
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