Gents' of Leicester Time Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1920
This time recording clock, manufactured by Gents' of Leicester in England circa 1920, was used by staff at Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth, Victoria, Australia.
Standing 94 cm in height, the device is housed within a wooden and glass cabinet. The clock features a square white dial with black Arabic numerals and minute markers. It is key-wound, while its timing mechanism is electrically powered and paired with an internal pendulum. Designed as a functional industrial instrument, the unit incorporates a large vertical cylinder intended for holding time-recording paper. A blue fabric ribbon runs along the back of this cylinder, supported by metal pins that press the ribbon against the paper to mark time.
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
- Type
- Time recording clock
- Origin
- England
- Function
- Time recording
- Dimensions
- 39 cm x 22 cm x 94 cm
- Provenance
- Mayday Hills Hospital, Beechworth, Victoria
- Inscription
- GENTS' OF LEICESTER MADE IN ENGLAND
- Manufacturer
- Gents' of Leicester
- Place recorded
- England
- Maker / attribution
- Gents' of Leicester
- Registration Number
- SH 923099
Design
- Visible features
- • Cabinet constructed of wood with glass panels • Square dial features Arabic numerals and 'GENTS' OF LEICESTER' signature • Internal pendulum visible beneath the dial • Blue fabric ribbon mechanism attached to a large vertical cylinder
- Mechanical Configuration
- The clock operates through a hybrid system, combining manual and electrical elements. The timing component is driven by electricity, while the clock itself requires key-winding. A pendulum is positioned centrally beneath the dial to assist with time regulation. The recording function is facilitated by a large vertical cylinder situated in the lower portion of the cabinet. This cylinder houses paper for recording time. A blue fabric ribbon is positioned at the back of the cylinder, controlled by metal pins designed to imprint the ribbon onto the paper as required.
- Case and External Features
- The object is housed in an upright rectangular cabinet primarily constructed of wood with large glass panels, providing visibility into the clock's internal mechanics. Measuring 94 cm in height, 39 cm in length, and 22 cm in width, the cabinet serves as a protective enclosure for both the timing mechanism and the specialized recording apparatus. Mounted in the upper section of the cabinet is a square white dial. It is marked with standard black Arabic numerals and minute indices. The dial bears a printed inscription identifying the maker as Gents' of Leicester and stating its English origin.
- Provenance and Institutional Use
- The object was utilized at Mayday Hills Hospital, located in Beechworth, Victoria, Australia. It served as administrative equipment for tracking staff working hours at the institution, which was consistent with its manufacturing period circa 1920. The clock was acquired by the museum collection through a donation from Mayday Hills Hospital in September 1992. It is classified within the institution under medicine and health administration equipment.
Identification
- 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: Specific electrical requirements or power source details remain unverified
- Research required: Completeness of the internal paper-recording mechanism is not documented