TELAVOX CLOCKS

A private collection

2011-01-01T20:33:00.008+01:00

*
A collector of Telavox clocks has kindly forwarded some photographs with the case and movement serial numbers.

As I have yet to find at least two of these models myself this seemed like an ideal opportunity to show more of the Telavox case styles:

I like to think of this one as the tree style. Because of the grooved hardwood plinth which is rather like a stylised tree trunk. Providing a solid foundation to the entire design. It has a very pretty, delicately drawn dial with unique hands. The gilt corner swags (spandrels) add even more class to a very desirable Telavox.

Telavox Model 5020:

This is a very smart design with a solid chapter ring and excellent legibility thanks to the standard Telavox hands. The delicate lining to the curved edges of the case add a sumptuous quality. Well beyond anything seen in the more common, mass-produced, spring-driven clockwork made in Germany. Telavox designers had a superb eye for pure style.

Telavox Model 5100

The wide, square stepped toe style. Again with lighter stringing lifting the case to a higher level. The plain brass dial suggests an early model.

I call this style the Art Deco. Probably because of the unique, curved hardwood, reeded feet. One of my favourite Telavox case styles. It looks as if it will spring into the air. Or is effortlessly supporting a heavy weight behind the dial.

Telavox Model 5080

Medium square toe seems inadequate to describe such a neat design. Note the beautifully grained, hardwood veneer, the hardwood edging and feet and fine contrasting lining. All indicators of a furniture quality clock case at its best.

The very wide, round toe model. Beautifully balanced thanks to the large, clear Telavox dial. Carved hardwood feet and neat edging strip add an extra touch of quality to the burr walnut veneer. Vertically reeded hardwood end caps to the case extremes complete a superbly impressive mantel clock.

Medium round toe with book matched, finely figured veneer with hardwood edging to the base. A polished brass chapter ring with Roman numerals and highly legible black Telavox hands.

A tall, Telavox wall dial in a unique style rather than the more usual mantel clock. The delicately drawn hands and cream dial with gilt, Arabic numeral are astonishingly clear and understated. Note the contrasting, curved lining to the front case veneer. The designer could have got away with plain top and bottom sections but chose reeded hardwood to raise the case quality to yet another level. Notice how the case is framed by the hardwood mouldings. This must have been an expensive case to make. Reminiscent of a true antique.

*

Mystery Telavox 8649

2010-11-19T12:46:00.013+01:00

*
A new owner of a Telavox has kindly sent me details and a link to some excellent pictures of his clock:

I have cropped, resized and adjusted the images slightly in PhotoFiltre to match the special requirements of the blog format. Without a little extra gamma and contrast blog images tend to appear dark and lack crispness. I routinely add gamma and contrast on all my blog images and may occasionally reduce the colour density slightly. This is no criticism of the original photographer's images because I do exactly the same to my own photographs on all of my blogs.

Brass dial and fixed bezel, without the later chapter ring suggests an early clock.

Telavox's typically attractive wood veneers with fine figuring and lighter box stringing for that extra touch of cabinet maker's quality. Telavox left most other clockwork case makers well behind on quality. Telavox clocks are always attractive pieces of furniture in their own right. This one is head and shoulders above any clockwork "retro" clock. The large, clear dial is nicely balanced by the width of the veneered case. Producing an attractive and impressive clock for any mantelpiece or sideboard.

The rear view showing the fibre backplate also reinforces the style of an early clock. Fibreboard had a very long tradition in radio/electronics production. A material which Telavox had used for decades on their domestic electronics production pre-WW2. Note the typical, early, Telavox Bakelite, hand setting knob. Probably inherited stock from their production of electronics prior to the German occupation of Denmark during WW2.

An interesting shot of the undersides showing the Telavox serial number plate on the right and a rare rubber stamped date on the left. (as seen from this angle) The quick-release, fibreboard cover rests below the clock. This provided tool-free access to the battery compartment and leads.

The date stamp of 19 Marts (Marts = March in Danish) 1945 confirms an early clock too. Though there is no guarantee that these mysterious date stamps are contemporary factory markings. 8649 falls in 1948 in my own limited database. Yet 1945 date stamps appear on clocks of much later serial number.

The battery leads seem to have a round, fibre, two-pin plug as used by the large 3V cell. Yet there doesn't seem to be enough space for such a large battery just here despite the quickly removable fibreboard cover. This may be an illusion of the viewpoint. The case may contain the earliest form of Telavox, non-striking, 3Volt movement. Hopefully the owner can confirm this later.

No sign of gongs through the aperture. I am having a little difficulty recognising exactly what can be seen through the aperture. There appears to be a Bakelite rating knob for a torsion pendulum and a hand setting shaft but I am not sure about the rest. (see also the image below) Is it really a rating knob? It would be the only one I have ever seen in Bakelite. The usual Telavox rating knob is a large, chrome-plated steel, straight-knurled screw head. Allowing the use of a screwdriver or finger adjustment.

The Telavox serial plate is found on every clock. Sometimes on the back of the case though just as often underneath. As suggested earlier, 8649 falls in 1948 in my database. So there is some confusion here over exact dating.

It is difficult to suggest what the other numbers mean. They could be production or stock marks of the factory, a clock repairer's, retailer's or wholesaler's marks. An auction house or even household insurance markings? KBM = København M? (Eng:Copenhagen Central ) Make your own guess.

The owner has kindly provided confirmation of the non-striking, early, 3Volt Telavox movement with a new image. Note the fibre disk at bottom right. This usually has two dissimilar pins which fit holes in the 3V battery. The different diameters of the pins would ensure correct polarity when "plugged" into the battery. In this case the disk seems to have lost its pins and the bare-ended leads simply pass through the two original holes where the hollow pins once fitted.

Those interested in seeing the owner's much larger images may like to use the following link and select "Original":

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kause/sets/72157625420282822/

I have a similar (much darker) clock case with a 1945 date stamp but it has been converted to a synchronous, mains motor. Another similar clock case has a later, gong-striking movement.This suggest (to me at least) that this case style lasted for some years while Telavox clock movements continued to evolve.

Click on any image for an enlargement. Back click to return to the text.

A synchronous Clementa

2010-06-16T19:14:00.009+02:00

*
I have found a mains driven Clementa in rather poor condition. The brasswork is corroded and the hardwood surround is stained. Believe it or not the entire dial is laminated and turned hardwood. Sadly, it must have been stored somewhere damp.

The dial with solid brass Roman numerals. There is rather a lot of staining to the hardwood surround suggesting rain may have collected there.

The dial without the hardwood centre and motor.

The mains synchronous motor is concealed within the protective can. The motor is typically non-self starting. This avoided confusion over the correct time if there should ever be be an interruption to the mains power supply. Had the clock restarted the owner would have been completely unaware that the clock showed the wrong time. When these clocks were new they would probably be the only reliable form of timekeeping in the house. A fine pull-cord passes into the can to start the motor. A hand setting knob is also provided in the side of the can.

This heavy Bakelite case never saw a Telavox torsion pendulum movement. Though this is the same case as used on the Telavox drum clocks. Perhaps it was a matter of economy to use up existing Bakelite cases? These Bakelite cases were very early in Telavox production history. (around 1942)

The typical Telavox-style, steel backplate closing the rear of the Bakelite case. Note the obscuring cloth typical of Telavox clocks.Since it has never been perforated at the centre one can assume that no hand setting knob was ever used with this particular case.

The back of the turned wooden dial. Turned from solid hardwood laminated from separate pieces glued together. This must have been rather a costly exercise. The perforated decorative brass rim and cloth covered backplate suggests sound should be allowed to escape freely. Yet no striking mechanism is present.

*

Telavox Service Instructions

2010-05-10T07:42:00.066+02:00

*
PLEASE NOTE: My intention was to translate these Danish instructions into English. However the pages are images rather than text. So it is very time consuming to translate by jumping back and forth between the images and a text formatting software. I shall persevere, as time allows, but patience will be required. The highly technical nature of the printed descriptions adds to the problems in translation.
__________________________________________________

These Danish Telavox Service Instructions were kindly sent to me by Bjarne Jensen. Proprietor of the Funder Radio and railway museum near Silkeborg in Denmark:

Funder.Nr.Hede Banen & Funder Radiomuseum -

I will try to translate the text pages into English as time allows. Though the complexity of the movement and the very long parts list may defy my best efforts to give them correct (horological) English names.

I have resized the original scans, which were kindly provided by Bjarne, to avoid large downloads for those browsing the Telavox blog. With so many illustrations it is inevitable (and unavoidable) that some chapters will be slow to download on a slow internet connection. Having always had a broadband connection, with steadily increasing speed over time, I tend to take fast downloads completely for granted. If you are on a very slow connection and pay for bandwidth then I suggest that you don't enlarge images unnecessarily.

Page order is only provisional at the moment. Since the pages are not numbered I have put them in numerical order as they were sent to me. I shall try to improve the layout of this chapter over time.

As I have been looking for Telavox service instruction for over ten years I am very grateful that Bjarne has shared these instructions with me. Hopefully others will find them valuable in adjusting and maintaining their Telavox clocks once they have an English version.

Cover page. Telavox Electric Clocks Service-Instructions.

SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS for TELAVOX ELECTRIC CLOCKS.

The Telavox Factory in 1936. Just 6 years prior to clock production which started during the German occupation of WW2.

Description of the clock mechanism's function.

Adjustment of clock contacts.

Function of the contact works.

Parts list for the clock mechanism.

Labelled Illustrations of time switch movement 1 and 2 follow.

Time switch movement 1.

Time switch movement 2.

Rear of Telavox time switch case and back plate.

Dismantling, Cleaning and re-assembly instructions.

Service Instructions.

Illustration of contacts Figures 3 and 4 follow.

Time switch mechanism. (labelled)

Time switch backplate (labelled)

Removing and adjusting of contact parts.

