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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Watchman's clock

Thames MNFG. Co. Ltd 'Day's Watchman's Tell Tale' clock in leather case

Partially verified

This lot presents a 'Day's Watchman's Tell Tale' clock attributed by the auctioneer to Thames MNFG. Co. Ltd, London, bearing serial number 74602. The unit is designed as a circular portable metal instrument featuring an off-center white dial with Arabic numerals and dark hands, along with a winding or key aperture below the dial. It is accompanied by a custom circular brown leather carrying case equipped with shoulder straps, a spoked metal protective ring over the dial opening, and stamped text showing the model name, maker attribution, and serial number.

Day's Watchman's Tell Tale portable clock with leather carrying case
Day's Watchman's Tell Tale portable clock with leather carrying case — Ryedale Auctioneers. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.the-saleroom.com
Category
Clock · Watchman's clock
Maker / attribution
Thames MNFG. Co. Ltd
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
45
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
74602

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

In the auction catalogue description, this item is titled "Leather cased 'Day's Watchman's Tell Tale' clock by Thames MNFG. Co. Ltd London No 74602". Direct inspection of the clock face shows the white dial is inscribed "DAY'S WATCHMAN'S TELL TALE CLOCK" and "THAMES MNFG. CO. LTD LONDON" with Arabic numerals.

The instrument carries the serial or identification number "No 74602" as listed in the auction record and stamped on the exterior leather casing. It is categorised as a portable watchman's tell-tale clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “Leather cased 'Day's Watchman's Tell Tale' clock by Thames MNFG. Co. Ltd London No 74602”
  • “White dial inscribed 'DAY'S WATCHMAN'S TELL TALE CLOCK' and 'THAMES MNFG. CO. LTD LONDON' with Arabic numerals”
  • “Exterior leather case is stamped with 'DAY'S WATCHMAN'S TELL TALE', maker details, and serial number '74602'”

Case and Dial Configuration

The clock comprises a circular polished metal housing featuring an off-center circular dial bezel. Positioned directly below the dial bezel is a key winding or operating aperture.

It is housed in a fitted circular brown leather protective case constructed with stitching and carrying straps. The front of the leather case incorporates an open spoked circular metal bezel aligned with the clock face, while the leather exterior is stamped with the model designation, maker information, and number 74602.

Evidence for this section
  • “Circular polished metal housing with an off-center circular dial bezel”
  • “Key winding or operating aperture situated directly below the dial bezel”
  • “Fitted circular brown leather protective case with stitched construction and carrying straps”
  • “Case front features an open spoked circular metal bezel aligned with the clock face position”

Mechanism and Documentation Status

The auctioneer's listing contains only the title without an extended descriptive text, condition assessment, or mechanical report. The internal recording mechanism, internal movement, recording chart or paper, and keys are not described or depicted in the listing.

Operational status, mechanical completeness, dating, and previous history are not documented in the provided source record.

Evidence for this section
  • “Leather cased 'Day's Watchman's Tell Tale' clock by Thames MNFG. Co. Ltd London No 74602”

Open research questions

  • What specific type of recording medium (e.g., paper dial disc or strip) does the Day's Watchman's Tell Tale clock utilize inside the housing?
  • Are the original winding or recording keys present with this specific example (serial number 74602)?
  • What is the estimated date of manufacture for Thames MNFG. Co. Ltd clocks in this serial range?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Thames MNFG. Co. Ltd 'Day's Watchman's Tell Tale' clock in leather case
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerThames MNFG. Co. Ltd“Thames MNFG. Co. Ltd London”
Model NameDay's Watchman's Tell Tale“Day's Watchman's Tell Tale”
Serial Number74602“No 74602”
CaseLeather cased“Leather cased”
Auction Lot Number45“Lot 45 Leather cased 'Day's Watchman's Tell Tale' clock by Thames MNFG. Co. Ltd London No 74602”
Auction Sale Date02 Feb 2019“Sale Date(s) 02 Feb 2019 11:00 GMT”

Visible details

  • Circular polished metal housing with an off-center circular dial bezel
  • White dial inscribed 'DAY'S WATCHMAN'S TELL TALE CLOCK' and 'THAMES MNFG. CO. LTD LONDON' with Arabic numerals
  • Key winding or operating aperture situated directly below the dial bezel
  • Fitted circular brown leather protective case with stitched construction and carrying straps
  • Exterior leather case is stamped with 'DAY'S WATCHMAN'S TELL TALE', maker details, and serial number '74602'
  • Case front features an open spoked circular metal bezel aligned with the clock face position

Research qualifications

  • Internal recording mechanism, movement, and keys or recording paper are not shown or detailed
  • Operational condition is unverified

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

Consulted source

Leather cased 'Day's Watchman's Tell Tale' clock by Thames MNFG. Co. Ltd London No 74602

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record dd926fdfa7

Terms in this record

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

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