Bell System clock face sign

Butch Harlow · September 23, 2018, 03:37:30 PM

I found and purchased an interesting sign today. Its 14" in diameter made of aluminum and not cut by a machine. It seems it was cut out by hand so the edge is not perfectly smooth. The story I have on it is that it was purchased in a lot of other telephone items from a bell system employee. Other than that I have nothing. Its definitely painted and not vinyl transfer. It's in really good shape, so I assume it is repro of some kind, but for 20 dollars I couldn't pass it up. It is white on the backside with no markings of any kind. Any info on it would be appreciated.

Key2871 · September 23, 2018, 04:38:03 PM

That's cool Butch, now all you need is a clock in which to install. That would make an awesome clock.

..... · September 23, 2018, 04:56:20 PM

That's interesting no hole for the clock.

Butch Harlow · September 23, 2018, 05:24:49 PM

Quote from: Duffy on September 23, 2018, 04:56:20 PM
That's interesting no hole for the clock.

My thought exactly. It looks like it was made to be a clock, but never made it through production. It has one tiny hole at the 12 to hang it on the wall. It's a curious piece.

..... · September 23, 2018, 05:45:27 PM

Quote from: Butch Harlow on September 23, 2018, 05:24:49 PM
My thought exactly. It looks like it was made to be a clock, but never made it through production. It has one tiny hole at the 12 to hang it on the wall. It's a curious piece.

I have a clock that I made out of a reproduction sign.

Butch Harlow · September 23, 2018, 05:48:43 PM

I just need to find a 14" diameter clock to put it in. I just hate the thought of drilling a hole in it, but I guess that was the original intent.

..... · September 23, 2018, 05:51:45 PM

Quote from: Butch Harlow on September 23, 2018, 05:48:43 PM
I just need to find a 14" diameter clock to put it in. I just hate the thought of drilling a hole in it, but I guess that was the original intent.

Depending where you are, a craft store called Michael's carry clock parts.

Key2871 · September 23, 2018, 06:45:17 PM

Yea, watch out for those cheap clock movements. A lot of the time they don't work after a short time.
If it were me, I'd go for electric. You'll be happier for longer.

..... · September 23, 2018, 06:49:58 PM

Quote from: Key2871 on September 23, 2018, 06:45:17 PM
Yea, watch out for those cheap clock movements. A lot of the time they don't work after a short time.
If it were me, I'd go for electric. You'll be happier for longer.

Mine has been running for the last 10 months with no issues. Electric is a pain and having a cord running down the wall.... hummm.

Key2871 · September 23, 2018, 09:57:47 PM

Out of three that I bought, one lasted just less than a year. The other two were out in less than a week.
Jmo. Yea the cord is ugly, but I think it's far easier than replacing them every year..

Jim Stettler · September 23, 2018, 10:29:21 PM

Quote from: Butch Harlow on September 23, 2018, 03:37:30 PM
I found and purchased an interesting sign today. Its 14" in diameter made of aluminum and not cut by a machine. It seems it was cut out by hand so the edge is not perfectly smooth. The story I have on it is that it was purchased in a lot of other telephone items from a bell system employee. Other than that I have nothing. Its definitely painted and not vinyl transfer. It's in really good shape, so I assume it is repro of some kind, but for 20 dollars I couldn't pass it up. It is white on the backside with no markings of any kind. Any info on it would be appreciated.

Butch,
I have seen clocks with this face offered in the past. I always ways assumed the sign perimeter and center point were machine cut. I would keep it as is, but I am lazy.
JMO,
Jim S.

..... · September 29, 2018, 09:09:39 AM

I found this one on Kijiji, a Canadian online sales site.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-art-collectibles/barrie/unique-treasures-house-original-bell-clock/1302032758

Butch Harlow · September 30, 2018, 01:20:54 PM

Interesting. I have found a couple clocks I could use for this. Haven't decided if I really want to drill the hole or not.

News:

Bell System clock face sign