Diagrams of the time switch contact mechanisms.

Changing the contacts.

The early, non-striking Telavox movement with labelled parts.

New construction of the contact mechanism.

Introduction:

2006-08-30T13:14:00.008+02:00

If this blog is taking a long time to download on a slow connection try clicking on the chapter titles individually.

If you find the text too small try pressing CTRL+.
Press CTRL0 to return to normal size.

The dates of the following chapters are completely fictitious and only entered to ensure a logical order. This blog has actually stretched over three years and the newest chapters have the oldest dates.

The blog format was deliberately chosen for this project to allow much greater flexibility in posting, enlargeable images (by left clicking on them) and regular updating. Some of my once-free websites have had three changes of ISP hosts in as many years. All five of of my originally free websites have now been deleted by (agent) Orange to increase their profits.

Please ignore the automatic post dating completely. Newest chapters are actually the oldest and all dates are completely meaningless anyway. I actually enter the chapter dates manually just to organise the sequence of "chapters" logically. Blogs do not allow automatic reverse dating so new material appears at the bottom of the chapter list.

If you can see only one chapter then click on "Home" at the bottom of the page to view the entire blog from top to bottom. This may suit those with a fast Internet connection. Those still on a slow connection may prefer to select from the chapter list on the left and browse the chapters individually to avoid waiting for all the images to download simultaneously. Most of the images can be clicked on for a larger version. Use your own discretion whether you have the patience to wait and see the larger version download. Enlarged image size will vary but may be up to a maximum of 300kB!

I'd like to thank all of those who have contacted me with information on their Telavox clocks. Particularly those who have shared images and the serial numbers and descriptions of their own clocks. I look forwards to receiving details of your Telavox or Clementa clocks. My new email address appears in the "Database Appeal" chapter below.

Please note that I cannot advise on the value of any Telavox clock. Condition, originality, case style, veneer, age, rarity, dial and even the country in which it resides will all greatly affect the value.

Telavox clocks very rarely come up for auction on eBay. Danish prices are low but the clocks are still very difficult to find. Elsewhere they are even more difficult to find but fetch higher prices for rarity value to clock collectors. eBay auctions will usually find the highest price the market will bear simply due to their huge, international audience. There are large numbers of clock collectors across the world but far fewer who collect electric clocks. This does not mean that electric clocks do not fetch high prices if they are rare enough, in good enough condition and interesting enough to make them desirable. It is impossible to say whether this applies to Telavox clocks since so few ever appear on eBay auctions.

If you cannot get your Telavox running using the simple instructions in the chapters below then please contact a professional clock repairer for advice. I have yet to find a repair guide of any kind so I am really no wiser than you when it comes to adjustments or repairs for non-working examples.

If you know of, or own, a Telavox clock repair guide then I would be very grateful for a copy. A photocopy or computer scan would be very useful.

If you have a repair manual and wish to sell it then please contact me with some idea of the price expected so that I may purchase it (if affordable) and then share the information contained there with a wider audience via this blog.

If you find the text too small then simultaneously pressing Ctrl and + will enlarge the text. Pressing Ctrl - will reduce it. Pressing Ctrl 0 (zero) will return it to its original size.
.

The Telavox Clock

2006-08-29T14:13:00.008+02:00

*

Telavox clocks are easily identified by the lack of winding squares and the unique dial, hands, signature and chapter ring. In this example these features are seen in a very attractive, but slightly unusual, early, Bakelite drum case with wooden foot.

Telavox is pronounced TEE-la-voks in Denmark with the emphasis on the first syllable. It is only in Denmark that these clocks are usually found. Though examples have been taken abroad possibly by emigrants. They are surprisingly difficult to find even in Denmark. As a collector on the constant lookout I rarely see more than one Telavox clock in six months. These clocks attract only very low prices in Denmark. Probably because so few people, including clock repairers, understand them. So dealers cannot get them to run reliably and they are put into storage or discarded along with the now out-of-fashion, mass-produced, clockwork mantle clocks. Or worse: A cheap quartz movement is installed to replace the excellent original Telavox movement in the hope of selling the clock as an unusual "goer". Perhaps to a home decorator with a taste for "retro" but without the usual loud tick of a "clockwork" clock.

Instructions are provided here to get a striking Telavox or later Clementa clock to run:

After checking that the 4.5V battery is in good condition with a voltmeter or 4.5 volt torch bulb (or after replacing the old battery with a matching new one) the clock must be made to strike repeatedly to rewind the going spring. The rewinding and striking is driven by the battery but the going (ticking) is powered by a small spring which is rewound on every strike.

Using the knob provided at the back of the case advance the hands slowly *clockwise* to the next hour or half hour. You must wait patiently to allow the clock to strike each time until it stops by itself. After a few strikes the clock should be rewound and may be left to run after setting the hands to the proper time. The clock will then keep itself fully wound by striking normally at the hour and half hour as it tells the time.

If the clock stops after a while then allow it to strike a few more times by advancing the hands slowly and carefully as described above. Patience will usually be rewarded. Trying to move the hands on too soon may produce a buzzing noise as the clock parts rub against each other. This should be avoided or serious wear may take place.

Later Clementa instructions suggest that the clock be made to strike each hour (and half hour) right around the dial three times. This is required whenever the clock has not run for a long time or when the battery is replaced.

A non-striking Telavox clock uses a large (and probably obsolete) 3V battery. Polarity may be important even if you can still find a battery. Or use modern batteries to obtain 3V. The original battery leads had a simple fibre plug with two, odd-sized, brass pins to match the holes in the top of the battery.

This later chapter illustrates the original batteries:

http://telavox.blogspot.com/2006/08/batteries-old-and-new.html

If you do click on a link or any image (for an enlargement) always back click to return to the text.
If you simply close a link or image your browser will also close.
*

Telavox Clocks

2006-08-28T10:21:00.001+02:00

.
TELAVOX was a Danish company which prior to WW2 manufactured radios, loudspeakers and radiograms.

The German occupation of Denmark during WW2 forced the company to find alternative products to keep the staff employed and the company running.

The Director chose to design and manufacture battery-driven domestic clocks. He designed an unusual movement which utilised a torsion pendulum driven by a small spring. This driving spring was rewound at frequent intervals by the simple motor-driven striking mechanism. This method of operation resulted in excellent timekeeping since battery strength is completely divorced from the driving force.

The need for a variety of cases for these clocks must have kept the existing force of cabinet makers busy.

All striking models were powered by a 4.5Volt flat style of battery. These batteries were once commonly used for torches and bicycle lights but are rather more difficult to obtain these days. The battery was always given a secure resting place in a cutout within the clock case. Spring clips on short wire leads allowed secure battery connection to the movement.

Telavox movements were standardised into three basic types in all the examples I have seen so far: Non-striking, striking on a small highly-polished bell and striking on gongs. The number of hammers and gongs varies from one clock to another and may well have offered a choice to the paying customer. Or may have been available during a particular period of time.

All movements are separately marked with their own serial number hot-pressed into the fibre backplate. All cases have their own unique serial numbers on an attached metal plate. Often these are placed out of sight on the bottom of the case.

The image below shows an example of an early, non-striking movement with an unusually large battery space. Note the typical Telavox hand adjusting knob. Probably borrowed from the former radio department stockpile when radio production stopped.

All Telavox clocks seem to employ a form of resin fibreboard, similar to Tufnol, for the movement plates. This material was very strong, non-corroding, offered low friction for the movement pivots, was electrically non-conducting and probably avoided the need for frequent oiling. (though not completely) This ideal material may well have been borrowed from their circuit boards used for their radios and gramophone audio amplifiers. The insides of all Telavox clock cases actually smell just like old radios.

Telavox had a long history of using very high quality veneers to finish their wood and plywood cabinets for their pre-war consumer electronics. This finishing method continued with most of their clock cases. The wide variety of superb wood veneers can be seen throughout this blog.

Some wall-hanging models were manufactured but the majority of Telavox clocks seem to follow the popular style of mantel clocks in a variety of styles. Though the quality of Telavox cases is often very much higher than mass produced, wind up clocks. The styling , though obviously a matter of personal taste, is often more refined than the more common spring driven clocks too.

Analysis of case design against case serial number suggests an evolution of case style over time. With earlier models no longer produced once newer models were introduced. (this case chronology has yet to be confirmed and is based on a very small sample of those available)

Click on any image for an enlarged view. Back click to return to the text.

Variations on a theme

2006-08-27T10:25:00.011+02:00

Here is an unusual Telavox clock. The Model 5060.

The dial, case and glass are all quite unlike the usual designs from this manufacturer. One might think from the serial number that this was a later clock yet it shows all the hallmarks of an early one. A lavish case with a simple going movement? No strike on bells or gongs? More than one of these clocks must exist because there is an illustration of this clock in a popular British clock collectors book.

Here is a rear view showing the going movement in close-up. Comparison with the other images shows a bright red coil on the right in place of the electric strike/rewind motor. The torsion pendulum can be seen with its suspension spring passing right through the movement.

All Telavox clocks were supplied with a shaped piece of card to support the torsion pendulum balance when the clock was being moved around. Despite the absence of a single example of this piece of card not one of my clocks has suffered obvious damage to the pendulum, movement or suspension spring. Some cases show obvious mishandling since they were no longer in daily use yet all movements have survived unscathed. This would suggest that these clocks were remarkably robust in use.

The card says in Old Danish: Security for the suspension spring. Remove before setting the clock going. Replace (under the balance) every time the clock is to be moved.

*

Opposite extremes of case size and form

2006-08-26T13:38:00.013+02:00

Here is an example of a large, wall-hanging Telavox with striking on a bell. The hinged rear door has been removed to show the movement.

Note the Telavox serial number label at the top of the back of the case. All Telavox clocks have their own serial numbers. As do the movements.

