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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Electric mantel clock

Smith Electric mantel clock

Partially verified

This electric mantel clock was produced circa 1938 by Smiths English Clocks Ltd in Cricklewood, England. The object features a synchronous electric movement housed within a simple, wooden framework. The dial is round, finished in white, and features black Arabic numerals. The clock assembly is set behind a round bezel, with a seconds aperture positioned above the numeral six. The piece is marked 'Smith Electric' and 'Made in England' on the dial, while the reverse side bears a 'SEC' trade mark alongside patent information. The clock entered the collection via a bequest from Mrs E. M. Askew in July 1970.

Front view of the Smith Electric mantel clock, showing the round white dial and simple wooden framework.
Front view of the Smith Electric mantel clock, showing the round white dial and simple wooden framework. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Clock · Electric mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Smiths English Clocks Ltd
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 26684
Source-reported date
circa 1938
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

Construction and Dial

The clock is configured as a mantel piece, consisting of a round movement unit secured within a simple wooden framework. The framework is described as rough, suggesting a utilitarian design focus. The dial itself is round and white, presenting a clean layout with black Arabic numerals for hour markers.

A notable feature is the small seconds aperture, which is positioned on the dial immediately above the numeral six. This component is protected by a round bezel that frames the face of the clock, providing a point of contrast against the surrounding wooden structure.

Evidence for this section
  • “Mantel clock with round movement mounted in rough wooden framework.”
  • “Round white dial with black arabic numerals and bezel. Seconds aperture above 6.”

Signatures and Patents

The clock carries multiple markings that identify its production origins and technical basis. The front of the dial bears the brand name 'Smith Electric' and specifies the place of manufacture as England.

On the reverse side of the object, additional identifying information is provided. This includes a 'SEC' trade mark and further production detail. A label attached to the clock cites specific English patent numbers, indicating the incorporation of proprietary synchronous electric movement technology developed by the manufacturer and its subsidiary, Synchronous Electric Clocks Ltd.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial is marked 'Smith Electric' and 'Made in England'.”
  • “Back is marked 'SEC trade mark' and 'Made in England'.”
  • “Labelled 'Made under one or more Eng. Pats. 366710/369438/374713 others pending'.”

History and Provenance

This clock is held under the registration number ST 26684 within the collection of Museums Victoria. The records indicate that the item was acquired in July 1970 through a bequest from Mrs E. M. Askew. There is no further information provided regarding the clock's service history or use prior to its entry into the museum records.

The piece is catalogued as part of the institution's science and measurement holdings. The source associates the production with the Cricklewood locality in England, Great Britain, involving both Smiths English Clocks Ltd and its subsidiary, Synchronous Electric Clocks Ltd, during the period around 1938.

Evidence for this section
  • “Registration number: ST 26684”
  • “Bequest from Mrs E. M. Askew, Jul 1970”
  • “Association: type: Manufacturer, name: Smiths English Clocks Ltd, date: circa 1938, locality: Cricklewood, country: England, Great Britain”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific nature of the rough wooden mounting; was this an experimental housing or a production casing?
  • Do the cited patent numbers refer to unique electrical components specific to this model?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Smith Electric mantel clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ManufacturerSmiths English Clocks Ltd“Manufacturer, name: Smiths English Clocks Ltd, date: circa 1938, locality: Cricklewood, country: England, Great Britain”
Registration NumberST 26684“Registration number: ST 26684”
Datecirca 1938“circa 1938”
Dial InscriptionsSmith Electric; Made in England“Dial is marked 'Smith Electric' and 'Made in England'”
Movement TypeElectric synchronous“Electric synchronous movement.”
Patent Info366710/369438/374713“Labelled 'Made under one or more Eng. Pats. 366710/369438/374713 others pending'.”
AcquisitionBequest from Mrs E. M. Askew, July 1970“Bequest from Mrs E. M. Askew, Jul 1970”

Visible details

  • Dial features black Arabic numerals against a white background
  • Movement is held in a minimalist, square wooden housing with cut-outs
  • Includes a small seconds aperture on the dial face
  • Marked with SEC trade mark on the reverse

Research qualifications

  • The exact function or original context of the 'rough' wooden frame remains unverified
  • Relationship between the specific patent numbers and internal mechanical variations is not elaborated in the source

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

Consulted source

Electric Clock - Smiths English Clocks, circa 1938

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 81f372b163

Terms in this record

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

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