Art Deco Domestic Synchronous Clocks · The Conference was also a cartel to control prices. In 1936...

www.nawcc.org NAWCC Watch & Clock Bulletin • January/February 2014 • 47

Manufacture of synchronous electric clocks be-came widespread in the 1930s, as did the art deco style, so it is not surprising that this style

was sometimes used for synchronous clocks. The Tele-phone Manufacturing Company of Britain was primarily a telephone manufacturer, but it also made electric mas-ter clocks, impulse wall clocks and associated equipment, and a wide range of synchronous electric clocks using the trademark Temco. Some Temco movements and Temco art deco domestic synchronous clocks are described in this article.

Synchronous ClocksElectric clocks are of two main

types.1 In one type timekeeping is controlled by a mechanical oscillator (pendulum or balance wheel), which is driven by electric impulses. Preci-sion pendulum electrically driven clocks are usually called “electric master clocks” or more briefl y “mas-ter clocks” because they are often used to drive a number of subsidiary dials by means of electrical impuls-es. The use of electrical impulses to drive subsidiary dials was fi rst pro-posed by Alexander Bain in 1841.2 In the other type timekeeping de-pends on a synchronous electric mo-tor driven by an alternating current mains electricity supply of accurate-ly controlled frequency. The correct terminology for these has been con-troversial since soon after their inven-tion.3 Here, they are called “synchro-nous electric clocks” or more briefl y “synchronous clocks.”

The idea of a synchronous clock was fi rst suggested in 1887, and the fi rst patent for a synchronous motor for use in clocks was applied for by Henry E. Warren in 1916.4 He produced his fi rst synchronous clocks in the same year. A synchronous clock is only useful if the mains frequency is standardized and accurately controlled, and the mains supply is reliable.5 Standardized frequencies are usually either 50 Hz, including the European Union, or 60 Hz, including the United States and Canada. According to an advertisement, Everett Edgcumbe & Co., Ltd., in 1929, in-troduced the idea of using the public electricity supply in the United Kingdom for timekeeping.6

In the UK, the manufacture of synchronous clocks became wide-spread in the 1930s with the avail-ability of mains electricity of stan-dardized and accurately controlled frequency. In 1932 it was noted that frequency-controlled mains “will soon become universal in the UK.”7 A check during October 1953 showed timekeeping errors for a syn-chronous clock ranging from -49 to +15 seconds,8 which is satisfactory for domestic purposes. An additional requirement is conveniently placed electrical sockets (AC outlets). Some houses in the UK had dedicated sock-ets intended for synchronous clocks (Figure 1). In 1936 it was noted that “…the synchronous-motor clock has not yet come into really general use. …an obstacle (perhaps the only im-portant one) is the lack of suitable, i.e. safe and continuously-fed, wir-ing points in the average house.”9

The power consummation of a syn-

TEMCO

Les Pook (ENG)

Art Deco Domestic

Synchronous Clocks

Figure 1. Socket (AC outlet, arrow) for a synchronous clock on a chimney breast of a house built in the 1950s and an art deco Temco mantel clock with pale translucent marble and chrome case.

© 2014 National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc. Reproduction prohibited without written permission.

www.nawcc.org48 • January/February 2014 • NAWCC Watch & Clock Bulletin

chronous clock is low and is typically 3 W.1 A qualitative description of synchronous movement design is given by Stott.10

In 1938 about 500,000 synchronous clocks were pro-duced in the UK.11 Except during the Second World War (1939-1945) when production was reduced,12, 13 UK pro-duction continued on a large scale until the 1960s when synchronous clocks were increasingly superseded by electrically maintained balance wheel clocks and then by quartz clocks.14 Annual supplies of electric clocks to the UK market, including imported clocks, were ap-proximately15 as follows: 1935: 108,000; 1945: 192,000; 1946: 732,000; 1947: 924,000; 1948: 576,000; and 1949: 432,000. Most of these would have been synchronous electric clocks.

Several books with extensive descriptions of par-ticular makes of synchronous clocks were recently pub-lished.14,16-20 These books include descriptions of the prin-ciples of operation of synchronous clocks. However, they do not discuss the design of the cases, dials, and hands of synchronous clocks, nor their artistic context. Earlier, more general, books sometimes have sections devoted to synchronous clocks,21-23 with emphasis on movements.

The Synchronous Clock Conference, later known as the British Synchronous Clock Conference, was a federa-tion formed in November 1932 to foster the interests of UK synchronous clock manufacturers.24 The founding members were British Sangamo Co., Ltd., English Clock & Watch Manufacturers, Ltd., Synclocks, Ltd., Ferranti, Ltd., Smith’s English Clocks, Ltd., Synchronome Co., Ltd., and Telephone Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Its objec-tives were to popularize the use of synchronous electric clocks, to standardize synchronous electric clocks as far as possible in many important details, and to see that ex-isting and new houses were provided with suitable wir-ing. The Conference was also a cartel to control prices. In 1936 an agreement with Approved Wholesalers was reached to ensure that retail prices were rigidly adhered to and retail discounts maintained.25 In 1937 the Confer-ence increased prices by 10 percent, in effect from March, 8, 1937.26 This was the fi rst increase since the formation of the Conference.

