A CARRIAGE clock presented as a gift to the founder of modern nursing Florence Nightingale is to be auctioned off to raise funds for Worcester’s St Richard’s Hospice.
The eight-inch timepiece was thought to have been given to the famous Victorian nurse to fellow social reformer Mathilde Schwabe.
The current owner of the clock, who has asked to remain anonymous, will donate all cash raised from its sale to the hospice.
The clock, inscribed with the words ‘MES from Florence Nightingale, 10 October 1887’ will be sold by Philip Serrell Auctioneers with bidding now open.
Mr Serrell is a patron of St Richard’s Hospice and will be waiving auction fees and buyer’s premium.
The auctioneer’s estimate of between £1,000 and £2,000 has already been topped with the current bid standing at £4,200.
The clock has received interest from across the globe and the bidding will run until midday on May 22.
St Richard’s Hospice fund-raising director Tricia Cavell said: “This is such a wonderful and uplifting gesture from a supporter during these difficult times.
“We truly appreciate the donation of the auction sale proceeds from this historic and beautiful clock.”
She described the fact it was presented to Florence Nightingale as ‘poignant’ as all the funds raised will help the hospice’s own nursing team care for patients and their families during such a challenging time.
“We have fantastic supporters and are hopeful that together with help from government and the community, we can come through these financially testing times.”
Mr Serrell said the current owner of the clock inherited it from a cousin who was great-niece of Miss Schwabe.
The owner believes Miss Schwabe received the clock from Florence Nightingale in recognition of work or help she had provided.
Visit www.serrell.com for more on the auction.
