A striking black marble clock that has been kept in a Tauranga household for more than 40 years is now at the centre of a search to reunite it with its original family.

Long-time residents Dennis and Leonie Marsh hope The Weekend Sun can help trace descendants of a man named Mr H. Davy, whose name is engraved on the clock along with the words “From St Andrews Choir” and the date 13/8/79.

Denny’s of Grey Street

The clock came into the Marshes’ possession in the early-1980s, when Dennis was running a second-hand shop in Grey St, Tauranga. The shop, known as Denny’s of Grey Street, regularly received entire house lots when families cleared estates.

“This clock arrived as part of a family lot,” Leonie said. “Dennis bought it, but he always felt it was something special – more than just an item to sell.”

The black marble clock has been in the possession of Dennis and Leonie Marsh for more than 40 years. Photo / David Hall

The couple believed the clock was likely a family heirloom and rather than on-sell it, they kept it and later had it professionally repaired after the marble top was damaged.

When the shop closed about 40 years ago, the clock went home with them.

“It’s been Dennis’ pride and joy,” Leonie said. “But we’ve always known there’s a family out there who would treasure it far more than we can.”

The clock is believed to date back at least a century. Friends with an interest in antiques and church history have suggested the inscription does not refer to 1979, but to an earlier year. The reference to St Andrew’s Choir and the style of engraving point to a possible English origin.

Meaningful milestone

The silver presentation plaque suggests the clock may have been gifted to Mr Davy in recognition of his involvement with the choir – perhaps marking years of service or a significant milestone.

“It’s such a beautiful piece,” Leonie said. “If it was just an ordinary clock, it might not matter so much, but this clearly meant something to someone.”

A close up of the engraving on the clock that was part of a house lot brought into Denny’s of Grey Street in the early 1980s. Photo / David Hall

“It’s such a beautiful piece,” Leonie said. “If it was just an ordinary clock, it might not matter so much, but this clearly meant something to someone.”

Now living at Carmel Village Country Lodge, the Marshes feel the time is right to pass the clock back to the family it belongs to.

They are appealing to anyone who may recognise the name Mr Davy, have links to St Andrew’s Church or choir, or know of ancestors who emigrated to New Zealand and may have lost track of a treasured family item.

Get in touch

“We’d just love to see it returned to a relative – a child, grandchild, cousin, anyone,” Leonie said.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact The Weekend Sun by emailing: Rosalie.LiddleCrawford@nzme.co.nz or phoning 027 210 5483.