The 1936 agreement also provided that all clocks made by members of the Conference would pass the tests im-posed by the British Standards Institution. A review ar-ticle emphasized the importance of electrical safety,27 and in 1937 the British Horological Institute, in associa-tion with the British Clock Manufacturers’ Association and the British Synchronous Clock Conference, made ar-rangements for offi cial testing of synchronous clocks to a British Standard that covered electrical safety.28

The popularity of synchronous clocks grew because, if the electricity supply was not interrupted, they kept good time, did not need regular attention, and, like balance-wheel mechanical clocks, could be disturbed without af-fecting the timekeeping. Some synchronous clocks are

very reliable and can run for decades without attention. This was predicted in 1938 when it was suggested that good-quality synchronous clocks had an estimated life of 40 years.29 Some models are self starting and are there-fore “plug and run.” Others have to be started by using a simple procedure. A weakness of some synchronous clocks is that the starting mechanism is not reliable. In the absence of a seconds hand or telltale, it is not easy to ascertain quickly whether a synchronous clock is run-ning. A criticism made in 1939 is that it was diffi cult to set synchronous clocks precisely to time signals.30

Provided that the motor coil is intact, cleaning and lubrication, and perhaps replacement of the mains lead, are usually all that is needed to get a synchronous clock that has stopped working back into running order, al-though the depredations of unskilled “repairers” some-times make this impossible. Early synchronous clocks are usually well made, so dismantling and reassembly is straightforward. Later synchronous clocks were some-times designed as cheap throwaway items, and servicing is diffi cult or impossible.9 Spares are in general not avail-able, but movements removed from clocks with good cases that have, regrettably, been converted to quartz are sometimes available as a source of original spare parts. Current UK electrical regulations mean that servicing of synchronous clocks is not usually fi nancially viable for professional clockmakers. Clocks made by members of the Synchronous Clock Conference are usually electri-cally safe if used sensibly, even though they do not meet current electrical regulations. A good general servicing guide was published in 1940.31 This is still a useful guide.

Art DecoArt déco is an artistic and design style that originated

in Paris in the 1920s.32-34 The term fi rst became popu-lar in 1926, and it was soon anglicized to art deco. The style became widespread during the 1930s. It infl uenced all areas of design, including consumer items. Art deco was regarded as representing a modern design style, with emphasis on the function of the object. It is based on symmetrical geometric shapes, using materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, lacquer, Bakelite, chrome, and inlaid wood.32 Stepped forms, geometric curves, chevron patterns, and the sunburst motif, are typical of art deco.

Art Deco Clock CasesThree art deco domestic clocks are illustrated in the

book by Hillier,33 which was the fi rst book on art deco. One illustration is dated 1930; the other two are prob-ably from the 1930s. With the exception of illustrations for the art deco revival in the 1960s, none of the other illustrations are dated later than 1939. By the time the book was published in 1968, the art deco style had be-come debased.

In 1937 it was noted that clocks were made with a wide range of cases, in a variety of materials, in the belief



that this stimulated sales.35 The application of art deco to clocks was logical because domestic clocks are often acquired as much for their appearance as for their time-keeping. In the UK, manufacture of synchronous electric clocks also became widespread in the 1930s. At that time, synchronous clock movements were a new technology. Therefore, it is not surprising, with its emphasis on func-tion and modernity, that the art deco style was some-times used for the cases, dials, and hands of synchronous clocks. The art deco style spread widely through mass production,33 and its use in synchronous clocks is a typi-cal example.

In 1936 a lecture on “Modern Art in Clock Design” was given to the (British) Horological Institute.36 This was illustrated by examples, but no illustrations of clocks are included in the report of the lecture, and only one, an art deco clock, in the report of the subsequent discus-sion.37 There was no mention of art deco or of other ar-tistic styles. The importance of dial legibility was empha-sized. There was much criticism of art deco features, es-pecially the use of chrome for hands. However, the clock illustrated in the report is an art deco mantel clock with the caption “The height of perfection in modern clock design.” It is a St. Edmund Sectric synchronous mantel clock made by Smiths English Clocks, Ltd., with a date range based on catalogs of 1935-1936.14

Telephone Manufacturing CompanyThere were numerous British makers of synchronous

clocks, some of which produced clocks in large quanti-ties. One of these makers was the Telephone Manufac-turing Company of Britain (TMC), which primarily manufactured telephones and associated equipment. It was also extensively involved in the manufacture of elec-tric master clocks, impulse wall clocks and associated equipment, and a wide range of synchronous clocks, us-ing the trademark Temco. The history of the company is complicated.38-40 At the outbreak of World War I it was no longer possible to import telephones from Germany into the UK, so TMC was formed to manufacture them. TMC went public as the Telephone Manufacturing Com-pany (1920), Ltd. In 1924 it was known as the Telephone Manufacturing Company Limited and, after a reorgani-zation of activities, as the Telephone Manufacturing Co., 1929, Ltd. TMC’s founder, F. T. Jackson, died on August 14, 1959. In the 1960s TMC was taken over by the Pye Group and became Pye TMC, Ltd.

TMC’s patent for synchronous clocks was awarded in February 1932. The date of the trademark “Temco” is usually given as circa 1935,39 but it was in use earlier. It appears on the dial of a clock with the movement case marked “PATENTS APPLIED FOR” (see Figure 2), so it was probably in use before February 1932.

