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ID #SA1053334
FOR SALE
£1,550
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Art Deco Mystery Clock by Smiths Clocks, C1930s
For sale by Art Deco World
for sale €1,814     $1,969
£1,550
Art Deco World

Art Deco World

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2015
Browse dealers 440 items
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Id #SA1053334
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Art Deco Mystery Clock by Smiths Clocks, C1930s

1920 - 1940
For Sale by Art Deco World
Description

For your consideration is this rare Smith mystery clock made by Smith's Electronic Clocks . The chrome case was moulded in aluminium. The glass has black numerals on a square silver background with a black border. The rear glass holds the hand assembly. The middle plate has a hole in the centre and is grooved at the bottom to allow it to be rocked slowly by a small roller arm connected to a synchronous motor located in the base of the clock.

The rocking motion operates a ratchet mechanism which turns the hands. As the glass cannot be seen moving, the way the hands move is a mystery. The movement of the hands is not conventional with the forward motion lasting 20 to 30 sec. The hands then go backwards before the next oscillation. Working .

Synchronous motor 220 volts A.C 50 Cycle mains powered, and working.

FREE UK mainland delivery

Physical Dimensions
Height
20cm (7.87")
Width
16cm (6.30")
Depth
6.5cm (2.56")
Declaration

Art Deco World has dated this Art Deco Mystery Clock to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1053334
Dealers Notes

UK customers: we want you to be delighted with your purchases from us and so we offer a full money back guarantee (items must be returned within 14 days in same condition as when sent) if you are not fully satisfied with your purchases from us for what ever reason and would like to return them. Please note : Shipping costs are not refundable. Refunds are only issued once an item has been returned back to us. Refunds are issued within 48 hours in receipt of return.

Description
For your consideration is this rare Smith mystery clock made by Smith's Electronic Clocks . The chrome case was moulded in aluminium. The glass has black numerals on a square silver background with a black border. The rear glass holds the hand assembly.
“
The middle plate has a hole in the centre and is grooved at the bottom to allow it to be rocked slowly by a small roller arm connected to a synchronous motor located in the base of the clock.
Art Deco World
fig 1. A square Art Deco mystery clock featuring a chrome frame and base with floating black hands on a clear glass dial.
fig 1. Art Deco Mystery Clock by Smiths Clocks, C1930s

The rocking motion operates a ratchet mechanism which turns the hands. As the glass cannot be seen moving, the way the hands move is a mystery. The movement of the hands is not conventional with the forward motion lasting 20 to 30 sec. The hands then go backwards before the next oscillation. Working .

Synchronous motor 220 volts A.C 50 Cycle mains powered, and working.

FREE UK mainland delivery

Height
20cm (7.87")
Width
16cm (6.30")
Depth
6.5cm (2.56")
Date of Manufacture

Art Deco World has dated this Art Deco Mystery Clock to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1053334
Art Deco World
Art Deco World
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2015

Specialists in fine quality art deco originals

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Art Deco World Profile Page

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A square Art Deco mystery clock featuring a chrome frame and base with floating black hands on a clear glass dial.
1 / 10
Archive I A square Art Deco mystery clock featuring a chrome frame and base with floating black hands on a clear glass dial.

Art Deco Mystery Clock by Smiths Clocks, C1930s

Archive II A square Art Deco mystery clock featuring a chrome frame and base with floating black hands on a clear glass dial. View II
Archive III A square Art Deco mystery clock featuring a chrome frame and base with floating black hands on a clear glass dial. View III
Archive IV A square Art Deco mystery clock featuring a chrome frame and base with floating black hands on a clear glass dial. View IV
Archive V A square Art Deco mystery clock featuring a chrome frame and base with floating black hands on a clear glass dial. View V
Archive VI A square Art Deco mystery clock featuring a chrome frame and base with floating black hands on a clear glass dial. View VI
Archive VII A square Art Deco mystery clock featuring a chrome frame and base with floating black hands on a clear glass dial. View VII
Archive VIII A square Art Deco mystery clock featuring a chrome frame and base with floating black hands on a clear glass dial. View VIII
Archive IX A square Art Deco mystery clock featuring a chrome frame and base with floating black hands on a clear glass dial. View IX
Archive X A square Art Deco mystery clock featuring a chrome frame and base with floating black hands on a clear glass dial. View X
Enlarged Archival View
Art Deco World

Art Deco World
Telephone 01172 308157
Location
North Devon
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/deco
Verified Since Nov 2015
Items For Sale 440
Items Sold 2,188
Art Deco World
Art Deco World
Verified Since Nov 2015
View Dealer Info
Location: North Devon, United Kingdom,
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/deco
Verified
Nov 2015
For Sale
440
Sold
2,188
A square Art Deco mystery clock featuring a chrome frame and base with floating black hands on a clear glass dial.
Art Deco Mystery Clock By Smiths Clocks, c1930s
Ref: SA1053334
A square Art Deco mystery clock featuring a chrome frame and base with floating black hands on a clear glass dial.
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectClocks
  • Period1920 - 1940
  • StyleArt Deco
  • MaterialChrome, Glass
  • ColourSilver
  • MotifsGeometric block numerals, Chrome pedestal base, Transparent glass dial, Floating hands
  • SizeH 20 cm (8 in) x W 16 cm (6 in) x D 6.5 cm (3 in)

This Art Deco mystery clock dates from the 1930 period and originates from Smiths Clocks. It is constructed from a chrome case moulded in aluminium, paired with a transparent glass dial, a rear glass holding the hand assembly, and a chrome pedestal base. The piece displays a silver colour palette. The square dial incorporates geometric block numerals enclosed within square borders, floating black hands, and the text "SMITH ELECTRIC" on the face. A power cord extends from the rear, connecting the synchronous motor located in the base. The clock measures 20 cm high, 16 cm wide, and 6.5 cm deep. It functions as a decorative timepiece suited for placement on a mantelpiece in a contemporary living room, study, or hallway interior.

FAQs

An Art Deco mystery clock is a timepiece designed during the 1920s and 1930s where the hands appear to float on a transparent glass dial without any visible connection to the internal movement.

Clocks from this era typically feature chromium-plated metal bases, glass dials, and compact internal electric or mechanical drive units concealed within the pedestal base.

Authentic examples feature period dial typography, maker marks such as Smiths Electric printed directly on the glass face or baseplate, and period-accurate synchronised electric motor assemblies.

Position the clock on a streamlined mantelpiece, sideboard, or executive desk to serve as a focal point alongside geometric ceramics, polished metals, or monochrome artwork.

Clean the glass dial using a dry microfibre cloth, avoid harsh chemical solvents on chrome surfaces, and consult a qualified horologist to inspect or rewire vintage electrical components.
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