Six oddities to bid for at Chiswick Auctions’ From the Curious to the Extraordinary auction

Its inaugural From the Curious to the Extraordinary auction takes place on January 21 and offers a range of items that celebrate the weird, the wonderful and the eccentric. Below is a taste of some of the strange items available at the sale, but there are lots more available to bid for on the auction page at thesaleroom.com.

Dog clock

Made in the 1930s, this dog-shaped German clock tells the time with its eyes. A small mark in each pupil moves around to indicate the time, and there are five-minute markers around each eye. The timepiece movement is fitted within the dog’s head. It is offered with an estimate of £150-200.

View and bid for this dog with time-telling eyes on thesaleroom.com. 

Giant pen

This large promotional model of Parker’s ‘International’ size pen is offered at Chiswick Auctions on January 21 with an estimate of £1200-1800.

This large promotional model of Parker’s ‘International’ size fountain pen, c.2000, shows an ink bottle inscribed The Art of Writing with a pearl marbled duo fountain pen measuring 8ft 4in (2.54m) high. The new range of Parker Duofolds was re-introduced in 1988 as part of the company’s 100^th anniversary. The black and pearl was first launched in 1921. It is offered with an estimate of £1200-1800.

View and bid for this large promotional model of Parker’s ‘International’ size pen on thesaleroom.com.

Mystery head

This terracotta head made for some unknown theatrical function has an estimate of £1000-1500 at Chiswick Auctions on January 21.

This painted terracotta offers a mystery as there is no information on the maker, function or subject. It is indistinctly inscribed to the inside John L.M.L ii V.on.V Theatre, London 1873. However, despite much research, the owner has not been able to find a direct link to any particular theatre. It has been suggested that it was used as a stage prop or acting tool – perhaps a very strong man could place his head inside is to play a part, hence the eyes that are drilled out. Whether it depicts the Green Man, a satyr or the devil himself is also up for discussion. It is offered with an estimate of £1000-1500.

View and bid for this mysterious terracotta head on thesaleroom.com.

Handy chair

This 1960s carved hardwood swivel chair modelled as a hand is offered with an estimate of £1500-2000 at Chiswick Auctions on January 21.

This 1960s carved hardwood swivel chair is modelled as a giant hand with the open palm seat raised on a cylindrical solid wood plinth with a circular base. It is offered with an estimate of £1500-2000.

View and bid for this hand-shaped swivel chair on thesaleroom.com.

Desk calendar

This electric generator-shaped desk calendar has an estimate of £200-300 at Chiswick Auctions on January 21.

This desk calendar was produced by the Scottish industrial electrical engineering company Bruce Peebles. Made in the early 20^th century, it is in the form of an electric generator. It is estimated at £200-300 at Chiswick Auctions.

View and bid for this electric generator-shaped desk calendar on thesaleroom.com.

Tavern dart board

This 19th century tavern dartboard is offered at Chiswick Auctions on January 21 with an estimate of £80-120.

This piece of 19^th century folk art is a dart board made for a tavern. The wooden backboard had an arched top and a tray at the bottom to catch fallen darts. The circular board has metal edging. It is estimated at £80-120.

View and bid for this 19^th century tavern dart board on thesaleroom.com.