Production of Temco synchronous clocks appears to have started circa 1931 and ended sometime after about 1952, but confi rmation is lacking. TMC had several fac-

tories, in Britain and abroad. In 1937 synchronous clocks were manufactured in a section at the main TMC factory in Dulwich, London,41 which employed 1,300 hands, with 300 staff.42 They were tested before dispatch.

Temco produced a wide range of domestic synchronous clocks.43 Temco timepieces include mantel clocks, grand-daughter clocks, and wall clocks. Other Temco clocks in-clude alarm clocks and chiming mantel clocks. In 1936 a comment on information issued by T.M.C. from Harwell (Sales), Ltd., which marketed Temco synchronous clocks, noted that “Numerous new designs have been added to their already extensive range, including kitchen clocks, wall clocks, cases in walnut and inlaid rosewood, small table clocks in chromium or oxidised silver metal case with matt silver dial, rectangular oak wood cases with exposed bronze fi gures and hands, etc.”44 A 1937 adver-tisement aimed at UK retailers stated “Stock up with “Temco”; give them a bold display, and they will sell on their good looks alone.”5 In 1938 Temco had a range of 158 synchronous clocks.46 Some of these were art deco. Five Temco mantel clocks are illustrated in a 1940 ad-vertisement.47 Three of them are fi tted with a Temco “de luxe” movement. An example of one of these, no. 1200, is actually fi tted with a Temco Mark V movement, so deluxe appears to be an alternative name for this movement.43 The other two are fi tted with a “Bijou” movement. This is almost certainly the Bijou movement made by Smiths English Clocks, Ltd.14 The Bijou movement was also used by at least four other manufacturers.43 An advertisement in June 1945, aimed at UK retailers,13 stated: “I’m sow-ing the seed now!” says Father Time…in the National and Provincial Press. Planning for the time when, freed from important war contracts, we shall concentrate all our resources on the manufacture of Temco, the fi nest of synchronous clocks.” In 1947 a pamphlet on the con-struction, maintenance, and repair of synchronous Tem-co clocks was issued.48 This included a list of spare parts. Other marketing activities included exhibiting at British Industries Fairs held in 1948 and 1949.49, 50

Large numbers of Temco synchronous clocks have survived, and they are regularly listed for sale on eBay. Compared with mechanical clocks, prices are low, but have increased in recent years. Temco art deco domestic synchronous clocks are sometimes superior to art deco clocks produced by other synchronous clockmakers. The best have an elegance and charm that make them works of art in their own right.

Some Temco Clock MovementsTemco synchronous clocks only appear to have been

made for a 50 Hz 200-250 V mains supply, so they were only exported to countries using this supply. Three types of movements made by the Telephone Manufacturing Company (TMC) are described, together with one made by Smiths English Clocks, Ltd., for TMC.

The movements made by TMC are built into a Bakelite



movement case and cannot be examined in detail with-out extensive dismantling. The movement cases are all cylindrical, 3½ inches diameter and 2¼ inches deep. The movements are not self-starting and do not have provi-sion for a seconds hand. With one known exception, the movements are not dated, so dates have to be based on circumstantial evidence.

A rearview of the movement case of an early Temco movement is shown in Figure 2. Markings on the move-ment case include “MADE IN ENGLAND BY THE TELE-PHONE MFG. CO. LTD.” “USE ONLY TMC ADAPTOR,” and “PATENTS APPLIED FOR.” TMC was awarded a pat-ent in February 1932, so a plausible date for the move-ment is 1931. This appears to be the early movement described briefl y by Robinson,22 who stated that it has a triple worm reduction gear, jeweled motor bearings, and a press and release starter knob. The small push and re-lease starter knob is shown in Figure 2 toward the top right. The hand-set knob is at the center. The Bakelite top part, which is a push fi t, is missing. Power is supplied via

a two-pin connector. This has a pin spacing of 12 mm. The female socket, which engages with the pins, is at the bottom. The connector design is based on what used to be British Standard 2 pin 2 Amp plugs and sockets.

The early movement ap-pears to be a forerunner to the Mark IV movement,

which has a double worm reduction gear and a different starting arrangement: the starter knob is attached to the motor spindle and turned manually to start the clock. The Mark V movement is similar to the Mark IV move-ment. It is not clear why it was given a different desig-nation because variations within a particular mark are comparable to differences between the two marks. Robin-son describes briefl y what could be either a Mark IV or a Mark V movement and stated that the motor bearings are porous bronze, usually called sintered bronze.22 Sintered bronze bearings were also used by some other UK makers, and specially formulated oil was available. An example is shown in Figure 3. The same type of two-pin connector was used for Mark IV and Mark V Temco movements and also by some other manufacturers. In some Temco clocks the female socket (adaptor) has “TMC” molded on.

