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"A pub clock dating back to the introduction of a tax on timepieces more
than 200 years ago has sold at auction for =A38,800.=20
The George III Act of Parliament clock, decorated with hunting scenes, =
was
made around 1797 and was once on the wall of a tavern.=20
It was discovered in a house in Aberdeenshire, where it had been in the
possession of a family for decades.=20
It was sold at Shapes auction house in Edinburgh.=20
Act of Parliament public service wall clocks, most commonly found in
taverns, appeared after the introduction of a tax on all British clocks =
and
watches in 1797.=20
The result was many people simply stopped buying watches and clocks, and
publicans tried to cash in by putting them up in their bars, hoping =
people
would stay for a drink when they went in to check the time=85=85=94

More at:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/8502260.stm