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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Electric mantel clock

Hesma electric clock

Partially verified

This electric mantel clock is attributed by the source to Hesma and dated to circa 1960–1970. The metallic case features a flared body with an arched top, mounted via two short risers onto a stepped rectangular base. The circular dial displays a two-tone chapter ring with Roman numerals at the cardinal points interspersed with dart-style indices. A clear electrical cord terminates in a modern grounded European power plug. The seller notes that the clock runs on mains electricity and measures 21 cm in height, 25 cm in width, and 4 cm in depth.

Front view of the Hesma electric clock showing dial, case, and power plug
Front view of the Hesma electric clock showing dial, case, and power plug — Catawiki. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.catawiki.com
Category
Clock · Electric mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Hesma
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
105967868
Source-reported date
1960-1970
Country
Not established

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

Visual Construction and Case Design

The clock displays a flared metallic case with an arched upper rim, supported upon a stepped rectangular base by two short cylindrical risers. Along both angled outer edges of the front case, linear metallic trim is applied, framing the central housing.

A clear insulated electric power cord fitted with a modern white European-style plug extends from the assembly. While the cataloguer lists materials as brass and glass, and the seller reports dimensions of 21 cm in height, 25 cm in width, and 4 cm in depth, rear fasteners, internal chassis framing, and specific metal alloys are not documented in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Flared metallic clock case with an arched upper rim, supported by two short cylindrical risers on a stepped base”
  • “Linear metallic trim applied along both angled outer sides of the front case”
  • “Clear insulated electric power cord fitted with a modern white European-style plug”
  • “De klok is 21 cm hoog, 25 cm breed en 4 cm diep.”

Dial Configuration and Display

The circular dial features a two-tone chapter ring arrangement with applied Roman numerals at the cardinal positions (III, VI, IX, and XII) and dart-style markers at intermediate hours.

A dial cover protects the hands and face, exhibiting slight reflections and minor surface wear. Specific bezel attachment methods or visible maker signatures on the dial face are not detailed in the available view.

Evidence for this section
  • “Circular two-tone dial with applied Roman numerals at III, VI, IX, and XII and dart hour markers elsewhere”
  • “Dial cover shows slight reflections and surface wear consistent with age”
  • “Brass, Glass”

Movement, Electrification, and Source Attribution

The listing categorizes the piece as an electric clock, with the seller noting that it operates on electricity and does not require winding. The seller also reports that the clock runs silently, works perfectly, and was inherited from their grandmother with light signs of use.

The attribution to maker 'Hesma' and the date range of 1960–1970 stem entirely from the auction listing metadata. Internal movement construction, motor type, and rear maker markings are not recorded in this source, leaving the technical originality of the movement and plug unverified.

Evidence for this section
  • “Werkt op elektriciteit, dus hoeft niet opgewonden te worden.”
  • “Clock - Hesma - Brass, Glass - 1960-1970 - Electric clock”
  • “Deze klok is van mijn grootmoeder geweest en heeft lichte gebruiksschade, zoals op de foto's te zien is.”

Open research questions

  • What specific type of electric movement (such as a synchronous motor or electromechanical drive) is installed inside the case?
  • Are there manufacturer hallmarks, reference numbers, or inspection stamps on the reverse or movement confirming the Hesma attribution?
  • Is the modern European plug an aftermarket replacement, and has the wiring been tested to modern electrical safety standards?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Hesma electric clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerHesma“Clock - Hesma - Brass, Glass - 1960-1970 - Electric clock”
Period1960-1970“1960-1970”
MaterialsBrass, Glass“Brass, Glass”
Dimensions21 cm x 25 cm x 4 cm“De klok is 21 cm hoog, 25 cm breed en 4 cm diep.”
Power sourceMains electricity“Werkt op elektriciteit, dus hoeft niet opgewonden te worden.”
Seller-reported operational performanceWorks perfectly and runs silently“Werkt perfect en loopt geluidloos.”
Seller-reported provenanceFormerly belonged to seller's grandmother“Deze klok is van mijn grootmoeder geweest”
Seller-reported conditionLight signs of use“heeft lichte gebruiksschade, zoals op de foto's te zien is.”

Visible details

  • Flared metallic clock case with an arched upper rim, supported by two short cylindrical risers on a stepped base
  • Circular two-tone dial with applied Roman numerals at III, VI, IX, and XII and dart hour markers elsewhere
  • Linear metallic trim applied along both angled outer sides of the front case
  • Clear insulated electric power cord fitted with a modern white European-style plug
  • Dial cover shows slight reflections and surface wear consistent with age

Research qualifications

  • Internal electrical movement type and original wiring safety cannot be confirmed from the front view
  • Period of 1960–1970 and maker attribution are based on auction listing descriptions

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

Consulted source

Clock - Hesma - Brass, Glass - 1960-1970 - Electric clock - auction online Catawiki

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 9bae302b91

Terms in this record

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

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