The white battery leads are seen hanging down from the simple electric motor which drives the strike and rewinds the going spring. These wires look like a later replacement. Some of the early clocks show signs of deterioration of the rubber insulation on the original battery wires.

In such a large case there seems to be plenty of room for the movement. Yet exactly the same movement has to fit into this Bakelite drum clock case seen below.

Here is a front view of the typical Telavox dial and hands used on most of their clocks.

Below can be seen the rear of the case. Many Telavox clocks have a round steel backplate which can be easily removed by slight rotation. The keyhole screw-holes in the back plate allow easy removal without tools. Two small protruding knobs (provided for this purpose) are used to gain leverage. Note the strike silencing lever at 9 o' clock. (this is only found here on bell strike models)

This backplate is deeper than most and probably unique to the Bakelite drum models. The wooden case models have a much flatter backplate. Earlier wooden case models had a variety of fibre backplates more typical of old radios. Note the cloth covering the sounding holes to allow the bell strike to be heard clearly.
*

Wide, wider or widest?

2006-08-25T12:56:00.004+02:00

Wide? At one point Telavox produced some very wide mantle clock cases indeed but this is a more modest example. This is the only white chapter ring I have seen so far. I think it gives the clock a rather crisp and modern appearance compared with the majority of more subdued Telavox dials. The dial appears clearer here than some of my other photos simply because the glass was removed before I obtained this clock. Probably because it was broken. A new dial glass could be obtained through clock repairers suppliers.

It is very difficult to photograph clocks with domed glass over the dials. My trick is to photograph in a light place with a large black cloth behind the camera. Even so a slanted viewpoint seems essential to avoid annoying reflections of the camera on its tripod. I learnt years ago not to stand behind the camera to avoid seeing myself reflected in the glass on my photographs. Flash is best avoided and most of my dial images are taken with available light.

Wider? I call this style wide, stepped, square toe. The plain dials seem to indicate early clocks. This clock has a low serial number and strikes on a bell. The battery compartment underneath has been rubber stamped with a date of 1944. I have now obtained a dark wood case with plain brass dial date stamped 1945. Unfortunately it is a quartz conversion. Sadly very few Telavoxes are visibly date stamped.

Or widest? This is the very wide, round toe in the database. Here is an example of a very wide Telavox with a black chapter ring. The reflective brass numerals are causing problems for the camera.

Despite the wide case the bold Telavox dial and its generous size gives the clock a nicely balanced appearance. The very ends of the case are vertically ribbed with matching hardwood. The curly grained veneer on this clock case is superb.

Click on any image for a larger version. Back click to return to the blog.
*

A going movement that wont go!

2006-08-24T22:09:00.000+02:00

*
Click on any image for an enlarged version. Back click to return to the text.

Here is my earliest movement by serial number. No. 00562. I have labelled the movement's main parts and hope this will be clearly legible if you left click on the image. Back-click to return to the text.

Note the absence of a strike motor on the right. Instead of which a large electromagnet is fitted . This is one of only two non-striking clocks in my possession. The electromagnet rocks the small, oval fibre piece which I have labelled actuator. The actuator is fixed to the pivot of a rocking stator hidden out of sight between the movement plates.

As it rocks the actuator carries out two important tasks. It lifts the impulse arm which has the pendulum impulse pallet on the hook-shaped portion at its end. The impulse arm normally rests in the teeth of the 60 tooth fibre ratchet wheel. The impulse pallet pushes on a pin fixed near the top of the torsion spring. The impulse pin faces backwards. The depth of engagement is controlled by the flat metal piece which I have labelled as "Stop". The impulse pin banks on this stop as it rotates to the right. The impulse pallet has a little bump formed on the slope of the hook. As the impulse pallet rises and falls the bump gives the impulse pin a push. This maintains the torsion pendulum in oscillating rotary motion.

The actuator also steps the 60 tooth ratchet wheel forwards. The pinion of 4 leaves rotates the brass wheel immediately below it and eventually drives the clock hands via further wheels and pinions.

On my only other non-striking Telavox the application of a 4.5 Volt battery quickly stops the pendulum from rotating backwards and forwards! My hope is that the earlier movement can be made to run in order to discover the fault with the later example.

I was very disappointed to discover that a Telavox Repair Handbook listed online by the Danish Antiquarian bookshops had been sold or lost! Several decades of clock repair and collecting have not helped to fathom out the reason why this this clock refuses to run! The action seems very sensitive to the position of the Stop. Without a working example it is difficult to judge what the settings should be.

This older movement seems to have been attacked at some time in its history with a blunt screwdriver. Most of the visible screw heads show some damage.

This particular movement has also suffered from the breakdown of the battery lead rubber insulation. This has hardened and crumbled exposing the bare wires to shorting. This seems to have been a problem on some Telavox clocks as they clearly have non-original, much later battery leads. I have now replaced the damaged leads in an attempt to get the older movement to run.
*

Dials, hands and paintwork.

2006-08-23T10:10:00.017+02:00

*
Here is my earliest Telavox from the front. The non-striking movement can be seen above in a previous chapter.

The hands are typically Telavox but here the chapter ring is deeply engraved or cast into the solid sheet metal. The Arabic numerals and minute ring graduations are deeply cut.

Later Telavox chapter rings are painted (or more likely printed) and have no depth despite appearances.

Unfortunately, the unusual, square, domed glass is missing from the dial of this clock. My hope is to find another example like this to ensure a replacement glass matches the original.

The case veneer is in rather poor condition. The veneer must have been steamed to wrap round the tight curves of the side of the case. Subsequent dampness, heat or probably dry air from central heating has resulted in some cracking. This is repairable of course. Wood glue could be injected with a syringe through the cracks then the whole bound tightly with rubber bands while the glue dries.

Here is the dial of the large rectangular Telavox previously shown only from the rear. The style of the hands is unique to this clock in my modest collection.

There is some dirt and cobwebs behind the dial. Which could be cleaned up by removal of the dial sheet towards the back of the clock. Photography was very difficult. Trying to get enough light to do the clock justice while avoiding reflections was a bit of a nightmare.

This clock strikes on a small, highly polished bell with a pleasant, clear tone. Slots in the case back are covered with the same type of coarse cloth common to most Telavox clocks. This allows the striking to be heard clearly in the room. In earlier times, when traffic noise levels were much lower than today's hectic world, a striking clock could probably be heard clearly throughout the house.

And now for something completely different. This is an example of a Telavox with a large case that has been painted. These particular colours were once popular for painting furniture of all kinds in Denmark. I have an unpainted example of this case style. I'm not sure I don't prefer the painted version to the large area of original, very dark brown veneer. The painting was certainly very well done. The question remains whether this was a short-lived fashion and when it took place. Changing tastes and changing fashions can be difficult to judge from our own perspective.

And now for something completely different. This is an example of a Telavox with a large case that has been painted. These particular colours were once popular for painting furniture of all kinds in Denmark. I have an unpainted example of this case style. I'm not sure I don't prefer the painted version to the large area of original, very dark brown veneer. The painting was certainly very well done. The question remains whether this was a short-lived fashion and when it took place. Changing tastes and changing fashions can be difficult to judge from our own perspective.
*

Telavox Database Appeal

2006-08-22T14:17:00.009+02:00

*
I am building a database of information concerning Telavox clocks and the later Clementas.

If anyone has a Telavox clock of any type (in any condition) please forward some details to the (new) email address below.

private (at) privat.dk (note the spelling)

(Remove the spaces and use the usual @ symbol for "at")

Please forward the following information:

The Telavox case number (on attached metal label) and the movement number impressed into the movement plate.

Whether the clock strikes on a bell or gongs. (and how many hammers and gongs) Or if it is a non-striking movement. This all helps to build a history of Telavox clocks in the database below.

If you can find a date stamped anywhere on, or usually inside, the clock it would be very helpful to aid dating many more Telavox clocks. Some date stamps are even found in the battery compartment.

Please include information on dial type, colour of dial, whether Arabic or Roman numerals and hand style if non-standard.

An image attachment (of any size) to confirm case and dial type would be very useful, if possible. No image will ever be published without your express consent and I will always hide personal details.

Provided the clock is recognisable all Telavox images are useful. Even those taken with a mobile phone or webcam still shot. Lots of light helps to get a good picture so try photographing your clock near a large window or even out of doors. Sometimes an overcast sky is better than bright sunlight. Please don't drop your clock or damage it trying to get a good picture! Please be very careful when handling your clock or carrying it about. I cannot accept responsibility for any damage however caused.

Naturally your privacy and anonymity are guaranteed. No information will ever be published which could connect you in any way to your own Telavox clock or clocks. Ownership will NOT and never will be part of the database. In fact I keep no record of ownership at all. Not even your email address.

Any size of Telavox image is perfectly acceptable. There is no need to compress or resize images before you attach them unless you wish to do so for your own purposes.

Naturally the details of your Telavox clock (even without an image) are also perfectly acceptable. Some descriptive guide to case style would of course be useful. There may be a similar example illustrated within this blog to help guide you in describing the case.

The database will be published here and can then be constantly updated as new information arrives.

Thankyou for your interest in sharing information on Telavox clocks.

Please note: I'm sorry, but I cannot offer valuations of Telavox clocks. Prices vary so widely depending on vendor, model, age, style, condition, originality, dial and desirability that it is quite impossible to give even a rough valuation. No clock is ever worth more than a buyer will pay for it. Even the cost of international postage can exceed the value of some clocks so eBay may not be the goldmine you hoped for.

Nor can I offer advice in repairing non-working Telavox clocks. A local qualified clock repairer may be able to advise. Please don't let them fit a cheap quartz replacement movement just because they don't understand the unique design of a Telavox clock! Your clock may simply require a new 4.5Volt battery. These batteries are not so readily available as previously. I find flea-markets sometimes stock them.