Production of the Mark IV movement probably started in 1933. It was still in production in 1938 when a brief description was published.51 Temco movements are not normally dated, but Figure 4 shows the front of a Mark V movement ink stamped “21 JUL 1938” on the left. What appears to be a circular inspector’s mark on the right is too faint to be deciphered. This suggests that the change-over from the Mark IV movement to the Mark V move-ment took place in 1938. Hence, a plausible date range for the Mark IV movement is 1933-1938. A clock with a Mark V movement was purchased new in 1946.43 A clock of a style fi tted with the Mark V movement was shown at the British Industries Fair in May 1948.52 Hence, a plausible date range for the Mark V movement is from 1938 to the late 1940s. It should be noted that a presentation plaque is not a reliable guide to the date of a clock.14 Clocks fi tted with Mark IV and Mark V movements are usually very reliable. Most of the surviving Temco clocks have Mark V movements; others usually have Mark IV movements.

A rearview of a Temco Mark IV movement case is shown in Figure 5. Molded on markings include “TEMCO”, “SET HANDS”, “TO START ROLL KNOB IN DIRECTION OF ARROW S”, “MADE IN ENGLAND BY THE TELEPHONE MFG. CO. LTD.” and “TYPE MARK IV”. The serial num-ber 32704 is handwritten in white near the top. The serial numbers 23536, 28936, and 37922 are also known. Not all Mark IV movements have serial numbers. The knurled starter knob is mostly enclosed, its lowest part is just vis-ible at the center, below the molded on arrow. The meth-

od of starting is simple, effec-tive, and reliable, and once started, the rotating knob shows immediately that the clock is running. The Bake-lite hand-set knob is on the left, and the two-pin con-nector at the bottom. Mark IV movements were made with at least two different hand spindle lengths to suit

Figure 3, left. Energol CS80 lubricating oil for synchronous electric clocks with bearings of sintered bronze type.

Figure 4, below. Ink stampings on the front of a Temco Mark V movement.

Figure 2. Rearview of the movement case of an early Temco movement.



different cases. A 1937 advertisement stated that “‘Tem-co’ clocks have high-torque, easy starting motors fi tted with self-lubricating phosphor bronze bearings.”45 The “Temco” worm-drive transmission is self-cleaning and effi cient. “Temco” clocks are made in a factory special-izing in electrical apparatus and precision instruments.” In 1938 the Mark IV movement was described as “one of the best movements on the market.”46

Differences between the Mark IV and Mark V move-ments are minor. They appear to be confi ned to differ-ences in pivot diameters, different methods of fi xing the motor to the backplate, and different methods of fi xing the hand-set knob. Some pivot diameters also differ be-tween versions of the Mark IV movement and between versions of the Mark V movement. Nevertheless, there is some interchangeabilty of parts, including movement cases, within and between Mark IV and Mark V move-ments.

A rearview of the Bakelite case of a Mark V movement is shown in Figure 6. Except for “TYPE MARK V”, molded on markings on Mark V movement cases are the same as for Type IV. Se-rial numbers never appear on Mark V movement cases. The hand-set knob on the left is not original. It should be the same as that shown in Figure 5. Mark V movements were made with at least three different hand spindle lengths.

Figures 7-13 illustrate some of the features of a Mark V movement. These fi gures equally well illustrate features of Mark IV movements. Most of the moving parts, except the motor, are brass, with steel arbors. Wheels are not crossed out; they move continu-ously so there is no need to reduce their inertia. BA threads are used. A front view of the movement is shown

in Figure 7. The mounting plate has a selection of holes so that the movement can be fi tted in different case styles. The telltale rotates clockwise as shown by the arrows and is visible through an aperture in the dial. Some clocks do not have a telltale aperture, so a telltale is not fi tted. A front view with the mounting plate removed is shown in Figure 8. The telltale dial and the front edge of the move-ment case are visible. In some clocks a mounting plate is not used. The dial, glass, and bezel are held in place by lugs on the bezel that engage with the lugs on the move-ment case shown in Figure 8. This converts it into an insertion movement that is held in place by a clamping ring at the rear of the clock, as shown in Figure 5. Other arrangements are also used.

Figure 9 shows a front view with the front plate and some wheels removed. The fi rst stage of the reduction gear is a pinion driving the fi ber wheel at the top of the fi gure. The second and third stages are worms driving pinions. The congealed oil visible is typical of synchro-nous clocks that have stopped working. A side view of the

Figure 6. Rearview of the movement case of a Temco Mark V movement.

Figure 7. Front view of a Temco Mark V movement with the mounting plate in position.

Figure 5. Rearview of the movement case of a Temco Mark IV movement.

Figure 8. Front view of a Temco Mark V movement with the mounting plate removed. The front edge of the movement case is visible.

Figure 9. Front view of a Temco Mark V movement with the front plate and some wheels removed.



movement, with the mounting plate and handset knob removed is shown in Figure 10. The motor is almost entirely enclosed by its cover. The two-pin connector is at the bottom, and the knurled starter knob is on the right. A view from underneath is shown in Figure 11. The spring that pro-vides the friction drive to the hands is near the center. Figure 12 shows a rearview, and Figure 13 a rearview with the back of the motor cover removed. The startor has 30 poles and the rotor rotates at 200 rpm. The back part of the cover is a friction fi t, so it is easily removed and replaced. The cover keeps the movement clean, which must contribute to the longevity of Mark V (and Mark IV) movements. The motor cannot be completely dismantled for servicing be-cause the rotor spindle is hardened steel with the starter knob force fi tted on one end and a pinion on the other. If the bearings have become stiff, they can usually be freed by relubrication with a modern synthetic clock oil. The original intention was that the complete motor would be removed and replaced.

