Mantel clock - Wood, Brass - 1930-1940
05
days
13
hours
31
minutes
32
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Paula Martin-Calero Toro
Holds a degree in art history; over six years cataloguing and appraising antiques.
Estimate € 160 - € 190
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Antique British mantel clock from 1930–1940 with a mahogany-style wooden case, brass components, an eight-day mechanical Empire De Luxe movement, half-hour striking with multiple gongs, and a curved, fluted Art Deco design, 20 cm high, 30 cm wide, 10 cm deep.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Case: in mahogany wood (or similar) shaped like a “Wellington hat” / crushed top hat, typical of the period. The top is curved and rounded, the sides feature horizontal fluting (fluted/stepped sides) very characteristic of English Art Deco style. Base slightly protruding. Glossy finish with beautiful grain.
• Dial: round with an external silver/cream ring and black Roman numerals. Center in wood of the same tone as the case. Central inscription SMITHS EMPIRE and at the bottom MADE IN ENGLAND. Chromed (or nickel-plated) bezel with convex glass.
• Hands: elegantly pierced in period style.
• Movement: 8-day mechanical, probably of the Empire De Luxe type with platform lever escapement, as documented on very similar pieces preserved at the British Museum (production dated around 1934).
The Empire brand arose in the twenties with the English Clock & Watch Manufacturers (ECWM) of Coventry. In 1932 Smiths acquired ECWM and continued to use the Empire brand (along with Astral) for a range of good-quality watches destined for both domestic and export markets.
Pieces bearing the inscription “Smiths Empire” and a case in this stylistic styleTypically date from 1933 to the late thirties (the De Luxe model was introduced shortly after the acquisition).
It is a typical piece of English mid-to-high quality production from the interwar period: solid, well-proportioned and with a sober yet refined geometric design, perfect for a shelf or sideboard in Art Deco or Mid-Century style.
Case: in mahogany wood (or similar) shaped like a “Wellington hat” / crushed top hat, typical of the period. The top is curved and rounded, the sides feature horizontal fluting (fluted/stepped sides) very characteristic of English Art Deco style. Base slightly protruding. Glossy finish with beautiful grain.
• Dial: round with an external silver/cream ring and black Roman numerals. Center in wood of the same tone as the case. Central inscription SMITHS EMPIRE and at the bottom MADE IN ENGLAND. Chromed (or nickel-plated) bezel with convex glass.
• Hands: elegantly pierced in period style.
• Movement: 8-day mechanical, probably of the Empire De Luxe type with platform lever escapement, as documented on very similar pieces preserved at the British Museum (production dated around 1934).
The Empire brand arose in the twenties with the English Clock & Watch Manufacturers (ECWM) of Coventry. In 1932 Smiths acquired ECWM and continued to use the Empire brand (along with Astral) for a range of good-quality watches destined for both domestic and export markets.
Pieces bearing the inscription “Smiths Empire” and a case in this stylistic styleTypically date from 1933 to the late thirties (the De Luxe model was introduced shortly after the acquisition).
It is a typical piece of English mid-to-high quality production from the interwar period: solid, well-proportioned and with a sober yet refined geometric design, perfect for a shelf or sideboard in Art Deco or Mid-Century style.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Specific region of origin
Londra
Material
Brass, Wood
Clock mechanism
Mechanical
Power reserve
8 day movement
Striking
half hour, multiple gongs
Country of origin
United Kingdom
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
In working order
Yes
Height
20 cm
Width
30 cm
Depth
10 cm
Estimated period
1930-1940
Weight
3 g
Winding key
No
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