Allowing the clock to strike several times rewinds a Telavox clock. Just advance the hands slowly past the hour and half hour. Then pause and allow the clock to strike fully each time before continuing on to the next striking point. It really is as simple as that.

PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN HANDING YOUR TELAVOX CLOCK TO AVOID DAMAGE.
*

Case styles galore!.

2006-08-21T15:40:00.001+02:00

Telavox produced a whole range of case styles over the years. Here, the solid wood base is nicely reeded to add a touch of extra quality. Note the small, decoratively-carved, wooden brackets at the junction between foot and dial. I am calling this case style "Art Deco". The dial also has black Roman numerals printed onto lacquered brass. The hands are absolutely typical black finished Telavox.

Here is a much more sombre version of the same style. Now the instantly recognisable Telavox chapter ring is black with the lacquered brass of the Arabic numerals showing through where they catch the light. It is much easier to read the dial than it first appears. The needs of photography forced a slanting viewpoint with a dark reflection from a large black cloth in the background behind the camera. The hands are now brass finished rather than the more usual black.

Now we have a Telavox clock with gently curved shoulders. It has some slight damage to the veneer. Brass chapter ring with black Roman numerals similar to the first clock illustrated above. Black hands with a black Telavox signature on the dial. The signature remains unchanged on all Telavox clocks I have seen. The name is most probably related to their much earlier radio production.

The alter-ego of the same round shouldered case style. Now with dark chapter ring, Arabic numerals and strikingly different wood veneer. The hawk-eyed amongst you who left-clicked on these last two images (and no doubt others) will note the lack of dusting before the photography took place!

*

Jørgensen's Telavox Clock

2006-08-20T08:09:00.000+02:00

*
I have now obtained a copy of the Telavox 50th Anniversary booklet written by Dr.tecn. Peter Ørn (pronounced "Urn") This small 20 p.page A5 booklet celebrates Telavox loudspeaker production but offers very little information about Telavox clock production.

The booklet was provided with a limited edition copy of an earlier Telavox loudspeaker. The booklet contains a short history of Telavox and has small black and white illustrations of the factory, staff and Telavox' products. (but no clocks) It is written in Danish.

Ørn does mention that in WW2 production of radios had dried up. Whether this was because they were specifically forbidden by the German occupiers is difficult to judge. Later research suggests that radio valves became unavailable during the German occupation.

Fortunately, Jørgensen, who was the director of Telavox at the time, came up with a unique clock design with some advanced features. These movements would be built into a variety of high quality cases produced at their existing radio/loudspeaker factory in Vanløse. The factory had a staff of 250 at this point and the need to keep them occupied must have been a serious concern for the Telavox management.

Jørgensen's clock proved to be an accurate timekeeper thanks to details like a bi-metallic balance on the torsion pendulum. Ørn claims the Telavox clock was twenty times as accurate as clocks made by competitors. The regular, short rewind period of a small driving spring by the striking movements could be described as a rementoir. This design maintains a much steadier torque on the going movement than a typical spring-driven clock which runs for a week.

Ørn states that 150,000 Telavox clocks were manufactured from 1944-1952. These had 4 different movements and ten types of case. More than I have seen so far in my quest for examples to collect or photograph.

Jørgensen retired in 1952 whereupon Telavox production was split off between radio production and clocks. Telavox clock production was sold to Clementa. (presumably in 1952) Ørn goes on to say that clock production was still underway using the Clementa name in 1977 as the Anniversary booklet went to press.

Here is my only example of a Clementa in a wooden case. Tragically it has been converted to a quartz movement. Though the case shows all the signs of having originally had a Telavox-type of movement.

The dial has a hinged bezel. All Telavox clocks which I have seen to-date have fixed bezels with hand adjustment from the rear. In the picture below I have opened the bezel to better show the Clementa signature.

Note that the centre of the dial has been veneered. This is not a feature of any Telavox Clock that I have seen so far. It might be said that the dark hands and dark veneer do not make it easy to read the time in poor light.

Lovely wood veneer

2006-08-19T21:52:00.004+02:00

*

Here's an original natural wood version of the blue and red painted example. It needs a really good polish to revive the finish and to help to hide the scratches that it has accumulated since becoming "unloved". This once popular case style can be found in spring driven clocks in antique markets by German makers. Though these clocks are easily recognised by the winding holes in their dials. The Telavox can always be recognised by the lack of winding holes and the unique style of hands.

Here is a picture of a rather more handsome example kindly sent to me by its proud owner. It is date stamped May 1951 inside the case and strikes on four gongs.

This style offers even more area for the veneer artist to show off his skills and the wide variety of exotic wood grains used by the Telavox craftsmen over the years. This is the only example I have found so far with this very wide and tall case. The dark veneer is rather difficult to capture with the camera It is certainly impressive in terms of sheer size. On a suitable mantelpiece or sideboard it must once have been the pride and joy of the owner. Sadly some decorative mouldings are now missing.

This is the standard notice attached to Telavox clocks suitable for wall hanging. It goes into great detail regarding fixing to plaster or wooden walls. It is written in Danish.

More importantly, but not even mentioned on the label, is that Telavox clocks should be allowed to strike many times by advancing the hands around the dial whenever a new 4.5 Volt battery is inserted. This action rewinds the going spring and allows the clock to run reliably. Without knowing this it must have puzzled some collectors of Telavox clocks why their clock would not run for very long. With each new battery replacement the clock must be allowed to strike several times around the dial before being restarted. This requires great patience but the owner will usually be rewarded with reliable timekeeping.

Note that Telavox clocks strike a single blow on the half hour as well as counting the hours normally when striking on the hour. The striking Telavox movement is a very quiet clock when going and lacks the loud ticking common to spring driven clocks of this period. The strike can be silenced by moving a lever on the backplate or underneath the case. This lever lifts the single hammer in the case of a bell strike. Or lifts all the hammers simultaneously in the case of hammer and gong striking.

The strike train must be allowed to run even when silenced or the clock will not be regularly rewound and the clock will soon stop.
*

Telavox production

2006-08-18T23:22:00.001+02:00

*
Here is a scan of one page of a 1977 booklet celebrating the 50th Jubilee of an earlier Model A loudspeaker. Naturally it is written in Danish. I have paraphrased the contents as follows:

It discusses that radio valves had became unavailable during WW2. At that time Telavox employed 250 people. Telavox had been well known for many years for their high quality workmanship and had produced cabinets for Philips (in 1930) amongst other manufacturers.

Jørensen (the ø is pronounced rather like the U in urn) the then director of Telavox used a bimetallic balance on his Telavox clock design to avoid temperature variations in its timekeeping. The booklet claims that the Telavox clock was twenty times more accurate than competitors. It does not mention which competitors. Perhaps they simply mean all clockwork mantel clocks?

From 1944 to 1952 Telavox manufactured 150,000 clocks with ten different case designs and four types of movement in Vanløse. Jørensen retired in 1952 and sold the business. At which time clock production was split off from radio manufacturing. Those interested in the electronics side of the business may like to browse for images of Telavox. There are a number of websites showing Telavox' domestic electronics products in the hands of private collectors.

Jørensen was obviously a far sighted and clever inventor. He designed and built a wind turbine which he placed on the factory roof. He hoped manufacture of turbines might be a future source of income and employment for his factory workers. The wind turbine produced electricity for many years and had a 10kW maximum output. Ironically Denmark now has the highest proportion of wind produced power than any other country and exports wind turbines all over the world.

Click for larger image. Back-click to return to the text.

DATABASE:

2006-08-17T10:06:00.018+02:00

.
A database of all Telavox and Clementa clocks which I have been able to examine, own myself, or have had the information forwarded to me by owners.

Not all clock details are always available. I sometimes find cases I am unwilling to buy at the asking price with a Quartz movement fitted. Qrtz in the list simply means that a cheap, modern, quartz, battery driven, plastic replacement movement has been fitted to the clock in place of the original torsion pendulum movement.

Then there are clocks in poor condition which are ludicrously overpriced for the Danish market. I was once offered a number of bare Telavox movements by one dealer. He expected double the price for each movement I normally pay for a complete Telavox clock in fine condition! Tempting as it might be to have spare movements for empty cases I was hardly going to pay his silly prices. I was then accused, in a shop full of people, of being too poor to afford them! Unfortunately for him this particular fool is not so easily parted from his money. Particularly for bare movements of unknown history.

Formatting of the database is a bit of a nightmare but will hopefully improve over time. (Try reloading the page if the list appears untidy) On one computer which I tried the movement number and striking were folded over to a new line. On other computers there is only one line per clock. Both my home computers show the details of only one clock per line without overlap. Your mileage may vary.

The order I have chosen to use is based entirely on case number. All Telavox clocks have a small, metal, numbered label attached. (usually out of sight underneath but sometimes on the back of the case) The visible (rear) clock movement plate always has another number hot-impressed into the fibre. One sharp-sighted owner pointed out that there are sometimes very small numbers and letters engraved on the back plate too. Though this is not commonplace and may be limited to a specific period of manufacture. Or even a specific clock.

The very few dated Telavox clocks found so far have what appears to be a common rubber datestamp marking inside the wooden case. I have shown these dates in bold type in the list to make them easy to find. These dates may help to aid (very rough) dating of your own Telavox clocks. Try matching the nearest case number or movement number to a dated example.

If you wish to have your own Telavox or Clementa clock details added to this list please email me at chris.b (at) nypost.dk. *Note the new email address* The old one was recently deleted when I changed accounts with my ISP. Please feel free to write in English or Danish. My written Danish is not very good but I understand written Danish well enough.

No information will ever be published which can possibly trace the owner of a clock. In fact I make no record of owner's details. Not even their email address. So once an email falls automatically off the bottom of my email folder (as it fills up) I cannot contact any clock owner even by their email address.

