With the price of Merrow Associates prices going though the roof, it's worth remembering that it wasn't the only company making that kind of furniture during the '60s and 1970s. This 1970s Howard Miller rosewood and chrome coffee table is proof of that.
You can get reissued George Nelson clocks, but if you want the real deal, you can bid for this original George Nelson Sunburst Clock by Howard Miller.
Indeed, the reissued Nelson Sunburst clocks go for in excess of £200, so that's not exactly a cheap option. This one is signed (see close-up on the listing) and is down as working, with some wear and tear by way of the scuffs, scratches and wear to the brass. Again, see the listing for the full breakdown.
It's certainly an eye-catching piece though, amazing that something like this was in production around 50 years ago. £78.15 is the current price.
A real gem has landed on eBay, this original 1950s George Nelson wall clock by Howard Miller. But there is one small problem with it.
However, yes, an original, not a reproduction. It's down as model 2022, a sunburst-style clock with 12 tapered rosewood rays, plus a drum-shaped metal dial with screw-on back plate. The entire thing has an overall diameter of 18.5 inches.
Condition is described as 'excellent', although the hands and mechanism 'appear to have been replaced' and don't seem to work. A clock expert should be able to sort it out. Anyway, right now it's just 99p – so one to keep an eye on.
Find out more at the eBay website
In terms of classic British design, Merrow Associates is the most overpriced brand you'll find on eBay. Not that long ago, you would be able to pick up the main pieces in charity shops for modest prices. These days, even the most common design is pushing £1,000. Someone even has the cheek to be asking over £20 for a photocopied old catalogue. Yet similar labels are still much cheaper and of similar quality, as this Howard Miller for MDA coffee table shows.
At first glance, this is a Merrow Associates design, sharing the same industrial-style detailing as well as the chrome, rosewood and glass construction. Except this is actually the work of another British company operating at the same time and servicing the same market – Howard Miller of Miller Design Associates.
In 'excellent clean condition', it's on a buy it now of £295 or you can make an offer. There's also a trolley on eBay by the same maker for £175. If you like the look, but don't like the Merrow prices, it's a label worth seeking out…until everyone cottons on and the prices fly up.
Find out more at the eBay website
We've featured various George Nelson reissues in the past, but here's an original one – this George Nelson Built-in wall clock by Howard Miller.
A 1950s midcentury design, this Howard Miller-made clock has apparently never been out of its box, let alone fixed to a wall, which means it's obviously in 'excellent condition' (according to the seller).
Sold with instructions and the original Howard Miller guarantee certificate, it's on a 'Buy It Now' for £74.99.
