Rare Extra Small Octagonal Bakelite Wall Clock by Gent of Leicester

Rare Octagonal Bakelite Wall Clock.

A beautiful art deco style wall clock by renowned British clock maker Gents of Leicester.

Made in England circa 1930.

Gent of Leicester makers marks to dial with their straight batten hand style, the moulded bakelite case has a solid deep brown colour and not the mottled finish often seen with bakelite.

The clock came from a deceased estate with a large collection totalling 36 Gents of Leicester clocks, the full Birmingham Collection can be found here.

Gents bakelite clocks were generally smaller in dimensions offered from a 6 inch up to a 12 inch dial with many variation in shape and dial style, the octagonal bakelite clocks were offered in the 6 inch dial only and were modelled C110.

The clock currently retains its original slave movement which requires a impulse driver to drive the movement, this is available as an extra charge but would need to be mounted outside of the clock case due to the limited space, alternatively we can convert the original hands to run on a modern battery quartz movement free of charge.

As a guide to the size and scale of the clock our wooden model is life size at 6ft 1" tall

The Use of Bakelite Plastics in Mid-Century Britain

Bakelite, the first synthetic plastic, revolutionised manufacturing and design during mid-century Britain. Developed in 1907 by Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland, Bakelite quickly became a popular material due to its versatility, heat resistance, and electrical non-conductivity. During the mid-20th century, it was extensively used in various industries, from household items and telephones to radios, clocks, and electrical insulators. Its unique properties allowed for mass production of durable and affordable goods.

In addition to its practical uses, Bakelite was celebrated for its aesthetic qualities. It could be moulded into various shapes and dyed in a range of colours, although rich brown and black hues were most common. This made it ideal for creating stylish and sleek designs that epitomised the modernist aesthetic of the era. Bakelite clocks, like the Gents of Leicester model, combined functionality with a timeless, sophisticated look that remains highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts today.