All information on Telavox clocks is of great value to help to expand the database. If you can find a datestamp internally then please include this with your clock details. Images of all Telavox or Clementa clocks are always very welcome. Any size of image attachment to an email is acceptable. I can't promise to use any image here unless the clock is particularly interesting. Though images do ensure there is no doubt as to case and dial style.

A bold number followed by an "a" in the following list means information was forwarded from a Telavox owner in response to my online appeal. (e.g. 5a) See email contact address above.

Abbreviations: Non S = Non Striking. HG= Number of Hammers and Gongs.

Dial details below are numeral style first, then colour, followed by chapter ring colour.

Case No.----Dial----------Case type-------Movt. No.---Strike

1--1578S----Blk on Gold----Bakelite drum----S01132-----Bell

2--1743s-----Gold on Blk---Bakelite drum----S01189-------Bell

3--2885s----Gold/blk--------Bakelite drum----S07622-------Bell

4a-3264s ---Gold/black-----Bakelite drum------------------------

5--3302-----Gold/blk-------Bakelite drum-----S12603-------Bell

6a--4324--Silver chapter ring-- small square wooden case---------

7--4352 S---Gold/Blk-------Narrow curved foot--S00642---4HG

8a-4511S---Gld Rom.Blk---Narrow curved foot--------------Qrtz

9--4548S --Gld.Rom Blk---Narrow curved foot---S01432---3HG

10a-4797---Gilt picture frame--------------------------------------

11--4818-----Silver chapter ring--early square----00562 --Non Striking

12--548S----Blk Rom. gold--narrow curved foot....S01432--- 3HG

13a-5040---Silv. chapt. Early square---S34956--- 13.5.45 ---Bell

14a-5604S---Blk/Gold----Narrow curved foot--S03188-----3HG

15a-6374S--Arabic/Gold---Narrow curved foot--S13401----3HG

16--7780----Gold/Blk------V. wide sq. foot------S 26948-----Bell

17-8427S---Gold/Black--Art deco --S 09363--1 Jan 1948---Bell

18a-8797S--Gold/Black--Art Deco- S10645--24May 1948--Bell

19-9562S---Blk/Gold-------Art deco carved foot

20a-10801S-Gold/Blk-Narrw-Sq ft-S65085-19 DEC 1947 3HG

21-111615---Gold /Blk-----Narrow sq. foot----S 07932-----3HG

22-12994 S--Cream/Blk----Narrow sq. foot----S 15724-----3HG

23-12997 S---Cream/Blk--Narrow sq. foot------S 15670----3HG

24-13178 S----------------Very wide round toe

25-13978 S---Black/Gold--V. wide round toe---S 06767

26-14226 S----------------V. wide round toe

27-14288 S----------------V. wide round toe

28-14716S----Blk Rom---V.Wide rnd toe-S08363-4HG

29-15085 S---Black/Gold--V. wide round toe--S 08423

30a-16051S------?-------Bakelite drum--- 15953--- bell.

31-16662 Qtz. Gold/Blk----Narrow square foot--Quartz

32-18058 S----------------Narrow curved foot

33-18456---Silvered arched dial & case-10335-14 SEP 1945

34-19173s--Blk/Gold-Nrw curved foot-S 18780-2 FEB 1949

35a-20020--Blk/Gold-----Narrow square foot---S15067

36a-20479S-Blk/Crm--Nrw Sq Ft.-S16210-3H/G 28 OKT 1948

37a-20531--Blk/Gold---M/W Box in USA-10747- 22/8/1945

38-22430---Gold/Black---Narrow sq. ft.- Mains movement.

39-22575S-----------------Very wide round toe

40a- 23596---brass---Very wide square toe--10 Aug 1945

41--23750-- Very wide, sqr toe------Qrtz.-- 6 Sept 1945

42a- 24138S-- S 15365--- Pretty mantle clock bell strike

43a--24612-Blk/Gld---V.wide stepped sq.--13345-Non/S

44a-24987S- Decorative-Pretty mantle-eBay--S20340-bell

45-25009S---White/blk-Wall, tall rectangular--S 1699-Bell

46-25739------------------Very wide square foot-----Bell

47-28474S-----------------Medium wide tall

48-28655S---------------- Painted Blue/Red-----------4HG

49-28680S------Medium wide & tall--24227----4HG

50a-29547S-----Medium wide & tall--S27625--4 HG

51a- 29922 -----Chromed wall dial

52-32831S---------------Clementa Hinged bezel----Qrtz

53--37134S-Clementa-Chrome Wall Dial-37134- Non-S.

54--38020S--Clementa--Chrome Plated Wall Dial---Qrtz

55-45094 S(?)-Medium wide, tall- S29957-20 DEC 1951

By sheer coincidence, No1 on the list was the very first Telavox clock I ever found. The dial bezel was already damaged and the brass work seemed to have been attacked by salty air or possibly a corrosive atmosphere. Rather sad, considering it is the oldest Telavox clock in my modest collection and first ignited my interest in Telavox as a clock manufacturer. This clock came from a coastal town with a prevailing, onshore wind. So that may be the reason for the dilapidation of its exposed metalwork. Perhaps it had been left in an open or unprotected situation?

The last clock on the list has a very high serial number indeed but has a Telavox case rather than the expected Clementa. Yet the movement number is earlier than the one remaining Clementa with an original movement.

It is a shame that the dated clocks are so relatively few. There are also some obvious anomalies where the date doesn't quite seem to match the serial numbers. If anyone has any real clues as to the reason for such occasional date stamping I'd be delighted to hear about it.

The small, but growing, number of clocks in the database is hardly representative of the many thousands actually manufactured. Though the list must be fairly indicative of the evolution of case style and numbering, over time, though surprises do crop up now and then.

*

Bells, hammers and gongs

2006-08-16T22:51:00.008+02:00

*
Click on any image for an enlargement. (up to 400kB) Back click to return to the text.

Try reloading the page if you are a regular visitor to ensure you see the latest version.

Striking Telavox clocks use the rack and snail strike mechanism common to millions of other clocks of many styles and ages. Though the Telavox is rather unique in having an electric motor to run the entire strike. The Telavox motor also rewinds the small, going spring at the same time as it drives the strike. Most other clocks use weights or springs to lift the rack back up and to lift the hammer(s) so that they fall onto a bell or gongs.

A recent email from a Telavox owner raised the question of unreliability of striking exactly 12 blows at 12 o'clock. Only then did I realise that I had not described or illustrated the Telavox strike here in any detail.

Here is a general view of the striking side of the Telavox movement. It is not normally seen because it is hidden behind the dial. Here the rack is fully lifted to its rest position. The rack hook is safely tucked under the toe of the rack. The strike is started by the rack hook being lifted by a lever on the other (more visible) side of the movement. When the rack hook lifts the rack falls freely until its toe rests on a particular step of the snail. The heights of the steps on the snail are calculated to provide a fixed number of teeth to be lifted by the gathering pallet. Which also counts the number of blows needed to be struck on that particular hour.

Access to this area is rather difficult on the Telavox. It involves removing the decorative outer bezel, the dial glass, the hands and finally the dial and chapter ring. The inner sight ring can remain screwed to the case. The outer bezel is a thin, brass pressing which is pushed onto the concealed, inner ring. Removal requires considerable care not to mark or distort the very thin metal of the bezel or cause damage to the fine veneers of the casework. One must also take great care not to break or drop the dial glass. I already had a Telavox clock which was bought cheaply with a broken glass. So I had the perfect opportunity to explore the dial construction without fear of breaking the original, convex glass. I used a 1/2" (12mm) wood chisel to lift the outer bezel by working all the way around and lifting carefully a little at a time.

Once the fragile glass and bezel are set safely aside the clock hands must also be removed before the dial is free to lift off. The chapter ring rests on the metal dial and may held in place by the inner bezel ring. (depending on the model) The bright colour of the frosted brass dial hidden by the chapter ring may be quite a surprise! Do not start cleaning anything without expert skills! The Telavox chapter rings are usually only printed (or painted) and cleaning will rapidly remove the figures! As will cleaning the dial centre rapidly remove the printed Telavox signature. I have one such clock myself.

A closer view of the striking mechanism with the rack having fallen to its lowest point at 12 o'clock. When the strike motor runs, a forward facing pin on the gathering pallet lifts the rack back up again one tooth at a time. The rack hook lifts slightly and then engages with each rack tooth ensuring it cannot fall back again. Finally, when all the rack teeth have been lifted, the rack hook drops below the toe of the rack and the striking stops.

Note the three rubber bushes where the Telavox movement is held in place in the clock case. The screws which pas through these bushes are only accessible once the dial and glass are removed.

The other side of the movement of another Telavox. Labelled to show the parts involved in the strike release.

This is a close-up of the four hammers of a Telavox movement striking the hours and half hours on rod gongs. The levers activated by the movement lift two hammers each via two wires. A two-tone pair of simple two note chords is struck consecutively: Known as a "Bim-bam" strike.

The strike silencing plate, operated by a lever underneath the case, lowers onto the gongs but leaves the hammers free to rise and fall. If the hammers were restrained the clock would not strike, the clock would not be rewound and the clock would stop.

Don't forget that you can click on any picture on this blog to see a larger version.

Back click to return to the blog.
*

A Clementa Wall Dial

2006-08-15T09:36:00.000+02:00

Here are some images of a chrome-plated steel, Clementa wall dial. Though the case has been converted to a cheap quartz movement it shows all the signs of having once had a Telavox type of movement. The correctly placed screw holes and 4.5 Volt battery retainer are all present. The Clementa label shows 38020S. A far higher number than any of my other Telavox clock movements. I like the crisp dial. What a shame the butcher who converted this dial to a cheap quartz movement was too lazy to adpat the original Telavox hands. (not a difficult task). The plain hands are much inferior to the Telavox hands but are easier to read in poor light.

Note: I can now confirm that this clock should have a Telavox type of movement as a Danish visitor to the blog contacted me to say he has exactly the same clock in his shop.

