The serial number is 4831 with a date of 3/5/1938
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Case: Overall dimensions 52.5" x 13.5" x 8.25". The case is of fine mahogany. The lock is fitted to the front of the door with the keep plate on the case
Dial: a 6.5" diameter circular pilot dial is fitted, with silvered dial having arabic numerals. The lettering reads "Gent's of Leicester" and "Made in England" Historical note: The history of Gents has been related by D J Bird in great detail (see below) but in brief:
The first Gents transmitter (as they were then called) was made in 1905 and installed in Thornbridge Hall so that pattern of clock came to be called the Thornbridge though Gents labelled them types C1 to C4.
The design was simplified and became known as the Tompion transmitter (C5) this carries the story to 1907.
The design was further simplified and a new patent obtained in 1907. This was regarded as a cheap construction method and enabled Gents to sell more cheaply so production, which commenced in 1908, concentrated on this design. By 1909 it was called the Home transmitter and known as C6 if it had no pilot dial or C7 with a dial.
The C7 developed as follows:
In 1909 the main contacts were only about 1.75 inches below the lower pivot. By 1915 the armature and switch lever were an inch longer and there were other detail alterations. The pendulum rod in early clocks was usually of teak moving between two pins on the crutch. The spark quench if fitted, was a single large capacitor across the movement terminals.
After the 1914-1918 war several alterations were made one after the other. The main casting was extended at the top so the movement could more firmly fixed by being screwed through holes in the casting to the wall.
Early models of the C7 had "THE B-P PATENT SYSTEM" cast in the main casting and patent dates etc along the lower edge.
Around serial 1850 the lettering on the casting was changed to "PULSYNETIC ELECTRIC SYSTEM" and soon after the casting was extended at lower left side to provide a lower backstop support for the armature.
The next feature to be introduced was a separate pendulum support casting, first offered as an optional feature. One clock so fitted being number 1977
This particular clock, serial number 4831, was built at atime when quality mattered and has an Invar pendulum The printed label giving date and serial number is in the top left corner of the case (as usual) and the serial number is stamped into the top rail of the case (also as usual with Gents) The pendulum support is a separate casting as was normal by this time and the main casting itself has the additional support for the contacts and the central fixing at the bottom centre of the casting.
All collectors of Gents electric clocks are deeply indebted to D J Bird who has written extensively on the C7 and other Gents clocks. Much of the information in these notes is derived directly or indirectly from that source and is gratefully acknowledged. Collectors are advised to join the electrical horology group of the AHS in order to benefit the detailed information available from the AHS.