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An Electric Mantel Clock - or is it a Radio?

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    Posted 10 years ago

    busylizzie9
    (1 item)

    This is an electric mantel clock with a radio standing around 11 inches high. It has been in my family, originating from the North of England, from new I think. The clock still works but the radio does not but I can remember hearing it in the 1960s, reception was pretty poor.

    There is no manufacturer's label but it has a number stamped on the back 17T17S1261 and on the base B1137.

    I understand it is a synchronous clock operating at 240V on 50Hz so although it is clearly marked 'Made in USA' I don't believe it could ever have worked there. An export model maybe? It requires a 'spin start' after connecting to the mains, this involves sticking a hand in the back to operate the spinner - a hazardous procedure!

    The case has two 'ears'. The left is a dummy but the right opens to reveal two wooden radio knobs. Top knob for tuning and bottom on/off and volume. The dial goes up to 500 meters. The speaker is in the base. Whoever used the radio has pencilled in arrows to help find their favourite stations on the dial.

    I like the clock's clean simple lines and clear face but, sadly, it is not safe to use these days.

    I would love to have more information on it, date and manufacturer for example. Are there any more our there?

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    Comments

    1. Chadakoin Chadakoin, 10 years ago
      A very cool clock/radio! I love the way they've concealed the radio knobs. The electric movement was manufactured by the Hammond Clock Co. of Chicago. Hammond made clocks from 1928 to 1941, before switching exclusively to organ making. They supplied their components to a number of other clock companies (Whitehall, in particular), including a 240v motor for the foreign market. I've never seen the model you have before - thanks for sharing!

      Btw, what's the little knob on the front?
    2. busylizzie9, 10 years ago
      Many thanks for enlightening me. The little knob on the front is in fact a red light. I am not sure if it came on when the radio was on or maybe it only lit up when the radio was correctly tuned.

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