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Old 14th May 2020, 11:00 am   #1
TALKINGWITHPYE
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Default Smiths square art deco clock

I remember when I was a teenager some time ago I had a Smiths electric clock in my bedroom. It was in a brown case and was square, does anyone have pictures of such clocks and any idea of when they were manufactured?
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Old 14th May 2020, 8:41 pm   #2
Nickthedentist
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Default Re: Smiths square art deco clock

Give us some more info... When do you think it was made? They were produced from the 1930s through to the 1970s and beyond.

Was the case wood, Bakelite or thermoplastic?

Did it have Roman numerals, Arabic numerals, or just decorative battens or dots?

What were the hands like? Plain, ornate, art-deco?

Can you remember what the back looked like?

Nick.
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Old 15th May 2020, 10:40 am   #3
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Default Re: Smiths square art deco clock

I have two, possibly like these?
http://www.richardsradios.co.uk/smith.html
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Old 15th May 2020, 11:12 am   #4
TALKINGWITHPYE
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Default Re: Smiths square art deco clock

Thanks for your replies, the case was bakelite and the numerals were aribic and the hands were plain from what I rember. This was not an alarm clock it was just that I liked it and we had clocks in other rooms in the house.
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Old 15th May 2020, 11:36 am   #5
TALKINGWITHPYE
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Default Re: Smiths square art deco clock

To Nick the clocks you posted are similar but the one I had did not have so much of a rounded top, more of a stepped rise to a flat top.
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Old 15th May 2020, 11:52 am   #6
Herald1360
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Default Re: Smiths square art deco clock

Have you tried a Google image search on "Smiths electric clock" ?


Several results might match your description.....
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Old 15th May 2020, 11:58 am   #7
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Default Re: Smiths square art deco clock

Something like the one in the attached photo?

Alan
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Old 15th May 2020, 1:10 pm   #8
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Default Re: Smiths square art deco clock

Quote:
Originally Posted by Herald1360 View Post
Have you tried a Google image search on "Smiths electric clock" ?

Several results might match your description.....
I was just going to suggest that too, Smiths made countless different clocks and an image search would probably pin-point the one you would remember.
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Old 15th May 2020, 1:53 pm   #9
TALKINGWITHPYE
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Default Re: Smiths square art deco clock

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...vMH1u&usqp=CAU

Thanks Herald I found it on google images as you suggested.
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Old 15th May 2020, 3:14 pm   #10
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Default Re: Smiths square art deco clock

Glad you found it.

This model is not rare, and if you keep looking, you should be able to find one on eBay. Expect to pay £5 if tatty up to about £30 or more if pristine. It may also be branded as "SEC" or "Genalex": https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ZSUAA...11d/s-l400.jpg

A presentable-but-unrestored one is often best value, if you can do the restoration yourself.

Be aware that the plastic numbers and their supporting square can sometimes be found horribly distorted. I'm not sure what causes it, possibly too much direct sunlight.

N.
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Old 16th May 2020, 3:36 am   #11
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Default Re: Smiths square art deco clock

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nickthedentist View Post

Be aware that the plastic numbers and their supporting square can sometimes be found horribly distorted. I'm not sure what causes it, possibly too much direct sunlight.

N.
I'm glad you mentioned that, Nick. I've been having a close look at a similar bakelite, art deco Smiths clock on ebay - a 'Sovereign'. This model was sold in Australia from the late 1930s to the late 1940s, but by then it was looking dated. The square holding the numbers looks a bit pin-cushiony. The 6 has dropped pulling in the bottom corners. Image attached. In fact it all looks a bit saggy. Anything near a window in Australia can be damaged over time.
Although the example on Les Pook's page has suffered from this too.
regards,
Steven
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