A rearview of a Temco art deco alarm clock with a Bake-lite case is shown in Figure 14. Markings on the rear cover include “TEMCO” and “MADE IN ENGLAND”. A feature of the movement is that the alarm sounds only once per 24 hours. The rotating 24-hour alarm setting dial is 1½ inch diameter with cream Arabic numerals and letter-ing. A front view of the self-starting alarm movement is shown in Figure 15, with the dial for an A.M./P.M. indi-cator visible. This is the movement used in the Auto Bell alarm clock made by Smiths English Clocks, Ltd.53 It is a self-starting version of its Bijou movement, modifi ed by

the addition of an alarm mechanism. The reduction gear is similar to the train of a

conventional mechanical clock. Unusual for a synchro-nous clock, some of the wheels are crossed out. A rear-view of the alarm movement is shown in Figure 16 and a top view in Figure 17. The black knob, with an arrow, in the center of the alarm-set dial, and a wheel are both press fi tted to the ends of a long arbor passing through the plates, so the movement cannot easily be dismantled for servicing. A view from the left of the alarm movement is shown in Figure 18. The fl at dark vertical strip adjacent to the wheels is the alarm buzzer.

The two-pin connectors on the Mark IV and Mark V movements do not meet current UK electrical regula-tions, but the clocks are safe in normal use. In particu-lar, live terminals are fully enclosed within the Bakelite movement case. In the alarm movement there is no sepa-rate connector, but live terminals are fully enclosed.

Figure 10. Side view of a Temco Mark V movement with the mounting plate and hand-set knob removed.

Figure 13. Rearview of a Temco Mark V movement with the back of the motor cover removed.

Figure 12. Rearview of a Temco Mark V movement.

Figure 14. Rearview of an art deco alarm clock with a Bakelite case and alarm movement.

Figure 11. View of a Temco Mark V movement from underneath with the mounting plate and hand-set knob removed.



Nine Art Deco Temco Synchronous Mantel Clocks

The nine art deco Temco synchronous electric mantel clocks described here have various typical art deco fea-tures. There is an eclectic choice of case materials. One of the clocks has an early movement, three have Mark IV movements, and fi ve have Mark V movements. As is usual with Temco clocks, the cases are well made, with the rear neatly fi nished. The fi rst four are in chronological order. The fi rst is the clock with an early movement. The second and third are clocks with Mark IV movements, with the serial numbers in numerical order. The fourth clock has a Mark IV movement, but no serial number, so it is assumed that it was made after serial numbering was discontinued. The four clocks with Mark V movements are arranged in a plausible chronological order based on stylistic consider-ations. Some of the clocks with Mark IV and Mark V move-ments have telltale apertures above the hand spindles (i.e., at 12 o’clock). There are no markings on clocks identify-ing particular models. Classifi cation of clocks as art deco is

necessarily subjective, but here it is based on the domestic clocks described by Hillier,33 and the broad defi nition of art deco in Wikipedia.32 Other case styles were also used for Temco synchronous mantel clocks.43 These include wood cases, similar in style to those used for earlier me-chanical clocks, and an ornate porcelain case.

Several makers produced synchronous clocks with Ba-kelite cases. An example is the Temco mantel clock with a black Bakelite case and brass embellishments shown in Figure 19A. It is fi tted with an early movement. The clock is 9½ inches high and 8 inches wide. There is a repair using black stained wood on the left side. The dial is fi ve inches in diameter with a hinged brass bezel, black Ro-man numerals and brass hands. There is an aperture for a seconds indicator, which acts as a telltale, in an unusual position (Figure 19B). White Arabic numerals showing

Figure 15. Front view of an Auto Bell alarm movement. .

Figure 18. Side view of an Auto Bell alarm movement.

Figure 16. Rearview of an Auto Bell alarm movement.

Figure 17. Top view of an Auto Bell alarm movement.

Figure 19. Art deco Temco mantel clock with black stained wood case, Bakelite base, and brass embellishments.A, right. Front view. B, below. Seconds indicator aperture.



seconds appear as the indicator rotates once per minute. There is no wording on the dial.

A mantel clock with a dark oak veneer case, and a Mark IV movement, serial number 23536, is shown in Figure 20A. The clock is 8½ inches high and 10¾ inches wide. The dial is 5¼ inches square with a hinged chrome bezel, black stylized Roman numerals and pierced geometric chrome hands. There is no telltale aperture. There is no wording on the dial. Figure 20B is a rear view. The clock is in a family who have owned it for about 50 years, and possibly more.

Another mantel clock with an oak case and a Mark IV movement, serial number 28956, is shown in Figure 21. The clock is 8 inches high and 11¼ inches wide. The unglazed dial is 7¾ inches high and 9¾ inches wide, with stylized brass Arabic numerals and pierced geometric brass hands. There is an aperture for a telltale. There is no wording on the dial.

A mantel clock with a Mark IV movement is shown in Figure 22. The Bakelite case is eight inches high and eight inches wide. The dial is fi ve inches in diameter, with a brass chapter ring, black Roman numerals, and brass hands. There is an aperture for a telltale. There is no wording on the dial. This appears to be a development of the mantel clock shown in Figure 19. The case dimen-sions, chapter ring, and hands are the same. The brass embellishments have been omitted, the early movement

Figure 20. Art deco Temco mantel clock with dark oak veneer case and Mark IV movement. A, left. Front view. B, above. Rearview.