Click on any image for a larger version. Backclick to return to the blog.

Batteries old and new

2006-08-14T18:36:00.002+02:00

.
A number of non-striking clocks in my modest collection had a space cut out in the case for a much larger than normal battery. All Telavox striking clocks seem to require a standard 4.5Volts flat style of battery whether they strike on a bell or gongs.

Finally I have found a clock with an original large battery still in place! It turned out to be a very large, two-cell, 3 Volt battery with a socket in the top for a two-pin fibre plug. An image appears below showing the large battery beside two of the normal 4.5Volt batteries.

The view of the top of the 3V battery showing the little fibre plug. The larger pin is clearly marked with a + in the fibre plate. The clock leads are normally soldered into the brass pins but were removed to allow new leads to be connected more easily to another power supply. (The old battery shown here is flat and the original clock leads were badly perished)

A collection of 4.5V batteries. Many of which are now flat and need to be disposed of. The larger 3V battery used in non-striking Telavox clocks is on the left.

Click on any image for an enlargement.

Telavox Programmable Timer

2006-08-13T11:09:00.010+02:00

*

I have been contacted by the owner of a remarkable Telavox device. The movement is a very early, non-striking, Telavox movement No.00304. This is the lowest movement serial number found to date!

The hands and early dial (without chapter ring) are typically Telavox as is the case. Even the Bakelite hand-setting knob on the back is clearly marked Telavox.

Some images follow of the Telavox time switch clock from an article in the Danish "Clockmaker" of October 1944: Apparently it used gold contacts and switched heavier currents via a relay. It used the non-striking 3Volt movement. Telavox refer to this device as a switch clock. Literally: Kontaktur.

The enlargements of these scans are 400kB so left click with care if you have a slow or download limited internet connection.

A later chapter shows two more time switch clocks.
*

A much-travelled Telavox

2006-08-11T11:17:00.000+02:00

I was recently contacted by the owner of a Telavox. The clock had attracted their attention while they were on holiday in Denmark. So they bought it despite the problems of having to carry it about until they flew home. Bringing a ticking and striking clock onto a plane might have been difficult in these times of heightened security.

The owner kindly removed the backboard from the case to photograph the movement and note its number for my Telavox database. In doing so they discovered a datestamp inside the clock. Until I was informed of this datestamp I had never noticed such a thing in any of my own clocks. It seems that not all Telavox clocks are datestamped. The datestamp in the image seems to show 13.5(?).45. Which matches the likely age of the clock rather well. The very low case number on the label underneath the clock matches nicely too.

This clock retains its original dial glass unlike my own example which is in much poorer condition.

Now I shall have to try using a torch and mirror on my collection to see if I've missed a datestamp.

PS. When I checked my own clocks I found only one clearly date stamped: 1 Oct 1949. This is very disappointing since it doesn't help to date other Telavox clocks very accurately.

A Clementa wall dial with original movement..

2006-08-10T19:59:00.012+02:00

I have finally found a Clementa with an original movement. Note the similarity to the Telavox striking movement but with what appears to be the addition of a striking rack. It still has the Telavox style of striking motor over on the right of the main movement. Rather oddly there is no real striking mechanism.

The rack is gathered just like any other striking mechanism but seems to have the function of limiting going spring rewinding to a fixed maximum.

The clock is now running well with a new, flat-style 4.5 volt battery. It was reluctant to run at first but allowing it to strike repeatedly, by advancing the hands. rewound the going drive spring. A long, spring-loaded, hand adjusting rod is provided to avoid removing the clock from the wall when had resetting. The movement of this clock is slightly twisted relative to the dial which suggests somebody has dismantled the clock at some point. The backplate is also missing. At some stage somebody has sprayed paint across the insides. This shows up more in the bright lights of the video than still images.

I have been repeatedly adjusting the rate since the clock was running very slow when it was purchased. Increasing the rate was easily achieved by raising the clip on the bottom of the torsion suspension strip. (by turning the large knurled screw head at the very bottom of the movement with your fingertips) This effectively shortens the free length of the torsion suspension spring. Thus speeding up the vibration of the torsion pendulum.

Only small adjustments should be made each time to the large screw head. The hands should also be set to the correct time whenever an adjustment is made to the rating screw. Over-adjusting the screw will make the timekeeping see-saw by as much as an hour per day. It is better to creep up on accurate timekeeping by making small adjustments then waiting for a day to see how the timekeeping has changed.

After I posted the above the rate of this clock repeatedly went completely haywire. It would run well for while and then started going very slow. When I received the Telavox papers I noticed a screw on the drawings with a mysterious description. This screw quickly proved to alter the beat of the escapement but was incredibly sensitive. The tiniest turn of the screw would make the escapement "limp" badly. Eventually I found a mid-point and the clock has been running to time for 24 hours now. I had to keep lowering the pendulum clip, at first, using the big rating screw at the bottom. I had mistakenly tried to overcome the large losing rate. Before adjustment the clock was limping. but the tick is so very quiet I had no noticed the problem. Now I have it hanging on the wall beside my computer so that I can monitor it more closely. I still haven't heard the rewind action yet. Which proves how quiet the Telavox movement really is.

I must warn against trying to adjust the torsion pendulum, suspension spring tension:

Do not attempt to turn the other screw head at the end of the suspension spring as this will almost certainly break the suspension strip!

Click on any image for a larger version. Back click to return to the text.

A pair of Telavox timers!

2006-08-09T13:07:00.007+02:00

*
I was contacted by the owner of this clock who kindly provided me with the following images. The owner was hoping for a valuation but these clocks are so rare that it would be impossible to suggest a value considering the generally low prices for Telavox clocks in Denmark. It may appear one day on eBay if my suggestion is followed.

The plain dial suggests an early clock. What an attractive case with boxwood stringing against the dark veneer adding an extra touch of quality.

The fascinating "programmer" style backplate with outlet socket on the left.

The underside of the case.

The unique label on the underside translates roughly into:
Voltage as marked. Current maximum 2 Amps.

And, a vital date stamp too confirm when it was manufactured. So few Telavox clocks were date stamped that I wonder whether these stamps might be the mark of a special factory quality inspection. Pure speculation on my part but I wonder why so few were stamped during manufacture. Some of these date stamps would have been impossible to manage once the clock case was completed. For example: Date stamps inside the case and even in the battery compartment. Some clock repairers marked clocks as they passed through their hands but I don't think repairers were responsible for making these particular date stamps.

These images kindly provided by the owner, though very clear, are a little too small to allow enlargement by clicking on them.

And yet another time clock: Note the mains lead.

The concentric perforated tracks where pins may be inserted to achieve a timed contact.

My thanks go to Graham for these images. It is interesting to see such a close agreement between the dates of these two clock timers.

And now a series series of superb images of the "innards" of the clock timer kindly provided by the new owner:

As confirmed by the mains lead in the earlier images this is indeed a synchronous motor driven device rather than the usual Telavox torsion pendulum movement.

The apparent complexity of the synchronous motor is simply a reduction gear train.

Electro-mechanical complexity hidden behind an innocent Telavox dial.

A clear view of the contact comb which rotates under the clock back plate.

The "comb" of contacts engages with pins selectively placed in the holes in the clock back plate. The socket for the timing device is on the right. Normally this would be fixed to the back of the case.

I am indebted to the new owner of this clock timer for dismantling his new possession and providing these fine images.

Yet another series of photographs of a clock timer but now of the torsion pendulum movement model.

The early, non-striking, Telavox torsion pendulum movement should run on a very large 3V battery. One which is now (probably) obsolete or simply unavailable. One wonders whether the characteristics of the large battery were important to the movement's design?

Ingenuity and apparent complexity hidden within a tastefully veneered, mantle clock case.

An overall view of this amazing mechanism.

A close-up of the solenoid, Telavox torsion balance and rate adjusting clip. (right at the bottom of the suspension spring)

I am most grateful to finally have a view inside a Telavox clock timer. To be provided with such excellent images of both the torsion pendulum model and the synchronous motor model is invaluable. I am still unsure which name to apply to these fascinating, electro-mechanical devices. Time clock, clock-timer or programmer? I have yet to fathom out the purpose of the various components beyond that of the contact comb and back plate.

All images may be enlarge by left clicking on them. Back click to return to the text.
*

Another Australian exile.

2006-08-08T12:46:00.000+02:00

*
Graeme Power, an Australian torsion pendulum clock collector, has kindly supplied some images of a unique and very attractive, Telavox clock which he has acquired. The movement strikes on a small bell with a beautiful tone.

The painted dial is very clear, crisp and tasteful with decorative, swag spandrels reminiscent of Art Nouveaux. The delicately drawn hands are similar to those on my own, much taller, rectangular, Telavox, wall hanging clock. The woodwork is of the typical high quality seen in all Telavox cases. The reeded bass might be thought to represent a tree trunk.

The serial number suggests a manufacturing date of the late 1940s based on the few dated examples known to me.

The backboard shows no sign of having been wall hung. Some examples of Telavox mantle clock may have been intended for the dual purpose of standing or hanging from a wall. Or may even have been wall hung by the owners. I wonder about the purpose of the holes in the corners of the door. Could these have been intended as fixing points for wall hanging?

The movement has lost its rating nut and lower suspension spring clamp. A search is on for originals if they can be found. Please get in touch if you can help.

I consider this is one of the prettiest Telavox clocks I have ever seen. I wonder how many other case and dial designs were made to fit the torsion pendulum movement by Telavox over the years? The designers seem to have produced a truly remarkable variety of case and dial styles. The Danes are renowned for their design skills in furniture and decorative objects. Producing many classical and highly collectable pieces.
*

Telavoxes on eBay Oct ´09

2006-08-07T22:26:00.002+02:00

*
Two fine Telavox clocks are on eBay at the moment from a German vendor.

