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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Time recording clock

Gents' of Leicester Time Clock

Partially verified

This time recording clock, manufactured by Gents' of Leicester in England circa 1920, was used by staff at Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth, Victoria, Australia. Standing 94 cm in height, the device is housed within a wooden and glass cabinet. The clock features a square white dial with black Arabic numerals and minute markers. It is key-wound, while its timing mechanism is electrically powered and paired with an internal pendulum. Designed as a functional industrial instrument, the unit incorporates a large vertical cylinder intended for holding time-recording paper. A blue fabric ribbon runs along the back of this cylinder, supported by metal pins that press the ribbon against the paper to mark time.

A front view of the Gents' of Leicester time clock, showing the wooden cabinet with a glass door, the square dial, the pendulum, and the recording cylinder.
A front view of the Gents' of Leicester time clock, showing the wooden cabinet with a glass door, the square dial, the pendulum, and the recording cylinder. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Clock · Time recording clock
Maker / attribution
Gents' of Leicester
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
SH 923099
Source-reported date
circa 1920
Source-reported place
England

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

Case and External Features

The object is housed in an upright rectangular cabinet primarily constructed of wood with large glass panels, providing visibility into the clock's internal mechanics. Measuring 94 cm in height, 39 cm in length, and 22 cm in width, the cabinet serves as a protective enclosure for both the timing mechanism and the specialized recording apparatus.

Mounted in the upper section of the cabinet is a square white dial. It is marked with standard black Arabic numerals and minute indices. The dial bears a printed inscription identifying the maker as Gents' of Leicester and stating its English origin.

Evidence for this section
  • “Large time recording clock in wood and glass cabinet.”
  • “Clock has square white face, black Arabic numerals, minute marks and hands.”
  • “Printed clock face: GENTS'/OF LEICESTER/MADE IN ENGLAND.”

Mechanical Configuration

The clock operates through a hybrid system, combining manual and electrical elements. The timing component is driven by electricity, while the clock itself requires key-winding. A pendulum is positioned centrally beneath the dial to assist with time regulation.

The recording function is facilitated by a large vertical cylinder situated in the lower portion of the cabinet. This cylinder houses paper for recording time. A blue fabric ribbon is positioned at the back of the cylinder, controlled by metal pins designed to imprint the ribbon onto the paper as required.

Evidence for this section
  • “Clock is key-wound; timing part of clock operated by electricity; pendulum under clock face.”
  • “Large cylinder for time-recording paper.”
  • “Blue fabric ribbon runs down length at back of cylinder over metal pins which would push forward blue ribbon to record time on paper.”

Provenance and Institutional Use

The object was utilized at Mayday Hills Hospital, located in Beechworth, Victoria, Australia. It served as administrative equipment for tracking staff working hours at the institution, which was consistent with its manufacturing period circa 1920.

The clock was acquired by the museum collection through a donation from Mayday Hills Hospital in September 1992. It is classified within the institution under medicine and health administration equipment.

Evidence for this section
  • “It was used by staff at Mayday Hills Hospital, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia, circa 1920.”
  • “Donation from Mayday Hills Hospital, Sep 1992”

Open research questions

  • What specific type of electrical input was required for the timing mechanism?
  • How was the internal paper feed system accessed for daily use?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gents' of Leicester Time Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ManufacturerGents' of Leicester“Manufacturer, name: Gents' of Leicester”
OriginEngland“country: England, Great Britain”
Registration NumberSH 923099“Registration number: SH 923099”
Dimensions39 cm x 22 cm x 94 cm“dimensions: 39 cm (Length), 22 cm (Width), 94 cm (Height)”
ProvenanceMayday Hills Hospital, Beechworth, Victoria“Donation from Mayday Hills Hospital”
InscriptionGENTS' OF LEICESTER MADE IN ENGLAND“Printed clock face: GENTS'/OF LEICESTER/MADE IN ENGLAND.”
FunctionTime recording“A time clock is a mechanical device used to track the amount of time an employee has worked.”

Visible details

  • Cabinet constructed of wood with glass panels
  • Square dial features Arabic numerals and 'GENTS' OF LEICESTER' signature
  • Internal pendulum visible beneath the dial
  • Blue fabric ribbon mechanism attached to a large vertical cylinder

Research qualifications

  • Specific electrical requirements or power source details remain unverified
  • Completeness of the internal paper-recording mechanism is not documented

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

Consulted source

Time Clock - Gents, circa 1920

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 8ec4fe24ae

Terms in this record

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