Figure 21. Art deco Temco mantel clock with oak case, unglazed dial, and Mark IV movement.

Figure 22. Art deco Temco mantel clock with Bakelite case and Mark IV movement.



replaced by a Mark IV movement, and the hinged brass bezel by an integral Bakelite bezel. These changes would have made large-scale production easier.

A mantel clock with a wood veneer over plywood case, contrasting wood feet, and an insertion version of the Mark V movement is shown in Figure 23. The clock is 6½ inches high and 6½ inches wide. The dial is 3¼ inches diameter with a chrome bezel, and black Arabic numerals and hands. There is an aperture for a telltale. The dial is marked “TEMCO ELECTRIC” and “MADE IN ENGLAND”. This simple, elegant clock with an eas-ily read dial is good art deco, with form well combined with function. Examples are often listed on eBay, so it must have been a popular model. The use of an insertion movement would have simplifi ed production and helped to keep costs down.

Another mantel clock with a wood veneer over ply-wood case and Mark V movement is shown in Figure 24. The clock is 6½ inches high and 9 inches wide. The dial is 4¾ inches square with a chrome bezel, black stylized Ro-man numerals, and pierced geometric white hands. There is an aperture for a telltale. The chapter ring is marked “TEMCO ELECTRIC MADE IN ENGLAND”. The case out-line is perhaps a little too soft to be called art deco, but the pierced hands and effective use of contrasting woods are typical art deco features. The overall effect is elegant.

A mantel clock with a shallow chrome and black stained wood case, and Mark V movement is shown in Figure 25. The clock is 7½ inches high and 6¾ inches wide. The dial is fi ve inches in diameter with a chrome bezel, black Ara-bic numerals, and pierced geometric black hands. There is an aperture for a telltale. The dial center is burnished

chrome, with the refl ection of the minute hand clearly visible in the photograph. The chapter ring is marked “TEMCO ELECTRIC” and “MADE IN ENGLAND”. This is a clock reduced to essentials, but nevertheless elegant: an easily read dial, with movement mounted on the back

Figure 23. Art deco Temco mantel clock with wood veneer over plywood case, contrasting wood feet, and Mark V movement.

Figure 24. Art deco Temco mantel clock with fi gured wood veneer over plywood case, contrasting wood feet, and Mark V movement.

Figure 25. Art deco Temco mantel clock with chrome and stained wood case and Mark V movement.



and a base that is heavy for stability. Shallow clocks were becoming fashionable in 1936,36 and TMC introduced an extended range of synchronous clocks in the same year,44 so this and other shallow clocks probably date from 1936 or later. Because it has a Mark V movement, this clock cannot be earlier than 1938.

Figure 26. Art deco Temco mantel clock with pale translucent marble and chrome case and Mark V movement.

Figure 27A, above top. Art deco Temco mantel clock with Perspex and brass case, and Mark V movement.

Figure 27B, above. Mottling within Perspex dial.

A mantel clock with a shallow pale translucent marble and chrome case and Mark V movement is shown in Figures 1 and 26. There is some dis-coloration, probably due to tobacco smoke. The clock is 8 inches high and 12½ inches wide. The black skeleton-ized chapter ring, with stylized Arabic numerals, is not quite circular and is fi ve inches across. Four of the num-bers are cutouts so they appear light. The pierced geometric hands are black. There is no telltale aperture. There is no wording on the dial. The chapter ring is elegant when viewed close up (Figure 26), and less so when viewed at a dis-tance (Figure 1).

A mantel clock with a shallow Per-spex (Plexiglas) and brass case and Mark V movement is shown in Figure 27A. The model number is 4750, and it was shown at the British Industries Fair,

May 3-14, 1948.52 The clock is 5½ inches high and 9 inches wide. The dial is 4½ inches in diameter with pale yellow Arabic numerals and pierced geometric white hands. The yellow skeletonized chapter ring is printed on the reverse of clear Perspex. It appears to have faded. The gray background to the dial is matt fi nish aluminum behind the Perspex and is marked “TEMCO ELECTRIC”. There is no telltale aperture. Mottling within the dial is due to defects within the Perspex, as shown in Figure 27B. The defects appear to have been caused by heat from the motor. A shortcom-ing of the design is that the movement case is only out of sight over a limited range of viewing angles.

A Temco Art Deco Synchronous Alarm ClockAn alarm clock with a Bakelite case and alarm

movement is shown in Figure 28 on the facing page. The clock is 4½ inches high, excluding the alarm set knob, and 4½ inches wide. The dial is 3¼ inches di-ameter, with black Arabic numerals and geometric hands, the hour hand pierced, and a red seconds hand. There is an aperture at 12 o’clock for the A.M./P.M. in-dicator. The dial is marked “TEMCO” and “MADE IN ENGLAND”. The movement is self starting, and the seconds hand acts as a telltale. A rearview is shown in Figure 14 and is described above. Although marketed as a Temco synchronous alarm clock, it is actually a rebranded Smiths English Clocks, Ltd., Auto Bell syn-chronous alarm clock, which has a date range, based on catalogs of 1951-1953.14 An implication is that pro-duction of Temco synchronous clocks did not end un-til sometime after 1953. Smiths English Clocks, Ltd., also made clocks for several other companies.14



Figure 28. An art deco Temco alarm clock with a Bakelite case and alarm movement.

