An 1830s mahogany grandfather clock signed by Edward Francis, a Leesburg silversmith and watch repairman, sold for $12,650 during an Aug. 2 auction. The auction was held at the Tillet and Damewood Auction Barn in Ashburn.

Francis, who was born in 1807 in Loudoun County, once owned a store on King Street in historic Downtown Leesburg.

The clock is a hot commodity for local antique collectors, especially since it was made locally, says Brian Damewood of Tillett and Damewood Auctioneers.

“Here it has a lot more significance because you’re dealing with a Loudoun County antique,” Damewood said. “Somebody who’s into collecting Loudoun history and local history, this is the kind of item they’re going to be into. Our auction provides a good marketplace and a good platform for that item, in this case a clock.”

According to Damewood, the clock will be kept in a Loudoun County estate, which he said, he was very pleased to hear it will remain local.

To read about the history of the clock, click here.