RAF 1940 Pattern "Battle of Britain" Replica Sector Wall Clock in Wooden Case Size 14" CLK/WDN/SKTR
SKU Code: CLK/WDN/SKTR
If you want something different to the average boring wall clock this could be
it, these clocks make a great talking point in an office, workshop, garage,
reception area etc.
These clocks were originally known as "colour change clocks", they
were introduced in 1917 during the First World War by the RFC (Royal Flying
Corps) which was the predecessor to the RAF, they were used to monitor the
movements of German planes and airships and further developed in World War 2.
These clocks became famous in the Battle of Britain and many were still in use
during the Cold War on some airforce bases. These original clocks are now
highly sought after and originals can sell in UK auctions for an average of
between £5,000-£8,000!
There were several versions of the clock during the war and the face details
varied somewhat from one design to another but the clocks all had a similar
appearance with the red, blue and yellow triangles and were either electrical
or mechanical, this clock made by MWC has a sweep second hand just like the
original electric version.
People often ask us how the clock was used and basically the Sector Clock was a
fundamental part of Ground-controlled interception (GCI) before modern
computerized systems were put in place for airspace control. The clock face is
marked with five-minute red, yellow and blue triangular segments. It has an
outer 12-hour ring and an inner 24-hour dial.
Aircraft position was recorded along with the colour of the triangle beneath
the minute hand at the time of the sighting. This was reported to sector
headquarters, where counters of the relayed colour were used to represent each
air raid on a large table with a map of the UK overlaid with a British Modified
Grid. As the plots of the raiding aircraft moved, the counters were pushed
across the map by magnetic "rakes". This system enabled "Fighter
Controllers" to see very quickly where each formation was heading and
allowed an estimate to be made of possible targets. The age of the information
was readily apparent from the colour of the counter. Because of the simplicity
of the system, decisions could be made quickly and easily.
This actual clock measures 35.56cm (14") and is housed in a strong and
robust wooden casing.
The clocks have a high accuracy silent quartz movement so that you avoid the
annoying ticking sound every second with cheap quartz clocks which can become
seriously annoying to many people. The clock is supplied ready to go and
complete with a battery.
IMPORTANT: Please note to avoid breakage through the clock coming off the wall it is vital to make sure it is securely mounted. We recommend using a screw and Rawlplug on a brick or concrete wall, if it's being mounted on wood, of course, the screw can just be screwed in.
All nett proceeds from this sale go to the Berkshire Yeomanry Museum, a registered charity.
In order that all of the item amount is paid to the Berkshire Yeomanry Museum the post and packing charge covers postal delivery of the item by the means stated and all fees raised by Ebay and PayPal for the sale of the item.
If you are purchasing more than one item from the Museum we are happy to combine and reduce postal costs where possible. Please use the ADD TO BASKET link (Not the BUY IT NOW BUTTON) then go to Checkout and REQUEST TOTAL - Do not pay until we send you an invoice with ONE POSTAGE CHARGE.