Posted 7 years ago
AnythingOb…
(1778 items)
This is my HAMMOND "HAMPTON" model kitchen clock, featuring the patented "Synchronous" electric motor with the (in)famous "spin to start" knob on its back along with another to set the time. One of the quirks of this early type of electric clock motor is that it is *not* self-starting -- when plugged in (or after a power outage) the "spin to start" knob must be given a twist to get the motor running -- then it will lock itself into the 60hz AC line current frequency and keep nearly perfect time. (and incidentally, if one twists the "spin to start" knob in the wrong direction, the clock will just as happily run perfectly **backwards**!! <lol>) This model also includes a small 3 minute 'egg timer' dial on its face in addition to the usual timekeeping hands.
It was made by the Hammond Instrument Company of Chicago IL (later to become much more famous for their Hammond electric organs, which used the same basic 'Synchronous' technology in a completely different way) between 1937 and 1941. It measures about 7-1/2" across and 2-1/2" high and although its outer chrome plating is slightly flaky, it not only looks way-cool but still runs perfectly after I replaced its power cord (original was quite crispy rubber) and gave its escapement mechanism a little cleaning and a few drops of new oil.
THANKS very much for the loves freon, buckethead, and fortapache!!
Hello friend... recently discovered a corner of the attic of my childhood home that was built by my grandfather, and stumbled onto this exact clock. Grandad was a salesman for GE from i believe the 40s to 70s, and there is a gaggle of stuff up there I may need some help identifying.. interested in a challenge?
Also, can you give me an idea as to how to replace the cord on thos clock?
- John
Hello, John -- congrats on finding one of your own! :-)
IIRC, there should be a sprung 'ring' all the way around the rear edge of the clock in a 'groove' of sorts, which holds the outer case and backplate (which the motor/movement is actually fastened to) together. This ring will have a small 'gap' in it somewhere, allowing a slender tool to be used to gently pry one end out of its groove (like a common "internal circlip/snap ring" which then will allow the case to come apart. (and replacing the cord is self-explanatory from there) Be CAREFUL of the glass during disassembly, as it will also become its own separate piece as the chrome case ring comes off.
I'd love to see more pics of your attic finds -- if I myself can't help you ID your Granddad's things, I'm betting somewhere else around here will be able to?!!
I found this same clock two days ago and it works perfectly. It's a handsome clock. Thanks to AnythingObscure for the excellent explanation to take the clock apart.
The egg timer feature is just something I would never have guessed....I’m glad you explained it.
You are quite welcome Gnat -- I'm glad the info was useful to you, it did puzzle me for a good while too, until I finally noticed that little gap in the 'retaining ring'... ;-) The more of these cool old clocks remaining out there in the world still running is THE BETTER, as far as I'm concerned?! :-) :-) :-) I'm also happy that the 'egg timer' explanation made sense to you Watchsearcher...indeed I myself would have never guessed what that was either, without otherwise discovering its purpose accidentally while researching something else. (ironically enough...)
THANKS also to iggy, pw-collector, Watchsearcher, & Brunswick for stopping by and leaving your <love it>s in the meantime!!!