Items numbers are 360196742799 and 360196742824 if you are interested. Copy and paste the numbers into the international eBay website. eBay seems to ignore saved searches for national versions of their auction services. Nor does it like fullstops at the end of item numbers.

These tall images, borrowed from their respective eBay auctions, are incredibly difficult to organise in Blogspot so I recommend you just click on them to see the original sizes. Back-click to return to this blog.

The clock case style on the left is new to me though there are very similar clocks with half round sides and similar, solid chapter rings. This item seems to have been converted to mains power so don't expect a true Telavox movement inside!

The clock on the right is the more familiar "very wide, round toe" of my own case style terminology. My thanks go, yet again, to Graeme Power of Australia for bringing these to my attention.

Good luck with your bidding! If you should win please forward the case and movement numbers to me so they may be added to the Telavox database. Please also check for internal date stamps.

New case designs

2006-08-06T23:20:00.017+02:00

*
Click on any image for an enlargement. Back click to return to the text.
Reload the page occasionally to ensure you are seeing the latest version.

My browsing recently brought me to an interesting Danish website. The website owner has a radio museum, amongst other things. Even more interestingly, for me, he had a number of unusual Telavox clocks in his collection:

Here is a link to the website:

Funder.Nr.Hede Banen & Funder Radiomuseum -

Just click on the clock and your will be able to admire enlarged images in succession by clicking on the arrows below the images.

There are also a good number of old photographs on the website with a distinctive nostalgic feel. I can remember steam road rollers working on the rural roads in my childhood. Steam trains were still in regular service in the UK until my teens.

Funder is near Silkeborg in mid Jylland, Denmark. I wouldn't normally mention the localion of any clock, or its owner, but in this case I imagine visitors are welcome at the museum when it is open. There is even a YouTube video of the narrow gauge railway in action busy carrying passengers.

This is a unique case style I would never have recognised as Telavox had it not been for the typical metal Telavox label displayed just below the clock. I really cannot remember ever seeing anything quite like it on my travels. Though it does have certain similarities to weight driven wall clocks where the weights and pendulum hang exposed below the dial. The hands are not like any other Telavox I have seen either. The dial is similar to some single handed, Danish, church clocks but the alignment of the hands here is pure chance rather than suggesting a single hour hand. The stamped numbers on the label look slightly odd too but one cannot discount it as non-Telavox on these grounds. I would very much like to examine this clock but as the museum is over 150km away that is rather unlikely in the near future.

Shown below is compact, square, wooden case with a different, but pleasing, appearance similar to those I already know. It is similar to the one which appeared in an auction on eBay but with added detail at waist height on the case sides. The lack of a mains plug suggests it may still have its original Telavox movement unlike the example on eBay.

This clock has the solid chapter ring similar to others of this family of case designs. The hands are typical Telavox and the number on the label suggests an early clock. It may be a non-striker or perhaps it has a bell. There seems to be a hanging loop just visible at the top at the back of the clock case suggesting that it was wall mounted. Or had that facility if needed.

I am very grateful to the owner of the website for allowing me to share his excellent photographs here. The numbers of all the Telavox clocks in his collection have all been added to the database. One clock even has has a close serial number and similar datestamp to another already in the list. Further confirming such date stamping and chronological versus serial case numbering weren't just coincidence.

This later wall dial has a protective housing for the Telavox movement. The first I have seen on any Telavox clock. I have translated the instructions label below into everyday English:

A 4.5 volt battery will be found in the packaging. The clips on the movement wires should be attached to the battery and the battery placed into its housing. The clock is fitted with an anchor escapement which is driven by a spring. The spring is wound a little every hour with the help of a little motor. Before the clock can run one should ensure that the spring is fully wound. This happens when the hands are advanced four times completely around the dial. Each time one should wait for 20 seconds as the minute hand passes 12 o'clock to allow the spring to be wound a full hour's worth by the motor. If you bring your ear near the clock you will be able to hear when the motor stops. Once the spring is fully wound by the foregoing procedure the clock will run by itself. After each change of battery the clock should be rewound again.To start the clock it should be held upright and shaken with a brisk backward and forwards rotating motion.

REMEMBER TO REWIND WITH EACH CHANGE OF BATTERIES

It is very satisfying to discover yet more Telavox case designs. As soon as I become complacent and it seems that I have discovered them all along comes another quite distinctive style. Being able to add yet more clocks to the database all helps to identify trends in case and dial design over time and relative to their serial numbers.

Remember to back click to return to the text from links and enlarged images.
Reloading the page will ensure you enjoy the latest version.
*

Telavox images

2006-08-05T21:32:00.007+02:00

*
A contact with a Telavox has kindly forwarded some stunningly sharp images of the motor from his clock. He is dismantling the clock to clean it and took the opportunity to take some pictures. I was so impressed with John's photography that I thought his images well worth sharing. (after receiving permission of course) I have omitted John's surname to protect his privacy.

I should mention that I have resized the original images in PhotoFiltre to make them more acceptable to those viewers on a slow internet connection. The original images are razor sharp even when viewed full screen on my 23" monitor. Clicking on any of the images in this chapter will provide a superbly sharp 250-300kB enlargement. You may choose to click on them accordingly.

Here the energizing coils may be seen together with the stator and poles. The ratchet wheel is where a springy wire pushes to start the motor to begin the strike.(and simultaneously rewinds the going spring) The motor shaft is connected to a reduction pinion driving a fibre gear.

The view from the other side of the motor. Notice the motor has a number stamped into the end plate. The use of fibre plate for many components of the Telavox clocks is obvious from these fine images. This is a material borrowed from the Telavox radio production facility. A material with which Telavox had decades of experience for use in their domestic electronics. Until, that is, clock production was introduced as radio valves (tubes) became impossible to obtain during the WW2 German occupation. It is known that the director was a clever and competent clock maker in his own right. This is clear from the ingenuity and skill he showed in designing such a unique clock movement. Which not only ensured the large, existing workforce could manufacture something completely new but also used many of the traditional skills with familiar materials.

A general view of this clock. I call this the narrow, square, case style. (for want of a better description) I wonder whether Telavox had individual names for their case styles as they did for their radios? The box lining to the lower case and the superb veneering with exotic woods is a touch of pure quality.

The cream chapter ring is quite unusual and rather attractive. Offering superb clarity for reading the time in poor light. As is the sheer size of the dial in comparison with competing spring driven clocks of the same basic style. Many Danish homes had small, multi-paned windows until well after the war when picture windows and bungalows became more commonplace. Indoor, natural lighting levels were often quite poor. The housing stock was typically old, timber framed cottages and farmhouses of the rural scene and many are still found even in many towns and major cities today.

Note how the clock has been photographed from an angle to avoid a direct reflection of the photographer in the convex glass. Convex dial glass clocks are notoriously difficult to photograph. Often shielding the dial from clear view.

The interior view of the Telavox clock striking on gongs. The rewind and striking motor is on the right of the square movement plates. The springy motor starting wire is visible pointing at the fibre ratchet wheel.

The usual 4.5V battery required by striking Telavox clocks is on the left snuggling into the wooden cut-outs provided.

John has discovered that this is one of the few rubber date stamped clocks. It is dated 10 OKT 1948.

Try reloading the page to ensure you are seeing the latest version.

Parts identification

2006-08-04T20:44:00.013+02:00

*
I have now received copies of many original Telavox papers which will allow me to share more in-depth information on these fascinating clocks. My grateful thanks go to Jens Ingvordsen (Århus Museum Curator) and Niels Petersen (Clockmaker and Foreman of The Danish Horological Society) who kindly provided these copies of their original material on Telavox including the many patents.

Below is an original, numbered illustration of the standard Telavox striking movement. (on hammer and gongs) I have scanned the original but the blog format limits the maximise physical size on the computer screen: The enlargement of this image (left click as usual) is 345kB. So those on a slow internet connection may not want to use the enlargement facility. SFor this reason I have also provided larger images just below to save enlarging the originals. Those who choose to enlarge should back click to return to the text.

TELAVOX STRIKING MOVEMENT:

[set forfra] seen from the front (invisible) side of the Telavox movement.
Mostly (but not all) parts normally hidden by the clock dial.

1 Rate adjustment screw
2 Suspension spring/strip (for torsion pendulum)
3 Balance (torsion)
4 Rack hook
5 Escapement (anchor depth adjustment)
6 Rack (strike)
7 Spring (strike release)
8 Strike release snail
9 Strike release pin
10 Rack stop post
11 Snail (strike count)

[set bagfra] seen from the rear side of the Telavox movement:
Visible through open case door or upon removal of clock case back plate.

12 Strike release arm
13 Motor start arm
14 Control arm for contact spring 18
15 Control arm for contact spring 17
16 Return spring for 12,13,14 & 15.
17 Contact spring
18 Contact spring
19 Lifting arm for rack hook
20 Screw for adjusting beat (?)
21 Motor starting spring
22 Motor
23 Motor adjustment screw
24 Motor starting ratchet wheel
25 Cams to lift hammers
26 Left hammer arm
27 Strike release snail
28 Lifting wire for hammers
29 Hammer arm
30 Damping device for hammers (to avoid bounce)

Hopefully my rough translations of the manufacturer's original part names will not offend the expert horologists reading this. (if any) This list may be "re-polished" in future iterations in the light of new knowledge. The Danish names are often unlike standard English clock terms and some parts have no obvious counterpart in mechanical or weight driven clockwork anyway. Just don't kill the messenger. The horological term wheel is normally used instead of gear or gearwheel or toothed wheel. A pinion is just a smaller gear having fewer teeth than a wheel.
*

Manufacturer's description.

2006-08-03T22:35:00.009+02:00

*
There follows my (non-literal) translation of the manufacturer's old Danish description of the Telavox movement: This may well be corrected and polished later as I find more precise ways to describe the Telavox movement and its actions.

