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).
The required specifications for improved instrument dials from Smith's Instruments for the 20/25-HP Chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 62\2\ scan0134 | |
| Date | 19th July 1932 | |
| S/W. Wst. WST X6135. Cx{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}3/H.19.7.32. Copy to ROY.{Sir Henry Royce} Re: Improved dials for Smith's Instruments - 20/25-HP. Chassis. We have now seen specimens of dials which have been modified to suit our particular wishes, which are briefly: (1) All the figures should be of the same style. (2) Those on the speedometer and clock should be of the same size. (3) Those on the oil gauge, water temperature indicator, ammeter, and petrol gauge, should be of the same size, and that the lettering should be of similar size and style. (4) Each dial should have the R.R. monogram on it. (5) .R.R. monogram on the clock should be placed lower down, that is mid-way between the 12 and the centre of the dial. (6) All the letters and calibrations should be in silver and not in white paint. (7) The finish of the dials and hands of the instruments must be high class and smooth and not rough as is the case in some of the sample instruments submitted. We have told Mr. Nichols of Messrs. Smith & Sons that with these exceptions the samples submitted are entirely approved by Sales and that we are informing you to this effect so that you can proceed at once with any confirming instructions to them you may wish. We have informed Smiths that we should probably have to scrap the dials on the instruments already delivered to you and replace them with the improved dials as we are not at all pleased with the dials as already delivered and do not consider them worthy of the chassis. Therefore it may mean your returning such instruments as are available for the improved dials to be fitted. We may also be called upon to change some of the dials of the instruments already on chassis which have been delivered. We have told Smiths that the matter is now very urgent and that we wish to have these new dials in circulation at the earliest possible moment. We shall, therefore, be glad if you will keep in close touch with them to see that this is carried out. Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} | ||