A rare watch by murdered Norwich watchmaker Lorenz Beha is up for auction alongside other valuable timepieces.
His career ended too soon. He was killed and robbed near Tittleshall and Wellingham on November 18th, 1853. A butcher found his body in a ditch.
A witness reported seeing William Thompson hiding in a bush nearby. Police searched Thompson’s home and found bloody pants on his bed. Several watches marked “L. Beha” were also discovered there.
Thompson was found guilty of Beha’s murder. He was hanged in Norwich on April 15, 1854.
Beha died at age 28. Few of his watches still exist today. A rare watch of his will be sold at an upcoming auction. Another watch, marked “Beha & Lickert & Co,” will also be for sale; it was likely made later by his nephew.
These watches could sell for £50 to £70. They are part of a large collection started by Henry Potter Stevens, who died in 1965.
The collection also includes a notable watch made by Thomas Tompion. It features a table clock from the 17th century made by Jeremias Pfaff.
The auction house anticipates that the entire collection will generate significant interest. They expect to earn a six-figure sum from its sale.