Mantel clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1937-1939
This Art Deco electric mantelpiece clock features a dark brown case made of compression-moulded phenol-formaldehyde (Bakelite). The clock measures 15.2 cm in height, 18.4 cm in length, and 5.1 cm in depth. Its central dial is enclosed within a square brass surround and displays brass numerals and hands set against a dark face. The dial is branded with the inscription 'SMITH SECTRIC'.
The clock was manufactured between 1937 and 1939 by Smiths English Clocks Ltd in Cricklewood, London. Smith electric clocks began bearing the 'Sectric' trade name after 1937.
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.
Historical context
This clock was previously part of a collection of plastic items assembled by Fred Bulmer, a collector based in Leeds, Yorkshire. In late 1982, Bulmer offered his collection of 'plastic antiques' to the Victoria and Albert Museum, which purchased 59 objects the following year.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Compression-moulded phenol-formaldehyde ('Bakelite'); brass
- Dimensions
- Length: 18.4 cm; Depth: 5.1 cm; Height: 15.2 cm
Technical characteristics
- Inscriptions
- Date: Text: Research required; Latest: Research required; Earliest: Research required; Note: Research required; Type: Research required; Medium: Research required; Method: Research required; Script: Research required; Content: 'SMITH SECTRIC'; Language: Research required; Position: Research required; Inscriber: Name: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Association: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Description: Research required; Translation: Research required; Interpretation: Research required; Transliteration: Research required
- Maker recorded
- Smiths English Clocks Ltd
- Place recorded
- London
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Mantel clock
- Museum object number
- W.62-1983
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.