Lot 312: Hovis Electric Advertising Sign
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An electric advertising sign in the form of a wall clock, featuring a rectangular glass panel with reverse-painted decoration mounted to a backing board. The upper portion displays a maroon cartouche with the brand name Hovis in white block lettering, above the slogan THE BETTER-BALANCED BREAD. The integrated clock face features a maroon octagonal ground with white Arabic numerals and stylized pierced white metal hands, alongside a thin sweep seconds hand. The central dial area is printed with the text SMITHS SECTRIC MAINS and MADE IN ENGLAND. The reverse features a black circular housing embossed with the SMITHS logo, alongside text reading MADE UNDER ONE OR MORE BRITISH PATENTS and PRESS & TURN KNOB TO SET HANDS. The clock is fitted with a metal hanging chain secured by two circular metal bolts and retains a two-core twisted brown power cable.
Height: 15 inches
Width: 12 inches.
Condition report:
The sign is in weathered condition with significant lifting, cracking, and loss to the reverse-painted white and maroon sections, particularly visible around the edges and the upper logo area (photos 1 and 2). The glass panel shows surface scratching and grime throughout. The metal hands and central arbor display surface oxidation and rust (photo 3). The backing material is torn with visible water staining and paper loss (photo 6). The original wiring is perished in places; the movement is untested and sold as a decorative object requiring electrical restoration.
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