Hammond Clocks

Before Hammond made organs, he made clocks. These were the first clocks to use synchronous AC motors --- their speed was locked to the 60hz line frequency (or 50hz, which was used in some parts of the US for awhile --- but that's another story.)

Just like the run motor in a Hammond organ, Hammond clocks were not self-starting. There was a knob labeled "spin to start" in the back of each clock, which you (surprise) spun to start. (Yes, if you spin the knob backwards, the clock will run backwards.)

There's a good on-line "museum" of Hammond clocks (& organs) at:

     http://www.organhouse.com/hammond_products.htm

BobSchleicher also has an on-line Hammond clock museum on his web site.

Reportedly, replacement motors for Hammond clocks can be purchased from RichardWarburton.