Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Electric mantel clock

Ferranti Model 115 Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This Ferranti Model 115 electric mantel clock was manufactured in 1936 in Moston by Ferranti Limited. Documented under object number Y1996.10.900 in the Science Museum Group Collection, the timepiece was acquired as a gift from Ferranti International Signal plc. The design comprises a circular glazed dial assembly set into a swivel mount on an elongated stepped plinth. The off-white dial is bordered by Roman numerals and stylized track accents, paired with dark Breguet- or spade-influenced hands. Recorded materials encompass unknown metal, glass, and unidentified plastic, with overall dimensions of 177 mm high, 219 mm wide, and 64 mm deep, and a weight of 1.2 kg.

Ferranti Model 115 electric mantel clock, 1936
Ferranti Model 115 electric mantel clock, 1936 — Science Museum Group. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
Category
Clock · Electric mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Ferranti Limited
Reference
Model 115
Catalogue / lot identifier
Y1996.10.900
Source-reported date
1936
Country
United Kingdom

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 Institutional Provenance

This object is catalogued as a Ferranti Model 115 electric mantel clock under object number Y1996.10.900 in the Science Museum Group Collection. The museum records date its manufacture to 1936 in Moston by maker Ferranti Limited. It entered the collection as a gift from Ferranti International Signal plc.

Institutional metadata categorises the item under Time Measurement as a mantel clock. The record lists overall dimensions of 177 mm in height, 219 mm in width, and 64 mm in depth, with a recorded weight of 1.2 kg.

Evidence for this section
  • “Model 115 electric mantel clock made by Ferranti Ltd, 1936”
  • “Made: 1936 in Moston maker: Ferranti Limited”
  • “credit: Gift of Ferranti International Signal plc”
  • “overall: 177 mm x 219 mm x 64 mm, 1.2 kg”

Case Construction and Physical Configuration

Visual observation shows a circular polished silver-toned metal case mounted via side pivot pins onto a stepped linear base, setting the dial housing above the plinth.

Museum documentation lists the constituent materials as metal (unknown), glass, and plastic (unidentified). Specific metal alloys and the exact type or location of the plastic component are not further detailed in the museum record.

Evidence for this section
  • “Circular polished silver-toned metal case mounted via side pivot pins onto a stepped linear base”
  • “Materials: metal (unknown) , glass and plastic (unidentified)”

Dial Display and Unobserved Features

Frontal observation reveals a cream-coloured circular dial featuring an outer Roman numeral chapter ring accompanied by dagger or cross-style division marks. The display is fitted with an openwork spade or moon-style hour hand and a pointed minute hand extending from a central black pivot.

Although catalogued as an electric mantel clock, internal mechanical components, electrical wiring, and the rear of the case are not visible in the provided photograph and are not detailed in the source text.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cream-coloured circular dial with outer Roman numeral chapter ring and dagger or cross-style division marks”
  • “Openwork spade or moon-style hour hand and pointed minute hand extending from a central black pivot”
  • “Model 115 electric mantel clock made by Ferranti Ltd, 1936”

Open research questions

  • What specific element of the clock is formed from the 'plastic (unidentified)' listed in the collection catalogue?
  • What specific alloy constitutes the polished metal case and stepped base?
  • Does the rear of the clock retain its original power cord, rating plate, or hand-setting mechanism?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Ferranti Model 115 Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Object NumberY1996.10.900“Object Number: Y1996.10.900”
MakerFerranti Limited“maker: Ferranti Limited”
Date Made1936“Made: 1936”
Place MadeMoston“in Moston”
Dimensions and Weight177 mm x 219 mm x 64 mm, 1.2 kg“overall: 177 mm x 219 mm x 64 mm, 1.2 kg”
Materialsmetal (unknown) , glass and plastic (unidentified)“Materials: metal (unknown) , glass and plastic (unidentified)”
Credit LineGift of Ferranti International Signal plc“credit: Gift of Ferranti International Signal plc”
CategoryTime Measurement“Category: Time Measurement”
Typemantel clock“type: mantel clock”

Visible details

  • Circular polished silver-toned metal case mounted via side pivot pins onto a stepped linear base
  • Cream-coloured circular dial with outer Roman numeral chapter ring and dagger or cross-style division marks
  • Openwork spade or moon-style hour hand and pointed minute hand extending from a central black pivot

Research qualifications

  • Specific metal alloy and plastic variety are unspecified in museum records
  • Rear case, electrical cord, and synchronous motor mechanism are not visible in the photograph

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

Consulted source

Ferranti Model 115 Mantel Clock | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 5eb053ea0b

Terms in this record

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

Other electric mantel clock records