59. Ilbert Collection.- Gardner (Malcolm) Ilbert Horological Collection Probate Valuation, 3 vol. (Clocks; Watches; Watch Movements & Watches), carbon-duplicated manuscript, original cloth-backed wrappers, a little rubbed, folio, 1956 § Ilbert (C.A.) The Celebrated Collection of the English and Continental Clocks…, [2 copies], sale catalogue (never executed, see below), colour frontispiece, illustrations, original printed boards, slightly soiled, spines a little browned, Christie's, Nov.1958, folio & 8vo (5)
Courtenay Adrian Ilbert (1888-1956) "became one of the greatest horological collectors of the twentieth century and a recognized authority on the subject of antiquarian horology…Following his death in 1956, Ilbert's extensive library of books was bequeathed to the British Horological Institute and a longcase clock, made by Tompion for the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, was left to the National Maritime Museum. When Ilbert's estate was settled in 1958 his vast collection was destined for the London sale-rooms. There were approximately 2,300 watches and watch movements, 40 marine chronometers, 210 clocks, including the Drummond Robertson collection of Japanese clocks, and various prints, horological tools, watch papers and other items of horological interest.
Following protracted negotiations with the government of the time, a private donation of £60,000 by Gilbert Edgar, chairman of the H. Samuel watch retailers and jewellers, and a public subscription organised by the Clockmakers' Company, the entire Ilbert collection was finally purchased for the nation in December 1958." British Museum
est. £500 – £700
Possibly unique listing (?maybe a copy in the British Museum) of the entire Ilbert collection which in 1956 totalled £44,601 17s including £2500 for printed books; with correspondence between C.A.Ilbert's nephew and Charles Allix concerning a proposed publication of the listing loosely inserted (never produced).