ConclusionThe Temco art deco domestic synchronous electric

clocks described in this article are a personal selection from the large range of Temco synchronous clocks. They illustrate the remarkable parallel between the rise and fall of Temco clocks and the rise and fall of art deco. At their best the Temco art deco clocks have an elegance and charm that makes them works of art, as well as still being practical clocks for domestic use. The heyday for the design of Temco art deco clocks appears to have been the 1930s, with clocks fi tted with the early and Mark IV movements being among the best. In the 1940s, when Temco clocks were usually fi tted with the Mark V move-ment, the art deco style was becoming debased. This is refl ected in the clocks shown in Figures 26 and 27 whose appearance is not completely satisfactory.

References1. A. E. Ball, “Electric Clocks Which Operate on

Service Mains: Chapter I,” Horological Journal, No. 870 (1931): 102-106.

2. Anon, “Centenary of the Electric Clock,” Horologi-cal Journal, No. 988 (1941): 15.

3. Anon, “Synchronous Motor Clocks and Electrical Impulse Dials,” Horological Journal, No. 889 (1932): 208-209.

4. S. F. Philpott, “Modern Synchronous Clocks. 1. His-

tory of the Synchronous Clock,” Horological Journal, No. 946 (1937): 3.

5. S. J. Smith, “Jim and the Jingoes” XI,” Horological Journal, No. 961 (1938): 23-28.

6. Anon, “Everett Edgcumbe,” Horological Journal, No. 984 (1940): 10.

7. A. E. Ball, “Electric Clocks Which Operate on Ser-vice Mains: Chapter X,” Horological Journal, No. 883 (1932): 135.

8. Anon, “Synchronous Timekeeping,” Horologi-cal Journal, No. 1143 (1953): 826. Corrigendum. A. Tremayne. Postcard (1953).

9. G. E. Moore, “Miniature Synchronous Motors in Service,” Horological Journal, No. 933 (1936): 3-4.

10. H. T. Stott, “Electricity and Horology,” Horological Journal, No. 1048 (1946): 23-30.

11. D. W. Barrett, “Big Future for British Clocks. Of-fi cial Report of B.H.I. Lecture,” Horological Journal, No. 1050 (1946): 104-106.

12. Anon, “Ten Years of Progress in Making and Sell-ing Synchronous Electric Clocks,” Horological Journal, No. 984 (1940): 1-3.

13. Anon, “Temco Synchronous Electric Clocks,” Horological Journal, No. 1041 (1945): 192.

14. B. Smith, Smiths Domestic Clocks, 2nd ed. (Herne Bay: Pierhead Publications Limited, 2008).

15. Anon, “Few Clocks and Watches,” Horological Jour-nal, No. 1108 (1951): 26.

16. C. Bird, Metamec, the Clockmaker Dereham (Tice- hurst, Sussex: Antiquarian Horological Society, 2003).

17. J. Linz, Electrifying Time: Telechron and GE Clocks (Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing Co, 2001).

18. J. Linz, Westclox Electric (Atglen, PA: Schiffer Pub-lishing Co., 2004).

19. R. H. A. Miles, Synchronome—Masters of Electrical Time Keeping (Ticehurst, Sussex: The Antiquarian Horo-logical Society, 2011).

20. Tran Duy Li, New Haven Clocks and Watches (Fair-fax, VA: Arlington Book Co., Inc., 1997).

21. F. J. Britten, The Watch & Clock Makers’ Handbook, Dictionary and Guide, 16th ed., revised by R. Good (New York: Arco Publishing Company, Inc., 1978).

22. T. R. Robinson, Modern Clocks. Their Repair and Maintenance, 2nd ed. (London: N A G Press, Ltd., 1942).

23. R. P. Guye and M. Bossart, Horlogerie électrique, (Lausanne: Scriptar SA, 1957).

24. Anon, “Synchronous Clock Conference,” Horologi-cal Journal, No. 892 (1932): 255.

25. Anon, “Synchronous Clock Conference,” Agree-ment between Synchronous Electric Clock Manufactur-ers and Approved Wholesalers,” Horological Journal, No. 931 (1936): 8.

26. Anon, “British Synchronous Clock Conference,” Horological Journal, No. 943 (1937): 14.

27. A. G. Smith, “The Re-establishment of the Brit-ish Clock Making Industry,” Horological Journal, No. 949 (1937): 30, 32, 34, 36.

28. Anon, “Testing Synchronous Clocks,” Horological Journal, Vol. 80, No. 949 (1937): 27.

29. Anon, “Discussion at the British Horological Insti-



tute on the Relative Merits of Synchronous Electric and Mechanical Clocks January 12th, 1938,” Horological Jour-nal, No. 953 (1938): 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16-18.

