1920s Norfolk schoolmaster's clock discovered for sale in America
A clock, which was dedicated to a long-serving head master of a Caister school is up for sale by a family in the state of Ohio. - Credit: The Podboy family.
It was a gift handed over to a much respected Norfolk schoolmaster way back in 1923.
And now, almost 100 years later, an inscribed ceremonial clock has made its way from Caister on the Norfolk coast to the United States of America, where it is being put up for auction.
It was May 31, 1923 when Mr C H Beevor was given the clock, made by Aldred and Son of Great Yarmouth, for his 33 years of service as head master of Caister Council School.
However, it is now in the hands of American hobbyist antique dealers, David Podboy and Alessandra Krusciel-Podboy, and currently on sale for $300.
Tony Baker, chairman of Caister Parish Council, said: "It's lovely to see that the efforts of a schoolteacher from Caister made their way across to the United States.
"I doubt many people in Ohio have even heard of the village. It's amazing how things move around.
"It would be lovely if the clock could be returned to Caister."
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The clock's current owner, Dr Podboy - an obstetrician and gynaecologist - said he and his wife have had the clock for about a year after buying a job lot from an estate sale in Toledo, Ohio.
Dr Podboy claims to not be a clock expert and has not checked whether it still works.
The Podboys said the clock, which is missing its key, has been listed on their eBay account for almost a year, but hasn't received much interest.
Dr Podboy added: "I think it's pretty cool. It's from a period which sells well and it has a cool name: 'Aldred and Son of Great Yarmouth'".
The family name, Aldred, currently operate as a chartered surveyor in East Norfolk.
However, in the 18th century, Aldred was one of the four families that founded Lowestoft porcelain.
By the 19th century, the Aldred family were jewellers and clockmakers and opened a shop on Broad Row in Great Yarmouth.
By 1857, Samuel Aldred entered property management and auctioneering and, since a merger with Duffield and Son in 1963, the firm has continued trading under the Aldred name.
Mark Duffield, director of Aldreds, said: "It would be nice to see it come home and it's not terribly expensive."
What would you like to see happen to the clock? Email james.weeds@archant.co.uk