This enchanting 8 Day Smiths wall clock is thought to date back to the 1920s. Bakelite was an early form of brittle plastic, typically dark brown, made from formaldehyde and phenol, used chiefly for electrical equipment.
In 1931, Smiths English Clocks, of Cricklewood Works, Edgware Road, London, then called S. Smith and Sons (Motor Accessories) Ltd, entered the domestic clock market and formed a new company, Smiths English Clocks Ltd, as the Clock and Watch division with Cricklewood as the main factory. Smiths were one of the first companies to produce synchronous electric clocks. These were put on the market towards the end of 1931. Smiths formed a subsidiary company called Synchronous Electric Clocks to produce these clocks as the first models carry this name.
In 1932 they purchased English Clock and Watch Manufacturers of Coventry, and acquired the trade names Astral and Empire. In 1934 Smiths bought the Enfield Clock Co and they produced a synchronous alarm clock which they named the Callboy. The Smith's 8 day Calotte clock made its debut at the British Industries Fair in 1934. Prior to this date calottes had been exclusively of foreign manufacture. Also that year, Smiths introduced the Batriclock which was intended for areas where the synchronous clock could not be used.
In 1935, they introduced the Synfinity, which Smiths described as "the clock that never stops". They said it was "the remarkable combination of a synchronous electric movement with the essential elements of a fine precision lever escapement". If the electric supply failed the clock would run for up to six hours and rewind when the power returned. Apparently the synchronous motor also corrected the mechanical time train at intervals. Smiths produced a synchronous electric chiming clock. In 1937, the trade name Sectric appeared on Smiths electric clocks. Also the introduction by Smith's of a calotte clock with an alarm movement.
After the regrouping the Clock and Watch division of the company, Smiths English Clocks Ltd consisted of the following main companies: A. B. E. Co, Enfield Clock Co, English Clock Systems, British Precision Springs, J. E. V. Winterbourne, Pullars Instruments, United Kingdom Clock Co, Clock Components, Anglo-Celtic Watch Co (Associated).
- We are Time in Hand (Shipston) Ltd, established antique clock shop and restoration service for over 40 years based in the Cotswolds. All clocks are fully restored prior to delivery or collection. All clocks come with a 1 year guarantee.
We can deliver and set up clocks in person (up to a 60 mile radius) - arrangement to be agreed with customer prior to visit. Courier delivery also possible. For sales enquiries, email: sales@timeinhand.co.uk, for repair or restoration services, email mail@timeinhand.co.uk. www.timeinhand.co.uk.
Antiques.co.uk Ref: NE7EVKU2
- Maker/Artist:
- Smiths
- Materials:
- Bakelite
- Width (cm):
- 28
- Height (cm):
- 28
- Depth (cm):
- 9
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