Auctioneer and valuer Adam Partridge has discovered a rare 18th century longcase clock built by Knutsford clockmaker Thomas Gaskell.

"We had one here 12 years ago," said Adam, who works for Frank R Marshall. "We won't see one for another 12 years."

The clock - described by Adam as a superb example - is in an oak case, crossbanded in mahogany, and is still in working order.

It boasts an eight-day movement and the dial is hand painted with birds and flowers.

The only thing Adam is still unsure about is whether Thomas Gaskell, who made clocks between 1784 and 1795, was related to author Elizabeth Gaskell.

The current owner - who lives near Sandbach - has owned it for 20 years and bought it from a woman who lived on the Wirral.

The clock will be auctioned next Tuesday and will be available for viewing next Monday.

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