Clock · Electric clock

Jaeger for Smiths Electric Mystery Clock

Partially verified

This 1950s retro electric mystery clock is catalogued by the auctioneer as a Jaeger for Smiths production. The circular brass bezel encloses a transparent glass dial featuring Arabic quarter-hour numerals within circular markers, alternating with stylised batons. In the centre, the hands appear suspended against faint concentric etched rings. The source notes that the front of the base is signed 'Smiths', while the reverse carries the signature 'JAEGER BREVETE PATENTS'. Standing 24 cm high, the clock rests on a circular tiered stepped base and is wired for electricity.

Front view of the Jaeger for Smiths electric mystery clock showing the glass dial and pedestal base — Chiswick Auctions Ltd. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: auctions.chiswickauctions.co.uk
Category: Clock · Electric clock
Form: Electric mystery clock
Maker / attribution: Jaeger for Smiths
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 200
Source-reported date: 1950s
Source-reported place: 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

Identity and Attribution

This clock is catalogued as a 1950s production, attributed to a collaboration between the manufacturers Jaeger and Smiths.

The source documentation identifies the piece by two markings: the front base is signed 'Smiths', and the reverse is signed 'JAEGER BREVETE PATENTS'.

Evidence for this section

“A 1950'S RETRO JAEGER FOR SMITHS ELECTRIC MYSTERY CLOCK”
“signed to the base 'Smiths'”
“the reverse signed 'JAEGER BREVETE PATENTS'”

Dial and Visual Features

The clock features a transparent glass dial enclosed by a brass circular bezel. The dial contains Arabic quarter-hour numerals (12, 3, 6, 9) within circular medallions, with stylised baton markers used for the remaining hours.

The centre of the dial displays two hands, described as appearing suspended against concentric etched rings.

Evidence for this section

“with brass circular bezel enclosing the glass dial with Arabic quarter hour markers and batons”

Construction and Power

The clock stands 24 cm high. Its support structure consists of a dark rectangular block positioned above a polished brass stepped plinth, finished with a dark round lower rim.

The item is described as wired for electricity; however, internal movement, wiring integrity, and operational status are not recorded.

Evidence for this section

“24cm high”
“wired for electricity”

Open research questions

What is the specific mechanical method by which the hands are suspended?
Does internal examination reveal maker marks or service history corroborating the Jaeger for Smiths attribution?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jaeger for Smiths Electric Mystery Clock
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Attribution	Jaeger for Smiths	“A 1950'S RETRO JAEGER FOR SMITHS ELECTRIC MYSTERY CLOCK”
Front signature	Smiths	“signed to the base 'Smiths'”
Reverse signature	JAEGER BREVETE PATENTS	“the reverse signed 'JAEGER BREVETE PATENTS'”
Dial construction	Brass bezel enclosing glass dial	“with brass circular bezel enclosing the glass dial with Arabic quarter hour markers and batons”
Power source	Wired for electricity	“wired for electricity”
Height	24 cm	“24cm high”
Auction Estimate	250 - 350 GBP	“Estimate 250 - 350 GBP”

Visible details

Circular transparent glass dial set with two floating hands pointing outward from concentric etched rings at the centre.
Quarter-hour Arabic numerals (12, 3, 6, 9) enclosed in circular medallions with lanceolate baton markers indicating the remaining hours.
Pedestal support comprising a dark rectangular block above a polished brass stepped plinth and a dark round lower rim.

Research qualifications

Reverse inscription 'JAEGER BREVETE PATENTS' is documented in the auction text but not visible in the provided frontal photograph.
Electrical movement, internal wiring, and operational status are unverified.

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