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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bulkhead wall clock

Smith's Cricklewood 'Air Ministry' Bulkhead Clock

Partially verified

Dating to circa 1940, this British bulkhead wall clock features a polished and lacquered brass drum and flanged case paired with a chrome-plated locking bezel. The 6 1/2-inch white vitreous enamel dial features Roman hour numerals, an outer divided minute track with Arabic five-minute markings, an S-F regulation slot beneath XII, a spade hour hand, and a counterpoised centre sweep seconds hand. Power is provided by an eight-day movement with a jewelled lever platform escapement. The dial is signed 'SMITH'S CRICKLEWOOD N.W.2' alongside 'MADE IN ENGLAND', and the dealer reports an Air Ministry crown and 'A.M.' stamp on the rear case.

Oblique view showing the polished brass flange, chrome-plated bezel, and white enamel dial
Oblique view showing the polished brass flange, chrome-plated bezel, and white enamel dial — M. C. Taylor / Sellingantiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sellingantiques.co.uk
Category
Clock · Bulkhead wall clock
Maker / attribution
Smith's Cricklewood N.W.2
Reference
SA 14521
Catalogue / lot identifier
SA1163140
Source-reported date
circa 1940
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

Case and External Construction

The clock is housed in a polished and lacquered brass drum and flanged case, which incorporates four fixing points for bulkhead mounting. The case design is noted for its weight.

The dial is protected by a heavy, solid-cast chrome-plated locking bezel. The bezel features an integral sight ring, a snapped-in thick bevelled glass, and a protruding marling spike-shaped opening tab.

Evidence for this section
  • “The drum and flanged brass case with 4 fixing points is polished and lacquered and also substantial.”
  • “The heavy, solid cast locking bezel is chrome plated, has an integral sight ring and carries a snapped-in, thick bevelled glass. It has a marling spike shaped opening tab.”

Dial and Timekeeping Display

The 6 1/2-inch diameter white vitreous enamel dial is fixed to an iron 'false' dial. The dial markings include inner Roman hour numerals, an outer divided minute track with hour triangles, and small Arabic five-minute numerals.

The dial is signed 'SMITH'S CRICKLEWOOD N.W.2' and 'MADE IN ENGLAND'. An aperture for regulating the escapement is located directly beneath the XII numeral. Time is displayed via a spade-shaped hour hand and a counterpoised centre sweep seconds hand.

Evidence for this section
  • “It has a powerful mainspring and is fixed to an iron 'false' dial that carries the 6 1/2" diameter, white vitreous enamel dial”
  • “Below the figure XII is the aperture to regulate the escapement and below the winding hole is signed "SMITH'S CRICKLEWOOD N.W.2" also, "MADE IN ENGLAND".”
  • “The hour hand is spade shaped and the centre seconds hand is counterpoised.”

Mechanism and Provenance

The movement is an eight-day duration type, equipped with a jewelled lever platform escapement and an extended arbour to carry the centre sweep seconds hand.

The dealer reports that the rear of the case is stamped with a crown and 'A.M.' (Air Ministry) mark, which the source describes as being in use circa 1918 until 1964. Visual documentation of the movement and the rear markings is not provided in the source listing.

Evidence for this section
  • “The superior quality, 8 day duration movement with its original jewelled, lever platform escapement and having an extended arbour to carry the centre sweep, seconds hand.”
  • “The rear of the case is stamped with the 'Air Ministry' mark (circa 1918 until 1964) of "A.M." and a crown.”

Open research questions

  • Are there specific records correlating the reference number SA 14521 with Air Ministry service history?
  • Can the absence of photographic evidence for the movement and rear case markings be verified by the dealer?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Smith's Cricklewood 'Air Ministry' Bulkhead Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Duration8 day“The superior quality, 8 day duration movement with its original jewelled, lever platform escapement”
Dial SignatureSMITH'S CRICKLEWOOD N.W.2 / MADE IN ENGLAND“signed "SMITH'S CRICKLEWOOD N.W.2" also, "MADE IN ENGLAND".”
Rear MarkingsA.M. and a crown“The rear of the case is stamped with the 'Air Ministry' mark (circa 1918 until 1964) of "A.M." and a crown.”
Dial Size6 1/2" diameter“6 1/2" diameter, white vitreous enamel dial”
Overall Dimensions9 1/2" diameter including the flange x 4" deep“Dimensions: 9 1/2" diameter including the flange x 4" deep.”
Case DesignDrum and flanged brass case with 4 fixing points“The drum and flanged brass case with 4 fixing points is polished and lacquered”
Overall Dimensions9 1/2 inch diameter by 4 inch depth“Dimensions: 9 1/2" diameter including the flange x 4" deep.”

Visible details

  • Polished brass flange with four drilled wall-mounting holes
  • Silver-tone / chrome-plated locking bezel with a protruding marling spike shaped opening tab
  • White enamel dial with S-F regulation aperture directly below the XII Roman numeral
  • Spade-shaped hour hand and counterpoised central seconds hand

Research qualifications

  • Movement and rear Air Ministry stamp are catalogued in the description but not pictured in the provided views.

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

Consulted source

Good Quality 'Air Ministry' Ship's Bulkhead Clock with | Sellingantiques

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record b6f2036d4a

Terms in this record

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