Clock that saw First World War action is going up for auction...

The two-day Charterhouse sale, on June 10 and 11, includes a super selection of timepieces.

“Generally wherever you are today, you will easily be able to see what the time is,” said auctioneer Richard Bromell.

“Whether in the car, sitting at your desk or watching the telly, there will be a wristwatch, clock or mobile phone all of which will give you the accurate time.

“While we take this all for granted today, for centuries if you wanted to know what the time was you relied on the village or town clock, not that it stops us from being late today.”

Among those up for auction are two clocks from opposing sides of two world wars.

From the First World War is an Imperial German Navy ships bulkhead clock fitted in vessel V46. Launched in 1914, V46 was a high seas torpedo boat at 261 ft capable of 34.5 knots.

At the end of hostilities, V46 was interned at Scapa Flow where attempts to scuttle her along with the rest of the German fleet were made but failed.

LOT: A German Imperial Navy First World War ships clock - £400-£600

The clock, now mounted in a walnut case applied a plaque which reads “Salved from V46 Scuttled at Scapa June 21 1919”, this piece of First World War history is estimated at £400-£600.

Moving forward to the Second World War and is it is the turn of the British to issue a clock.

In a somewhat utilitarian oak case made to MOD specification is an RAF clock.

LOT: An RAF Second World War Officer’s Mess clock - £400-600

Issued in 1941 the clock probably spent the duration of the war in an officer’s mess, although it is not known where. Fitted with an Elliott single fusee movement it is also estimated at £400-£600.

Going back in time, dating to circa 1660, just a few years before the Great Fire of London, is a fine longcase clock.

Of small and slender proportions, the dial is signed Fabian Robin Londini Fecit. Fitted with a sophisticated eight day five pillar movement striking the hours on a bell it is in a walnut case with floral marquetry inlaid decoration and is estimated at £3,000-£5,000.

LOT: A mid-17th century marquetry longcase clock - £3,000-£5,000

Another fine clock, dating to the end of the 19th century, is a carriage clock made in Paris, circa 1870.

This was an expensive travelling clock and remains so today with an unusual bird mounted carrying handle estimated at £800-£1,200.

LOT: A late-19th century French carriage clock - £800-£1,200

Viewing for the auctions, on Thursday and Friday, June 10 and 11, is at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, on June 8 and 9, 9am to 5pm. Alternatively you can see all the lots and follow the auction live via www.charterhouse-auction.com.