30. G. E. Moore, “Starting and Setting Synchronous-Motor Clocks,” Horological Journal, No. 467 (1939): 18-19.

31. T. R. Robinson, “Servicing the Synchronous Clock,” Horological Journal, No. 984 (1940): 13-36.

32. Art deco, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Deco (accessed October 11, 2011).

33. B. Hillier, Art Deco of the 20s and 30s (London: Stu-dio Vista, 1968).

34. B. Hillier and S. Escritt, Art Deco Style (London: Phaidon, 1997).

35. J. H. Seager, “British Clock Cases,” Horological Jour-nal, No. 949 (1937): 70-72.

36. J. H. Seager, “Modern Art in Clock Design,” lec-ture delivered before the Horological Institute on April 8th, Horological Journal, No. 932 (1936): 12, 14-17.

37. J. H. Seager, “Modern Art in Clock Design,” discus-sion following lecture delivered before the Horological Institute on April 8th, Horological Journal, No. 933 (1936): 12-15.

38. B. Estreich, Bob’s old phones, http://www.bobsold-phones.net/Pages/index.htm (accessed October 6, 2011).

39. www.gracesguide.co.uk (accessed December 16, 2011).

40. Anon, “History of Telephones Rentals” (including TMC, Ltd.), www.britishtelephones.com/history.htm (ac-cessed December 16, 2011).

41. Anon, “‘Temco’ Master Clock. A Visit to the Works Where It Is Made,” Horological Journal, No. 948 (1937): 10, 12.

42. Anon, “‘Temco’ Master Clock,” Horological Journal, No. 947 (1937): 16-18.

43. L. P. Pook, “The Les Pook Miscellany,” www.le-spook.com (accessed April 3, 2012).

44. Anon, “‘Temco’ Electric Clocks,” Horological Jour-nal, No. 936 (1936): 22.

45. Anon, “Temco Synchronous Electric Clocks,” Hor-ological Journal, No. 947 (1937): 17.

46. Anon, “Better, Cheaper, Synchronous Clocks,” Horological Journal, No. 961 (1938): 38-39.

47. Anon, “Temco Synchronous Electric Clocks,” Horo-logical Journal, No. 984 (1940): 14.

48. Anon, “Temco Pamphlet,” Horological Journal, No. 1067 (1947): 403.

49. Anon, “B.I.F. 1948. Full list of exhibitors,” Horologi-cal Journal, No. 1075 (1948): 216, 218, 220.

50. Anon, “B.I.F. 1949. Full list of exhibitors,” Horologi-cal Journal, No. 1087 (1949): 221, 226, 228.

51. Anon, “‘Temco’ Mark IV Synchronous Clock Movement,” Horological Journal, No. 955 (1938): 14-15.

52. Anon, “Review of the 1948 British Industries Fair. Horological Section,” Horological Journal, No. 1076 (1948): 280-283.

53. Anon, Smiths Repair Manual for “Sectric” Timepieces and Alarms (Colindale, London: Smiths Clock & Watch Division, undated).

About the Author

Leslie Philip (Les) Pook was born in Middlesex, Eng-land, in 1935. He obtained a BSc in metallurgy from the University of London in 1956. He started his career at Hawker Siddeley Aviation, Ltd., Coventry, in 1956. In 1963 he moved to the National Engineering Laboratory, East Kilbride, Glasgow. In 1969, while at the National Engineering Laboratory, he obtained a PhD in mechani-cal engineering from the University of Strathclyde. Dr. Pook moved to University College London in 1990. He retired formally in 1998 but remained professionally ac-tive in the fi elds of metal fatigue and fracture mechanics and was affi liated to University College London as a vis-iting professor until 2009. He now has more time to pur-sue long-standing interests in recreational mathematics and in horology, especially synchronous electric clocks. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. Les married his wife Ann in 1960. They have a daughter Stephanie and a son Adrian.

AcknowledgmentsThe assistance of staff at the British Library in London

is acknowledged, together with helpful comments from other enthusiasts. The photographs are copyright of the author.

New BooksGrandfather Clocks by Steven Conover Tubular Bell Clocks by Steven ConoverStretch: America’s First Family of Clockmakers

by Donald L. Fennimore and Frank L. Hohmann IIIChoosing the Perfect Spring for Your Barreled Spring Clock

by Richard HansenWaterbury Clocks & Watches: Volume 2 by Tran Duy LyA. Lange & Söhne Highlights by Henning MützlitzAnniversary Clock Identifi cation Second Edition

by Mervyn Passmore

by Archives Superviser Sara DockeryThe National Watch and Clock Museum

New VideosWalking Tour of Clocks That Changed the World: Exhibit

at the 44th Eastern States Regional by Chris Bailey,Tom Grimshaw, and Snowden Taylor

Ancient Computer by Mike BeckhamSeth Wheeler & Co.: A Yankee Peddling Venture in the

‘Tuckey-Ho, 1836-1840 by Mary Jane DapkusClocks That Changed the World: The Development of the

American Mass-Produced Clock: 1806-1850 by Tom Grimshaw

Making an E. Howard #49 Regulator: “The Creative Process” by Joel Warren

See page 75 for more new programs and donation recognition.


Art Deco Domestic Synchronous Clocks · The Conference was also a cartel to control prices. In 1936...

Documents

Transcript of Art Deco Domestic Synchronous Clocks · The Conference was also a cartel to control prices. In 1936...