Venner time switch

[Jawasinger]

Does any one have any info on this old Venner timer? Data plate reads: Type- MTPX, Volts-200/250, Amps-10, No-678095, Made in England

 

[EOD]

Is this now ammunition or some sort of a technical item?

 

[Jawasinger]

Some sort of blasting machine, clock work delay firing device ????

 

[millsbomber]

I think these were used for switching on street lighting,,,,,,, Dave

 

[switch]

These are used for switching street lighting and in factories, but there was a trial of a delay based on the Venner Time switch by the British during WW1 as they searched for an accurate delay fuze. Ref : Ian Jones - Malice Aforethought A History of Boobytraps. Quite what it looked like, I am not sure, but there is probably someone in here who will!

Cheers

Switch

 

[Bonnex]

These are used for switching street lighting and in factories, but there was a trial of a delay based on the Venner Time switch by the British during WW1 as they searched for an accurate delay fuze. Ref : Ian Jones - Malice Aforethought A History of Boobytraps. Quite what it looked like, I am not sure, but there is probably someone in here who will!

Cheers

Switch

Interest in the Venner time switch continued between the wars to develop a fuze for stock denial purposes (typically to destroy dumps of ammunition in field storage to deny access by the enemy). Attached are a couple of snaps of one the designs. The amount of brass is considerable and, coupled with the time switch, would have been a very expensive device. Experimentation with two alternative technologies - chemical delay and electrolysis went on in parallel with the mechanical time switch. In the end the relatively cheap 'McAlpine' type acetone-delay fuze produced the Fuzes No 600, 610 and 620.

The SOE looked at the Venner time switch with electrical contacts and may even have used some but their Short Time, Eureka and 7-Day clocks were based on Smiths' movements fitted with mechanical strikers.

 

[switch]

Thank you for that Bonnex - I now know what I am looking for!

Without wishing to hijack this thread, do you have any pictures of Short Time, Eureka and 7-Day Delays for us to have a look at, at your convenience.

Cheers, Switch

 

[Bonnex]

I will start a new thread. In case the punctuation is confusing I am referring to two devices:
1. Clock, Short Time (Eureka)
and
2. Clock, Adjustable, 7-day

 

[Jawasinger]

This venner switch came in a lot of firing devises I recently purchased. So now I have to ask is there any value or desire for this switch across the pond?