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A Reference Site for UK Mechanical Industrial Time Recorders |
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National Time Recorder Company Ltd
Dating |
Unfortunately I don't have an accurate serial number/date reference list to share - I'd appreciate copies of any lists anyone has that can be added to this page.
| The serial number on most NTR wall mount clocks can usually be found on the bottom of each of the two front brass legs of the printing or clipping mechanism. |  |
I do have a serial number guide kindly given to me by Peter Levitt recently and by Barrie Smith (Barrie's Clock Museum website) many years ago, but as he admitted the numbers are a bit eratic and differ between NTR and Blick, and may also differ with certain models:
NTR/Blick Serial Number |
Date |
1764 |
1917 |
up to 6921 |
Pre 1922 |
30857 |
1932 |
45209 |
1934 |
46493 |
1935 |
59563 |
1940 |
71587 |
1945 |
80493 |
1950 |
81600 |
1951 |
86270 |
1954 |
90200 |
1956 |
97327 |
1960 |
1400 (new series) |
1962 |
3400 |
1966 |
6500 |
1968 |
Without reliable serial number information, NTR clocks can be roughly dated by their appearance as the models changed in style several times during the production period;
1910's & 1920's |
1930's & 1940's |
1940's & 1950's |
1950's & 60's |
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Oak Case & Oak Back Board |
Oak Case & Ply Back Board |
Oak Case & Ply Back Board |
Mahogany Case & Ply Back Board |
Carved Oak Dial Surround |
Ply Dial Surround |
Ply Dial Surround |
Ply Dial Surround |
Round Dial with Roman Numerals |
Round Dial with Roman Numerals |
Round Dial with Numbers |
Square Dial with Numbers |
Decorative Cast Iron Waterfall Front |
Plain Cast Iron Waterfall Front |
Plain Cast Iron Waterfall Front |
No Waterfall Front |
Large Decorative Cornice |
No Cornice |
No Cornice |
No Cornice |
| Very Old Models with Pediment and Bevelled Glass |
These are guidelines only; many NTR clocks have features that overlap the production era, and many were refurbished with new parts and returned into service. The basic rule is that the more ornate the woodwork and metalwork, the older the clock.
There are 2 other clues to dating NTR Clocks:
In 1917 London changed its postcode system to include a numerical suffix, so the NTR factory address changed from London SE to London SE1, which is reflected on the address printed on the dials. This may have been phased in over several years, but does give a rough idea as to the date of manufacture.
In 1951 NTR moved from South East London to St Mary Cray, Kent. Another good guide for dating their clocks if the St Mary Cray address is printed on the dial, except many old clocks had their dials replaced with new ones with the new address when serviced, so be wary on jumping to any conclusions!
Dating |