1955 Smiths K6A Westminster Chiming Mantel Clock Walnut Art Deco Restored

A particularly handsome mid-century Smiths Westminster chiming mantel clock, combining the reliability of the celebrated K6A movement with a wonderfully elegant walnut case that still carries strong late Art Deco influence.

Dating from April 1955, this clock sits at a lovely point in British design history: unmistakably post-war in construction, yet still retaining the sweeping curves, warm veneers and decorative restraint associated with the Art Deco period.

The most distinctive feature is the beautiful timber dial centre, framed by an open chapter ring with stylised Arabic numerals and elegant pierced hands. The figured walnut grain flows through the centre of the dial and continues across the front of the case, giving the clock far more visual presence than many conventional silver-dial Smiths models of the period.

The Case

The case has a broad tambour form with sweeping shoulders and distinctive cylindrical side rails. Rich walnut veneer across the front creates a warm, beautifully figured appearance, while the curved upper section gives the clock a substantial but elegant profile.

It has been sympathetically restored to revive the timber while preserving its age and character. Please see photographs for full condition detail.

Smiths K6A Mechanical Movement

Behind the dial is the respected Smiths K6A three-train mechanical movement, operating separate trains for timekeeping, Westminster chiming and the hour strike. The movement carries the factory marking K6A 554, confirmed via the backplate stamp and dating the clock to April 1955.

The movement has been cleaned, inspected and lubricated — Novostar oil to the mainsprings and synthetic clock oil to the pivots — with the chiming sequence checked and set correctly before sale.

The clock plays the traditional Westminster melody progressively through each quarter hour:

¼ hour – first section
½ hour – extended melody
¾ hour – further extension
Full hour – complete Westminster sequence followed by the correct number of hour strikes

Details

Mahn & Co Restoration

Our approach is preservation rather than making an antique or vintage clock appear artificially new. The mechanism is attended to so that the clock can continue doing the job for which it was made, while the timber, brass and other original surfaces retain the subtle marks and patina earned over decades.

The result is a clock that presents beautifully, works as a mechanical clock should, and still unmistakably feels like an original piece from 1955.

Delivery

The clock will be carefully packed for transport, with appropriate protection for the case, movement and glass. The pendulum will be secured separately where required, and straightforward setup instructions will be included.