From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Complaint letter from F. H. Royce regarding a faulty car clock supplied by Messrs North & Sons Ltd.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\V\March1931-September1931\ Scan333 | |
| Date | 24th July 1931 | |
| COPY ORIGINAL CONFIDENTIAL. C. to SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} C. to HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} C. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} C. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} "ELMSTEADHenry Royce's home in West Wittering". WEST WITTERINGHenry Royce's home town. CHICHESTER. 24. July 1931. x6036. Messrs North & Sons Ltd. Whippendell Road, WATFORD. C. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} Kirby Esq., Dear Sirs, The clock on the car I am using appeared to stop frequently. Ultimately it was found that it had not stopped but the hands were not moving. It was removed and examined by me, and my opinion is that the parts about the hands are distinctly bad in design, and a disgrace to both your Company, and RR. The method of obtaining the friction drive so that the hands can be set has no life however carefully it may be adjusted. Owing to a clock on a car being neglected in winding it often runs down and may have the hands turned through a large angle 40 times a year. The small sleeve is made of soft brass, and even if hard would have insufficient flexibility and wearing surface to make a lasting friction device. I shall be pleased if you will send me a clock with this part improved. The small hand is also badly mounted: it requires a long sleeve. I am extremely disappointed that my trust in the Watford Co. has proved to be so badly placed. This is to be regretted as there are many good parts in these clocks - i.e. an excellent jewelled escapement, and good clock train, and a very nice vitreous enamelled dial. Yours faithfully, (Sgd) F.{Mr Friese} H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} ROYCE. | ||