Commemorative Clock [Centaurus]
Maker and role
S. Smith & Sons (England) Limited, Manufacturer
Production date
1937
1961
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Object detail
Accession number
1964.120
Description
The "Centaurus" Clock and presentation case from the Centaurus aircraft which was destroyed by enemy fire. The aircraft clock was salvaged from the plane and presented to the People of New Zealand on the 3rd October 1961. The clock is square in shape with metal box frame 10 mm wide. The metal is silver in colour and could be stainless steel or aluminium. The clock face is black and the numbers are white. The clock hands are white with a red strip through the centre. The glass in the front of the clock is raised and bevelled. The case is wooden which is hinged with a wooden lid. The inside of the case is lined with cream velvet. The case has a small shepherd's crook clasp which loops over a metal loop.
Marks
The "Centaurus" Clock / presented by / Qantas Empire Airways / to / the People of New Zealand / In December 1937 the Empire flying boat "Centaurus" commanded by / Captain J. W. Burgess / of New Zealand made the first survey flight / from London to Auckland. Leaving London on 3rd. December, "Centaurus" / arrived Brisbane on the 21st, Sydney on the 24th. and Auckland on / the 27th. After a record Tasman crossing of 9hr. 10mn. this flight / foreshadowed the introduction in 1940 of regular Trans-Tasman services / operated by Tasman Empire Airways Limited (T.E.A.L.). "Centaurus" / which was used also to survey a Trans-Atlantic route, was taken over by / the R.A.A.F. upon the outbreak of war and was destroyed by enemy action / at Broome, Western Australia, in March 1942 after having flown a total / of 709,380 miles. The aircraft's clock and matching altimeter were / salvaged and preserved in the Qantas Aviation Museum, Sydney. The / clock was presented to the people of New Zealand on the occasion of the / commencement of Qantas Trans-Tasman operations on 3rd. October, 1961. Inscribed
S. Smith & Sons / London Maker's Mark
S. Smith & Sons / London Maker's Mark
Media/Materials
Credit Line
S. Smith & Sons (England) Limited. 1937
1961. Commemorative Clock [Centaurus], 1964.120. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
1961. Commemorative Clock [Centaurus], 1964.120. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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