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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Watchman's clock

Dent Night Watchman's 'Tell Tale' Recording Clock

Partially verified

This mid-20th-century night watchman's 'Tell Tale' recording clock was produced by Dent and supplied to 'Magneta Time Co Ltd, Goblin Works, Leatherhead'. Preserved in a circular brass case measuring 9 cm (3 1/2 inches) in diameter, the timepiece is marked with serial number 65109 and patent number 544119. According to the auction source, the device is accompanied by a dedicated leather carrying case, multiple unused recording papers, and station keys.

Dent night watchman's brass recording clock shown with leather carrying case and five brass station keys
Dent night watchman's brass recording clock shown with leather carrying case and five brass station keys — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Clock · Watchman's clock
Maker / attribution
Dent
Reference
Patent no. 544119
Catalogue / lot identifier
495
Source-reported date
mid 20th century
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
65109

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Identity and Casing Inscriptions

Catalogued as a mid-20th-century night watchman's 'Tell Tale' recording clock manufactured by Dent, this instrument is housed in a circular brass case measuring 9 cm (3 1/2 inches) in diameter. The auction text describes it as a 'signed and numbered brass cased time piece supplied to 'Magneta Time Co Ltd, Goblin Works, Leatherhead''.

Direct visual observation of the brass casing records engraved text reading 'RECORDING CLOCK', 'Made by DENT LONDON' positioned within a triangular logo, the supplier details, serial number 65109, and 'PAT. Nº 544119'.

Evidence for this section
  • “A mid 20th century night watchman's 'Tell Tale' recording clock Dent”
  • “supplied to 'Magneta Time Co Ltd, Goblin Works, Leatherhead'”
  • “9cm (3 1/2 inches) diameter”
  • “Circular brass recording clock engraved with 'RECORDING CLOCK', 'Made by DENT LONDON' in a triangular logo, supplier details, serial number 65109, and 'PAT. Nº 544119'.”

Recording Apparatus and Accompanying Equipment

On the exterior of the brass face, visual observation notes a raised key slot mechanism positioned alongside a circular aperture displaying the numeral 12.

The timepiece is accompanied by a brown leather carrying case fitted with a strap, containing multiple unused circular recording paper dials marked with hourly divisions. The catalogue entry specifies the clock comes 'With 7 keys.', although the lot photograph only displays five brass station keys with pin-like tips arranged beside the instrument.

Evidence for this section
  • “A raised key slot mechanism positioned on the brass face beside a circular aperture showing the numeral 12.”
  • “in leather carrying case with a number of unused recording papers”
  • “With 7 keys.”
  • “Five brass station keys with pin-like tips arranged adjacent to the clock in the photograph.”

Technical and Documentation Limitations

The catalogue does not provide internal photographs or technical descriptions of the movement. Consequently, the escapement mechanism, train layout, and running condition are not recorded in this source.

Dating rests entirely on the auctioneer's stylistic estimation of 'mid 20th century'. The relationship between serial number 65109, patent number 544119, and the exact manufacturing date is not established within the catalogue documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “A mid 20th century night watchman's 'Tell Tale' recording clock Dent”
  • “serial number 65109, patent number 544119”

Open research questions

  • What specific technical mechanism or watchman recording feature was registered under patent number 544119?
  • Why does the auction text report 'With 7 keys.' when only five station keys are visible in the catalogue photograph?
  • What movement caliber and escapement type are installed inside the brass case, and is the movement functional?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Dent Night Watchman's 'Tell Tale' Recording Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerDent“A mid 20th century night watchman's 'Tell Tale' recording clock Dent”
Supplier DetailsMagneta Time Co Ltd, Goblin Works, Leatherhead“supplied to 'Magneta Time Co Ltd, Goblin Works, Leatherhead'”
Serial Number65109“serial number 65109”
Patent Number544119“patent number 544119”
Keys7 keys“With 7 keys.”
Diameter9cm (3 1/2 inches)“9cm (3 1/2 inches) diameter”
Stated Key Count7 keys“With 7 keys.”

Visible details

  • Circular brass recording clock engraved with 'RECORDING CLOCK', 'Made by DENT LONDON' in a triangular logo, supplier details, serial number 65109, and 'PAT. Nº 544119'.
  • A raised key slot mechanism positioned on the brass face beside a circular aperture showing the numeral 12.
  • Fitted brown leather carrying case with strap, holding stacked circular paper recording dials marked with hourly numerals.
  • Five brass station keys with pin-like tips arranged adjacent to the clock in the photograph.

Research qualifications

  • The auction text lists 'With 7 keys', though only five brass keys are visible in the lot photograph.
  • Internal clockwork movement is neither displayed nor described in the catalogue.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Bonhams : A mid 20th century night watchman's 'Tell Tale' recording clock Dent

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record ed351025f4

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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