TELAVOX clock with anchor escapement and electric rewinding and striking:

The clock's construction is based on the principle, that an electric motor, powered by 4.5 Volt torch battery, winds a spring. The spring then provides the power to the escapement for the clock to run. The striking gears (wheels) also provide the transmission of power between the motor and the going spring housing.

It requires only 168 strokes per day to keep the clock fully wound but the clock strikes 180 times in this period. So the extra 12 strokes, in every 24 hours, provide nearly two extra turns to the going spring. To avoid over-winding the going spring a friction clutch is provided. This ensures the spring is wound only to a pre-arranged tension before the clutch starts to slip. The spring could be wound up to 12 times which provides 12 hours of going power. But the slipping clutch limits the tension to about 8 hours of going power. Which greatly extends the life of the spring by avoiding over-winding. The motor is not self-starting. When the current is connected the motor is started by a sprung arm. Whose movement is controlled by two cams on the minute axle. (or arbor) These cams also control the half and full hour strike.

The clock is provided with an anchor escapement, a rate regulator and a ballistically (sic) suspended, temperature compensated, torsion balance. This system, which is patented in many countries, allows the clock to go regardless of the physical orientation of the movement or its case. In fact it is very insensitive to shocks and shaking. e.g: Under transport. Because the normal balance axle and spiral spring are replaced by a tensioned suspension spring there is nowhere for the oil to thicken. Which would eventually reduce the swing of the balance. Which in turn would affect the going rate (timekeeping) of the clock. So the Telavox keeps very good time, over long periods, compared with normal balance wheel clocks.

The movement plates, where the movement pivots are housed, is made of a man-made fibre material best known as "Turbonit". This material has been shown to have far superior bearing qualities compared to brass. Such that the oil remains in good condition for far longer than it does in brass plates. Where undesirable chemical reactions can take place. Because "Turbonit" has such excellent insulation qualities the electrically conducting parts can be fixed directly to the movement plates.

Removal of the Telavox movement from its case:

Before the movement can be removed the dial glass and the outer brass bezel must first be removed. The bezel consists of two parts. A thin outer ring (which holds the glass in place) and a fixed inner (sight) ring. The inner ring is screwed firmly to the case and should not be removed. The thin outer ring is pressed down over the inner ring during manufacture and is only held on by friction.

The best tool to lever off the outer ring is a clean, plain wood chisel with a reasonably good cutting edge without damage. The sharpened edge should be gently pressed under the edge of the outer ring to lift it. You should work gently around the ring with the chisel to lift the outer ring off the inner ring. However, great care is required to avoid catching the sharp edge of the chisel under the inner ring. To do so could cause serious and permanent damage to the case and might easily break the glass.

A wood chisel is broad and flat enough not to damage the case or the edge of the thin shell of the outer ring. Other smaller tools (like screwdrivers) should really be avoided because they could easily and permanently damage the wooden case and bend the edge of the thin outer ring due to localised pressure. Where a wood chisel is not readily available the case should be well protected and even greater care taken not to permanently damage the outer ring.

Take great care not to drop or break the dial glass once it is released by the outer ring's removal. No great effort is required to lift the outer ring if you work slowly and carefully around the ring..

Since I cannot supervise I have emphasised the care required to avoid permanent damage to the clock. If you lack the necessary skills and tools then ask somebody with experience to remove the outer ring for you. You should make it perfectly clear to your assistant that the glass is no longer held safely once the outer ring is lifted free.

I accept no responsibility for any damage or injury (whatsoever) in providing this description of outer bezel removal. Think twice, or several times: Act once. (and then only with great care)

Once the bezel is free the dial glass can be placed safely aside. The hands must be removed before the dial and chapter ring can be lifted free. They lie on the case front centred by the inner sight ring. Only after their removal will the movement be exposed. The movement itself is held by three screws which pass through rubber bushes with permanently attached nuts. Do not remove any other screws.

Oiling:

I will not translate or describe the manufacturer's advice on dismantling the movement. The chances of correct reassembly are remote without considerable experience. You either have the skill and need no advice or you don't. If the clock is running well then it does not need repair. Do not repair that which is not broken!

All the axle pivots and the escapement should be oiled with clock oil. Avoid getting any oil near the contacts or their springs. The clock will not run with oil on the contacts! A tiny drop of oil is all that is required in the pivot holes surrounding the axles. Oil is best applied with the tip of a fine piece of wire dipped into a single drop of oil on a clean surface (a saucer?) then the oil carried to the pivot. Any more than this and the oil will run away from the pivot hole over time. Which will drain the bearing of oil by capillary action. So too much oil is usually worse than none at all. The oiling wire should be about the diameter of a fine sewing needle. If you press a fine needle into a wine bottle cork you will have a handy oiler. Just make sure it isn't a large needle or you will almost certainly over-oil the movement. The eye of a large needle will hold many times the amount of oil you need even for oiling a dozen clock movements properly.

If your idea of oiling any clock is turning a can of bicycle oil upside down over the movement then you had better stick to oiling bicycle chains. (even this is frowned upon in these days of special lubricants) Refined bicycle oil (like 3-in-1) can be used for this clock but you should use a wire to carry only a tiny drop to each bearing surface. The amount of oil should be so little that it disappears into the bearing.

If you ask nicely your local clock repairer may sell you a tiny bottle, or phial, of proper, light, clock oil. Which is much better than bicycle oil and designed not to dry out for years. Nor cause corrosion between different materials. You only need the tiniest amount of oil for one clock so don't be greedy. Or it could get quite expensive too!

Most Telavox clocks will be 50+ years old and may never have been oiled in their lifetime since leaving the factory. If the clock is still running well and keeping good time I really wouldn't risk touching it. The risk is far greater to the clock from being dismantled by an amateur than being allowed to run without further oiling.

Read the paragraph below before making any decision to remove the movement for oiling.

The Telavox runs very light with all the energy being supplied at the lightly loaded, escapement end of the gear train. There are no massive springs driving the gear trains from the "slow end" like a "normal" spring driven clock With all the attendant problems of very high pressures and friction and wear on all the pivots and gear teeth.

Talking of which, you should never oil the teeth of any clock wheel or pinion. Only the escape wheel needs oiling and that comes from applying a tiny drop of oil to each of the contact surfaces of the escapement anchor. Certainly not from oiling the teeth of the escape wheel itself. Once carefully re-oiled the Telavox clock movement probably needs no more oil for at least another decade. (or two)
*

Telavox Advertising

2006-08-02T15:21:00.011+02:00

A centrefold spread from the Dansk Urmager Tiderne (Danish Clockmaker Times of January 1945) Showing Telavox clocks available to wholesalers. The prices (in Danish Kroner) are therefore wholesale.

The sales message is that a new construction of the contact mechanism offers the following claimed advantages: Constant swing of the balance. Greater reliability. Better regulation. Lower power consumption. Greater power.

It is interesting to see these six different case styles are available simultaneously. This helps to make better sense of the case numbering in the Telavox Database. It also shows that the case styles were numbered rather than named. (at least as far as the wholesalers were concerned)

Once again the value of advertising to the researcher tells us more about a product than any other source. I believe the original papers of the Telavox company were destroyed in a fire at the premises of a small company which hoped to sell reproductions of Telavox loudspeakers long after Telavox had stopped trading.

*

An early Telavox clock catalogue

2006-08-01T07:45:00.012+02:00

*
Bjarne Jensen, the proprietor of a Danish radio and railway museum has very kindly sent me a scan of an early Telavox catalogue.

Here is Bjarne's website:

Funder.Nr.Hede Banen & Funder Radiomuseum -

Dating from 1942-43 the catalogue shows typical Telavox clocks of this period but emphasises the time switch options available to fit these standard cases by fitting a special backplate and contacts at the factory:

The catalogue cover. Kontakt-ure means time switch in Danish.

The chart depicts the increased accuracy from using a bimetallic torsion balance. My rough translation of the Danish text appears in italics:

As is well known any clock which is not furnished with special arrangements will lose in warm condition and gain in cold. But the Telavox balance, as can be seen, compensates for all variations in temperature. Moreover all of the parts concerned with the timekeeping of the Telavox movement are made to a tolerance of 1/100th of a millimetre. Which provides a sound basis for the accuracy of Telavox timekeeping. The time switch mechanism (patents applied for) is different from all previous devices in being provided with a form of double contact. Which improves contact reliability many times over. The contact materials are of riveted gold and silver. The clock will run for a year on the 3 Volt "Hellesens" battery provided.

There must be those who have missed a (radio) transmission. They will have wanted to enjoy a programme but have been sidetracked by something else and forgot to turn on the radio receiver. The previous pages have described the Telavox battery driven clock but it is also possible to have a time switch fitted which will turn the radio on and off for you. The time switch, which is remarkably easy to set, can turn the radio on and off at 5 minute intervals over the full 24 hours. So one can easily set the time switch to turn the radio on and off at the beginning and end of a particular radio programme which one wants to hear. A discrete, patented backplate on the clock leaving it looking just like any other beautiful table or sideboard clock. Another option is to have the clock running from the mains [using an 'LK' Synchronous movement] instead of a battery movement.

The Telavox battery driven clock, with time switch, is a universal device and can be adjusted without the removal of any parts for a variety of voltages. It can work with 110, 150 and 220 Volts DC and 170-220 Volts AC. It can be ordered, without any extra charge, to run on 110 Volts AC. So it is not necessary to adjust it to 150 Volts AC. The synchronous motor model can, with a simple adjustment, run on 127 or 220 Volts AC.

All battery clocks are delivered complete with a battery. 12 setting pins for the backplate time switch are provided.

A written guarantee for one year is provided against material or manufacturing faults. Though not for the battery.

Extra time switch setting pins are available at 0.25 Danish Kroner each.

A new Hellesens battery, Type 57, is available at 2.63 Danish Kroner each.

Dealer stamp:
*