Welcome to the Inert Ordnance WW1, WW2 | information,sales,wanted,photos,forum and more.
Results 1 to 9 of 9
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    41
    Thanks
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

    Venner time switch

    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
    o2.jpgo1.jpgo3.jpgo4.jpgo5.jpgo6.jpg

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Posts
    978
    Thanks
    Thanked 120 Times in 93 Posts
    Is this now ammunition or some sort of a technical item?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    41
    Thanks
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Some sort of blasting machine, clock work delay firing device ????

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    kent
    Posts
    385
    Images
    4
    Thanks
    Thanked 65 Times in 52 Posts
    I think these were used for switching on street lighting,,,,,,, Dave

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Yorkshire
    Posts
    25
    Thanks
    Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts
    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

  6. The Following User Says Thank You to switch For This Useful Post:

    millsbomber (15th January 2012)

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    London
    Posts
    731
    Thanks
    Thanked 215 Times in 89 Posts
    Quote Originally Posted by switch View Post
    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.


    Venner3.jpgVenner1.jpgVenner2.jpg
    N.


  8. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Bonnex For This Useful Post:

    Jawasinger (15th January 2012), millsbomber (15th January 2012), switch (15th January 2012)

  9. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Yorkshire
    Posts
    25
    Thanks
    Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts
    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

  10. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    London
    Posts
    731
    Thanks
    Thanked 215 Times in 89 Posts
    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
    N.


  11. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    41
    Thanks
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    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?


 

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •