electric clock

[phil australia]

the picture did not load in my last email, trying again....

 

[phil australia]

the picture did not load in my last email, trying again....

 

[eskmill]

Phil, your International Master clock might have a serial number plate that would provide a precise date. Without a serial number or sales document, the clock's age is more speculation than fact.

The movement in your example resembles the IBM model 35 which was produced from the 1920's through the 1950's. However, the wood case of your clock with glass in the side panels is unique and may have been available only outside the United States. Too, the logo on the face, "International" was used in the US circa 1924 but said to have been registered in Canada in 1917.

The style of the case lost popularity during the 1920's in much of the world. My best guess is that your master clock is of 1919 to 1926 vintage.

Les

 

[phil australia]

Thanks for that Les.
The wood on the case has a nice redy golden glow to it, so I was wondering if it was American walnut? I am pretty sure it's not Mahogany and it's certainly not Oak.
I have managed to find a few numbers on the case. On the top of the pediment is a metal tag with the number A10011 on it. On the back of the pediment in chalk are the numbers 1013 and 00016532 (not sure if these no's. are meant to be in one line or are two seperate ones) The G.E.C. electric movement has the number 23225 on it.
Regards Phil.

 

[eskmill]

Walnut wood found in North America is often rather lighter than Walnut originating in Europe. However, fine Honduras mahogany can have a "reddy" hue.

I've compared the numbers you've found on the clock case. The number A10011 on the tag is curious. IBM resources state letter prefixes weren't added until 1949. But the Number 10011 is in line with the style of the case for year 1917 and we are uncertain of the country of origin. The chalk numbers 1013 and 00016532 are likely sales order reference numbers for the wood case.

Again, although your clock's case style is one that lost popularity in the 1920's we don't know where the case was made. The glass panes in the sides is very odd. Have you any knowledge of the clock's origin? (England or Canada)

Les

 

[phil australia]

I am assuming it came from the U.S. but not really sure. It came out of a big old bank here. Just a thought, could the number with the prefixed A mean Australia. perhaps they kept a seperate inventory for export models that were sent here. Another thing that I have only just noticed, is that the electric motor is only rated to 110 v which I think must mean it did come out of the U.S. We are a 240 v. here as is the U.K. (What is the Canadian voltage system.) On top of the clock, hidden by the pediment is an 8"long tube with a grill over it (must get hot!) which could possibly be a transformer? It has a tag on it which reads (first line)OHMS 300 AMPS (2nd)TRADE VITROHM MARK. (3RD) WARD LEANARD ELECTRIC CO.,MOUNT VERNON, N.Y.,U.S.A. There is quite a mixture of wires up there and it looks as though the input line first went through a couple of 240 v fuses, which are siting next to the tube and then on into this tube before going down to the clock. I must get an electrician to go over it for me.
Phil.

 

[eskmill]

Phil, the "tube" atop the clock is most likely a series "dropping" resistor. It was necessary to reduce your 220 volt utility service to about 120 volts for the wind-up motor in your clock. Nowadays, one would employ a small step-down transformer to accomodate the lower voltage requirement of the clock.

The trade mark "VITROHM" and the "Ward Leonard" name of the maker in Mt. Vernon, New York may lead to more closely date your clock. The Ward Leonard company is today still prosperous but located in Thomastown, Mass. A note to Ward Leonard Company concerning the Vitrohm resistor and the Mt. Vernon address might be helpful in dating your International Master Clock.
You might want to drop them a note. <http://www.wardleonard.com>

Les

 

[phil australia]

The link bellow is of a clock which is identical to mine apart from the mercury pendulem. I understand that when these clocks were purchased, the customer had a choice of either the mercury, invar or regular brass covered lead bob pendulem.
Phil
http://www.lib.duke.edu/lilly/lillyartproj/clock.htm