Meet Rupert.
A rather handsome early-1950s Smiths Enfield Richmond who has spent the best part of seventy years doing what British mantel clocks do best: quietly keeping order from the mantelpiece and making sure nobody forgets what time it is.

The Richmond has a wonderfully distinctive period design, combining a substantial arched wooden case with beautifully figured veneers, stepped sides and restrained decorative detailing along the lower edge. Its proportions give it plenty of presence without making it excessively large or difficult to display.

The original dial is especially attractive, featuring a silvered chapter ring with elegant Roman numerals surrounding a richly figured wooden centre, set within a brass bezel. It is signed Smiths Enfield beneath twelve o'clock.

Smiths Enfield

Enfield was an established British clock manufacturer before becoming part of the Smiths group. Clocks produced under the combined Smiths Enfield name are recognised for their solid British construction, dependable mechanical movements and attractive post-war designs.

This example is identified as the Richmond model and dates from approximately the early 1950s.

Movement and Strike

The clock contains its original British-made two-train mechanical movement. One train powers the timekeeping mechanism while the second operates the striking mechanism.

It strikes the hours on a coiled gong, with a single strike on the half-hour, producing a warm and pleasing tone throughout.

Condition and Servicing

The mechanical movement has been dismantled, professionally cleaned, inspected, lubricated and carefully reassembled. It has subsequently been tested for reliable operation.

As part of the service, the mainsprings were lubricated with Novostar oil and the pivots with synthetic clock oil, ensuring smooth and reliable running for years to come.

The clock runs well and strikes reliably on both the hour and half-hour. The case retains its original figured veneers and has been sympathetically cleaned to bring out their character.

As an authentic vintage clock, there are some light marks and small areas of age-related wear consistent with its years of service. Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.

Restoration Checklist

• Movement fully dismantled, cleaned and inspected
• Mainsprings lubricated with Novostar oil
• Pivots lubricated with synthetic clock oil
• Reassembled and tested for reliable running
• Hour and half-hour strike confirmed
• Case cleaned and revived
• Dial and bezel inspected and photographed

Key Features

• Named Richmond model by Smiths Enfield
• British-made two-train mechanical movement
• Hour and half-hour gong strike
• Figured wooden dial centre with silvered chapter ring
• Brass bezel
• Movement fully serviced and tested

A well-presented example of a named Smiths Enfield model, combining reliable British engineering with an attractive figured case. It would make a handsome addition to a mantelpiece or sideboard.

Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description. Vintage mechanical clocks may require minor regulation after transport and once settled into their new surroundings.