English Custom Floor Standing Precision Regulator by S. Smith & Son Ltd.

A one-of-a-kind floor clock custom-crafted by S. Smith & Son, Ltd. of London in 1905. Regarded as a key player in Britain’s horological history, S. Smith and Son was esteemed for high-grade and highly accurate timepieces. They were key suppliers for the Admiralty (Royal Navy) in Britain and during their jurisdiction in India. Smith & Son grew and expanded to supply the automotive and aeronautical industries, maintaining a flourishing business from the mid-1800s through the 1970s.

This exceptional custom example of S. Smith & Son’s work is presented in a richly patinaed oak case with three beveled glass doors. Powering this precision floor-standing regulator is a unique 2-train movement with a 4-leg gravity escapement for superior accuracy. A temperature-compensating mercury pendulum regulates timekeeping in a configuration measuring 96 inches overall. Interestingly, the weights are located at the top of the clock above the dial. The 8-day movement marks the hour with a clear bell strike. The time displays on a 16-inch skeletonized silvered dial engraved with Roman numerals and fitted with blued steel spade and whip hands. A subsidiary seconds dial is situated above the six position. Further, this clock has undergone a complete restoration and bears a one-year warranty.

As noted on the engraved plate inside the case, this remarkable clock was crafted “To The Design Of Captain Dixon.”

Timepieces by S. Smith & Son were valued by the military and for various professional uses, and are now prized by collectors.

100″ High x 23″ Wide x 11″ Deep

Circa 1905

(We believe the Captain Dixon named in the plaque was Clive MacDonnell Dixon. Captain Dixon served as an Admiralty Captain located in India at the time indicated. Other potential British Captain Dixons active during the indicated time period are: Hurburt Bradshaw Dixon, Thomas William Eric Dixon, and Matthew Charles Dixon.)