Dent Night Watchman's 'Tell Tale' Recording Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
mid 20th century
This mid-20th-century night watchman's 'Tell Tale' recording clock was produced by Dent and supplied to 'Magneta Time Co Ltd, Goblin Works, Leatherhead'. Preserved in a circular brass case measuring 9 cm (3 1/2 inches) in diameter, the timepiece is marked with serial number 65109 and patent number 544119.
According to the auction source, the device is accompanied by a dedicated leather carrying case, multiple unused recording papers, and station keys.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Keys
- 7 keys
- Type
- Watchman's clock
- Maker
- Dent
- Diameter
- 9cm (3 1/2 inches)
- Patent Number
- 544119
- Serial Number
- 65109
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Supplier Details
- Magneta Time Co Ltd, Goblin Works, Leatherhead
- Maker / attribution
- Dent
Design
- Visible features
- • Circular brass recording clock engraved with 'RECORDING CLOCK', 'Made by DENT LONDON' in a triangular logo, supplier details, serial number 65109, and 'PAT. Nº 544119'. • A raised key slot mechanism positioned on the brass face beside a circular aperture showing the numeral 12. • Fitted brown leather carrying case with strap, holding stacked circular paper recording dials marked with hourly numerals. • Five brass station keys with pin-like tips arranged adjacent to the clock in the photograph.
- Identity and Casing Inscriptions
- Catalogued as a mid-20th-century night watchman's 'Tell Tale' recording clock manufactured by Dent, this instrument is housed in a circular brass case measuring 9 cm (3 1/2 inches) in diameter. The auction text describes it as a 'signed and numbered brass cased time piece supplied to 'Magneta Time Co Ltd, Goblin Works, Leatherhead''. Direct visual observation of the brass casing records engraved text reading 'RECORDING CLOCK', 'Made by DENT LONDON' positioned within a triangular logo, the supplier details, serial number 65109, and 'PAT. Nº 544119'.
- Technical and Documentation Limitations
- The catalogue does not provide internal photographs or technical descriptions of the movement. Consequently, the escapement mechanism, train layout, and running condition are not recorded in this source. Dating rests entirely on the auctioneer's stylistic estimation of 'mid 20th century'. The relationship between serial number 65109, patent number 544119, and the exact manufacturing date is not established within the catalogue documentation.
- Recording Apparatus and Accompanying Equipment
- On the exterior of the brass face, visual observation notes a raised key slot mechanism positioned alongside a circular aperture displaying the numeral 12. The timepiece is accompanied by a brown leather carrying case fitted with a strap, containing multiple unused circular recording paper dials marked with hourly divisions. The catalogue entry specifies the clock comes 'With 7 keys.', although the lot photograph only displays five brass station keys with pin-like tips arranged beside the instrument.
Identification
- Reference
- Patent no. 544119
- Serial number
- 65109
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The auction text lists 'With 7 keys', though only five brass keys are visible in the lot photograph.
- Research required: Internal clockwork movement is neither displayed nor described in the catalogue.