1935 EMPIRE (SMITHS) MAHOGANY BRACKET CLOCK
Stunning 1935 Empire mahogany cased 8-day striking bracket clock.
I am reducing my vast collection of clocks and therefore am offering for sale this Empire 8 day striking bracket clock, finished in a high gloss mahogany veneer and in full working order.
I have had this clock as part of my collection for about 8 years and it’s been in daily use during that time. It keeps good time and works as it should, striking the half-hour and the hour count. The movement was re-oiled about 6 months ago using the correct grade of clock oil and should therefore not require further re-oiling for some years to come.
The case is in excellent condition, with some signs of use during its 89 year life. It is fitted with a presentation plaque on the front dated 1935. There are no major blemishes on the case to detract from the overall appearance but please pay attention to the front right corner where there is a slight gap in the join. The bun feet have washers between the clock case and the foot so possibly the screw was replaced at some point and has pushed the joint apart very slightly. It was like this when I bought it and apart from squeezing some coloured wax into the gap I have not interfered with it. The clock is set in beat to run on a level surface. This particular movement is not easy to put in beat as the pendulum leader arm has to be bent slightly, so you should be comfortable with dealing with that level of adjustment should the clock not be placed on a level surface. The time keeping can be adjusted via a thumbscrew on the pendulum.
The mahogany case has a stunning high-gloss shine and the brass bezel is solid with no drop and clicks shut nicely into the clip built into the clock case.
The rear door knob is red plastic and although functional it’s not original and I have not been able to find anything suitable to replace it, but as it’s out of sight it’s not a huge issue.
It's quite a large clock:From what I have researched, The Empire Clock company manufactured high-quality clock movements and this one appears to be no exception. The company was originally called the English Clock& Watch Company (a merger of H Williamson & Grimshaw & Baxter) and started in 1924. The company was short-lived and was purchased by Smiths in 1932.
The clock has a beautiful deep slow tick and a soft hourly strike. As Empire clocks were acquired by Smiths in 1932 and as this clock was presented in 1935 I assume they manufactured the movement, although the case does not appear to have been manufactured by Smiths, so this could be old stock and possibly date back further than 1935?
Please study all the photos to satisfy yourself regarding the of the clock, and please let me know if you require additional photos or any additional information.
Please note that this clock has been part of my collection for about 8 years and has been in daily use for most of that time. However, it has not been professionally overhauled and I can therefore give no guarantees with the clock, but it has been properly cared for and maintained and was recently re-oiled so I see no reason why it will not continue to run perfectly for many more years.
The clock will be extremely well-packed for a safe journey and undamaged arrival at its new home, and I use recycled packing materials wherever possible. I take extreme care when packing my clocks to ensure that they are not damaged in transit.
I use UPS next-working-day service, and to date all clocks I have sent this way have been delivered the day after collection. I try my best to pack and dispatch my clocks within a day of receiving payment, so the buyer receives it within 3 or 4 days max.
Collection in person is welcomed. I am located approx 15 minutes either way from Bury St. Edmunds (Suffolk) or Diss (Norfolk).