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Other Vintage Household Electrical or Electromechanical Items For discussions about other vintage (over 25 years old) electrical and electromechanical household items. See the sticky thread for details. |
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21st Apr 2017, 8:16 pm | #1 |
Pentode
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK.
Posts: 145
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Smiths Sectric Wall Clock
I have several Smiths clocks and have restored a number. This is a recent purchase. I am delighted with it. Very solid and heavy.
The question I have is that it is different from all the others I have. There is no method of changing the time. I assume the hole in the front is push press to start. Anyone even a Smiths like this? Does it mean you need to start it at the correct time? I have a couple of Smiths catalogues 1949 and a later. Nothing like this in those, suspect this is an earlier clock. |
22nd Apr 2017, 8:22 pm | #2 |
Octode
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 1,453
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Re: Smiths Sectric Wall Clock
If the hole in the front is a push starter it must be possible to open the glass, though I can't see any hinges in the pictures. If so you could push the hands 'round by hand, as you would with a mechanical clock.
It's certainly a nice-looking clock. |
22nd Apr 2017, 8:49 pm | #3 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 9,642
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Re: Smiths Sectric Wall Clock
From memory it looks like one we had as a child, except that one had a foot. If so, the glass may be hinged on one side, with a screw through the back at the other.
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22nd Apr 2017, 9:09 pm | #4 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Oxford, UK.
Posts: 17,865
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Re: Smiths Sectric Wall Clock
Very stylish and attractive, Kneale. Not one I've encountered before, so presumably quite rare!
Barrie Smith's info suggests that it must be post-1937 because it is trademarked "Sectric", but not much after that date because it has a prominent "T". The movement is a variant of the De Luxe, i.e. essentially SEC's second synchonous movement design, introduced in 1933. A self-starting version was introduced in 1934 and still produced until c.1955, and I suspect this is what you have, the small hole under the centre arbor on the front being for the tell-tale to show if the clock's running. As to your original question, that's a mystery! I have seen clocks which have been modified or fitted into alternative cases which can sometimes explain anomolies like this. Yours almost has the look of a flush-mounted clock that's been fitted into a simple hardwood case so that it can be used without cutting a recess in the wall... but that doesn't explain the lack of hand-set either. How big is it, BTW? Presumably about a foot across? Last edited by Nickthedentist; 22nd Apr 2017 at 9:23 pm. |
29th Apr 2017, 5:41 pm | #5 |
Pentode
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK.
Posts: 145
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Re: Smiths Sectric Wall Clock
Many thanks and sorry for becoming incognito! Have a big birthday this weekend and preparing was order of the day. It is 12" across and does open (hinged at top). The little window doesn't have an indicator wheel Nick - just a black plate. One other I had thi was used to start.
Never seen a Smiths with no hand adjusting knob. Maybe you do just move the hands from the front? Tried for better photos an of the catalogues I have. Many thanks Kneale. |
29th Apr 2017, 7:48 pm | #6 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Oxford, UK.
Posts: 17,865
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Re: Smiths Sectric Wall Clock
Oh yes, if it does open, then you're just meant to move the hands manually. There is a slipping clutch arrangement, so no harm will be done.
I have several non-glazed Smiths wall clocks which are set in exactly this way. N. |