Butt Ugly Retro Clock

[Dean Perdue]

I know this isn't exactly a antique,but have been trying to find out about it for about 10 years now.

It measures approx. 42" x 20".

One collector suggested  Syroco but I'm not sure if that's the material or the company who made it.
I did go on to a few Syroco sites and didn't see this particular clock.

I was thinking maybe 50's or 60's but that's just a guess.

The people at the antique mall who sold it acted like they couldn't believe there was someone so foolish to actually pay for this thing and told me how ugly it was (obviously not working on commission).

What would you even call it??

Thanks

[sapphire]

I can't believe I just said "holy s***" twice in under ten minutes!!!

The first time was when I saw your clock, the second when I found this site on clocks..........

http://www.antiqueclockspriceguide.com/browseall.php


Don't think I can stay awake long enough to search all 410 pages!   

[Dean Perdue]

Thanks for the great link Sapphire.
That should keep me busy for a while.
Something tells me after your done viewing this site,you'll be a clock collector with a 30 page wish list.

[sapphire]

If there was ever a clock I would want it would be one that sat on my Uncle's mantel, passed down from my grandfather.

I believe it was what is called a mantel clock,mahogany with wide 'wings'. On each wing, facing the clock was a brass horse.  The face of the clock was also trimmed in brass.  Always loved that piece......it is now resting on another generation's mantel.

[Dean Perdue]

Funny how these old clocks really leave a deep impression on you.
I remember like it was yesterday the sounds (ticking & chimming) and looks of the one at my grandmothers house long ago.

Why not track one of these down for your own mantle Sapphire?
I know you definately have the skills to find one of these.
Hope whoever currently owns it appreciates it even more than yourself.

[sapphire]

It's funny how one simple thing can conjure up so many good memories.  My uncle's home was the original family homestead, the place we all headed to on weekends. Mahogany has always been my favourite wood, the victorian furniture in the homes on my mother's side, it's depth and warmth comforting. Horses of course, my passion. And yes, that ever present heartbeat with it's mellow chime of the hours.

[sapphire]

Interesting similarities....... .third row, third from left.

http://www.antique-world.com/figuralsd.htm#Pictures


And nearly every one equally 'butt ugly' 

[talesofthesevenseas]

When I saw this clock, it instantly made me think it must represent a story of some sort. Maybe Icarus? That's what I thought of when I saw it.

I had to chuckle to myself that it also made me think of the word's written over the clock on Old St. Mary's Church in San Francisco: "Son, observe the time and fly from evil" (the clock was originally facing a house of prostitution across the street so that the guys would read those words when they came out the door!!!)

I agree, clocks have real personality. Hubby and I were just saying how hearing his mother's clock is like having her with us.   What can I say... I like your clock! Embrace your inner eccentric!  

[Dean Perdue]

Looks like the one Sapphire is speaking of may carry a nice price tag.

I agree, clocks have real personality. Hubby and I were just saying how hearing his mother's clock is like having her with us.

Talesot7s, sound like the makings for a good Twilight Zone episode.

Seriously though I know exactly what your talking about.Whenever you hear these sounds unexpectedly it instantly takes you back to yesteryear. Awesome stuff.Wish I could afford to collect these things.

[railman44]

Clocks are sometimes funny critters.  My Dad's circa 1850 jeweler's regulator stopped the day he died.  It had never been moved and was perfectly level for the pendulum but just wouldn't run for more than 5 minutes.  My Mother gave it to me and I took home and put it in my living-room.  During the mounting I made sure it was level as it previously was and it has run ever since.  Kind of creepy.

[cogar]

Dean, get a can of "gold" spray paint and repaint it, ... then paint the dial face white with black numbers, ring (circle) and hands and it will have a completely different personality ....... and it will only cost about $3 to do it.

But don't waste the $3 if the clock motor doesn't work. 

[sapphire]

Just wondering if the figure represents Father Time? He appears from the pic to be pointing to the clock itself.

Found these on a similar theme.......

http://www.jansantiques.com/Lot/jac918.html

http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/html/p/pajou/m_clock.html

[talesofthesevenseas]

Trippy story Railman!

Does the reclining figure have a beard like Father Time or melting wings like Icarus? To me, the "flames" or "rays" around the clock seem to indicate it represents the sun or some perhaps religious event? (noting the angel up top)

[regularjoe2]

Interesting motif ..... is the cherub holding a mop , or is it a severed head ...or maybe some sort of critter ?

Perhaps the  clock face indicates the question "What for?" (missing #4 numeral) .... maybe the reclining figure is requesting the owner to replace battery every 6 months ?


This would be an idea sort of icon to mount on a dashboard of perhaps one of these type of transport vehicles...

[talesofthesevenseas]

LOL @ RegJoe!

I took a good look at the larger image, that "severed head" is a second cherub/angel, who is bending waaaay over to look at the clock. Perhaps he is trying to figure out where the batteries go!!

We could write some great captions for this clock:

Reclining figure: "Thou shalt replace thy batteries thrice annually, or woe be unto thee, oh winged little keepers of the timepiece!"
Cherub 1: "Batteries?! We don't need no stinking batteries?!!!"
Cherub 2: "How the heck do we wind this thing?"