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).
Comparison of Watford Sleeveless magnetos against Lucas and other brands.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 65\3\ scan0105 | |
| Date | 13th September 1927 | |
| X7791 To ROY.{Sir Henry Royce} from EFC EFC1/T13.9.27. WATFORD SLEEVELESS MAGNETOS. The suggestion referred to in your ROY{Sir Henry Royce}25/MG7.9.27, arose during the interview between R.{Sir Henry Royce} and Mr. North at W.W. It is referred to in R's memo RL/M19.8.27 in the following terms :- (Extract). "On the 17th inst. Mr. North called regarding magnetos and clocks. In the discussion it was concluded that the Phantom sleeveless magneto was correct and satisfactory, the only thing to settle being the price. Naturally we must expect the Watford magneto to be offered at a higher price than the Lucas. I arranged with Mr. North to let us have an alternative price for the same finish and quality of details as that offered on the Lucas machine, with the extra price for the extra quality they usually supply to us. We believe that there is considerable difference between the two machines, in the distributor block, the eccentric adjustment for the distributor drive, and the lubrication and oil collecting devices fitted. Naturally at the present we cannot take the Lucas machine owing to its bad reputation, which may lead to loss of orders for complete chassis or cars. This has been confirmed to me quite recently by one of our directors (Mr. A.W.Claremont). We think however it will be advisable from a business point of view to compare the prices of still other machines of first class reputation, such as the German Bosch, and the Swiss Scintilla." So far as I understand R's intention, the requirements of the moment is merely a comparison of the prices. I do not propose to obtain two of these cheaper quality magnetos until we have R's instruction to do so. I am sending him a report and perhaps he will favour us with some further remarks in this connection. EFC | ||