Smith Electric mantel clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1938
This electric mantel clock was produced circa 1938 by Smiths English Clocks Ltd in Cricklewood, England. The object features a synchronous electric movement housed within a simple, wooden framework.
The dial is round, finished in white, and features black Arabic numerals. The clock assembly is set behind a round bezel, with a seconds aperture positioned above the numeral six. The piece is marked 'Smith Electric' and 'Made in England' on the dial, while the reverse side bears a 'SEC' trade mark alongside patent information. The clock entered the collection via a bequest from Mrs E. M. Askew in July 1970.
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
- Date
- circa 1938
- Type
- Electric clock
- Acquisition
- Bequest from Mrs E. M. Askew, July 1970
- Patent Info
- 366710/369438/374713
- Manufacturer
- Smiths English Clocks Ltd
- Movement Type
- Electric synchronous
- Place recorded
- England
- Dial Inscriptions
- Smith Electric; Made in England
- Maker / attribution
- Smiths English Clocks Ltd
- Registration Number
- ST 26684
Design
- Visible features
- • Dial features black Arabic numerals against a white background • Movement is held in a minimalist, square wooden housing with cut-outs • Includes a small seconds aperture on the dial face • Marked with SEC trade mark on the reverse
- Construction and Dial
- The clock is configured as a mantel piece, consisting of a round movement unit secured within a simple wooden framework. The framework is described as rough, suggesting a utilitarian design focus. The dial itself is round and white, presenting a clean layout with black Arabic numerals for hour markers. A notable feature is the small seconds aperture, which is positioned on the dial immediately above the numeral six. This component is protected by a round bezel that frames the face of the clock, providing a point of contrast against the surrounding wooden structure.
- History and Provenance
- This clock is held under the registration number ST 26684 within the collection of Museums Victoria. The records indicate that the item was acquired in July 1970 through a bequest from Mrs E. M. Askew. There is no further information provided regarding the clock's service history or use prior to its entry into the museum records. The piece is catalogued as part of the institution's science and measurement holdings. The source associates the production with the Cricklewood locality in England, Great Britain, involving both Smiths English Clocks Ltd and its subsidiary, Synchronous Electric Clocks Ltd, during the period around 1938.
- Signatures and Patents
- The clock carries multiple markings that identify its production origins and technical basis. The front of the dial bears the brand name 'Smith Electric' and specifies the place of manufacture as England. On the reverse side of the object, additional identifying information is provided. This includes a 'SEC' trade mark and further production detail. A label attached to the clock cites specific English patent numbers, indicating the incorporation of proprietary synchronous electric movement technology developed by the manufacturer and its subsidiary, Synchronous Electric Clocks Ltd.
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: The exact function or original context of the 'rough' wooden frame remains unverified
- Research required: Relationship between the specific patent numbers and internal mechanical variations is not elaborated in the source