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Old 5th Dec 2018, 9:13 am   #1
IvorBlister
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Default Time switch

I recently saw this time switch on Chesterfield antiques and collectibles market. Perhaps someone could recognise the style. It looks to be too well made to be a diy timer but a bit strange to be a commercially produced one. Perhaps for a specific process?

It consists of a sprung loaded toggle switch which, I am guessing, is held in the off position. A lever at the side is moved to hold it in the on position. The timer has an arm attached which, at the appropriate set time releases the spring and the switch returns to the off position. I assume it would be for low voltage switching given that the terminals are exposed. It looks as though there could have been a cover attached in the past as holes in the wooden back board look as though hinges could have been attached.

Anyone recognise the device or ideas for use?

Nick
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Old 5th Dec 2018, 12:42 pm   #2
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Default Re: Time switch

I spotted that back in September but thought it was a bit too rusty and passed.
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Old 5th Dec 2018, 2:19 pm   #3
IvorBlister
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Default Re: Time switch

Yes certainly very rusty. I didn't buy either.
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Old 5th Dec 2018, 2:26 pm   #4
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Default Re: Time switch

It sure does have a very posh light switch on it.
The timer looks relatively modern compared with the other parts.
Perhaps it came from the lighting system in a shop or factory display/car park.
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Old 5th Dec 2018, 3:25 pm   #5
Hartley118
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Default Re: Time switch

Interesting that the timer mechanism is clearly purpose-designed but is clockwork. I wonder whether it's the timer from a gas street lamp which has been ingeniously modified to switch an electric light. Gas lamp timers are generally of that cylindrical shape.

I remember growing up with a 4-burner gas street lamp just outside our house. Every week the service technician would put up his ladder, open the lantern, and wind up the timeswitch. If necessary, he'd replace mantles: that was exciting to a small boy because the new mantle would flare up dramatically as it started up and settled in.

Martin
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Old 5th Dec 2018, 3:39 pm   #6
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Default Re: Time switch

The Mechanism looks like a 1960/70's Horstman time switch.

We used them to switch off the Audio at night on Pelicans

The ones we used were mains operated with a clockwork mechanism to deal with power cuts.

You could wind them up manually but I think they self wound when there was power connected.

I still have a similar model kicking around somewhere.

It looks a bit of a Frankenstein to me.

Cheers

Mike T
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Old 5th Dec 2018, 3:53 pm   #7
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Default Re: Time switch

Yes, as Martin's said, that's a gas cock timer repurposed to switch electricity!

The Horstmann stuff was often branded "Newbridge", and I think Mike is right that this is indeed made by them.

Probably pre-war but not definitely. These must have been available cheaply as surplus when electricity ousted them.

Some good pics of an unmolested one here: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/5909...yABEgI1FfD_BwE

N.
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Old 8th Dec 2018, 9:36 pm   #8
Nickthedentist
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Default Re: Time switch

More info here... produced until the 1980s apparently!

http://williamsugghistory.co.uk/?page_id=2197
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