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Time Novelty
Time
to Clocks
to
of the
Start Mid-20th
Start
Livin’ Century
Livin’
The “Kit-Cat” clock, a grinning perennial since the 1930s. By Donald-Brian Johnson
15” l (including tail). $50-60. (Photo by Donald-Brian Johnson)
locks. We rely on them to bring just a bit of order into our Syroco had a clock for you. The mechanism was by Lux,
hectic modern lives. They keep things running like … well the body by Syroco, and the finished clock was both
C… like clockwork! affordable and endearing.
For centuries, clocks had been reserved solely for the wealthy. Also popular: inexpensive novelty clocks ideally suited
Intricately designed and fashioned of the rarest and finest for a specific room in the home. Seth Thomas, for example,
materials, clocks were, in essence, exquisite jewelry for the home. turned out an entire orchard of kitchen-ready “Red Apple”
The well-to-do owned them. The not-so-well-to-do relied on their clocks. Some companies specialized in clocks with added
sundials. “oomph.” Haddon’s “Ship Ahoy” clock lamp had a sailboat
By the 1930s, however, clocks for the budget-conscious finally rocking on its painted waves, while MasterCrafters ceramic
found their day in the sun. While less extravagantly outfitted than clocks replicated the pendulum effect with moving figures,
their high-end predecessors, these wall and mantel novelty clocks such as children on swings or old folks in rocking chairs.
provided good value for the money. Most retailed at $10 or less, and A best-seller among mid-century novelties (and still in
their themes had a uniquely whimsical appeal. production today): the “Kit-Cat Clock,” with its pendulum
Prominent among them were molded wood clocks by Syroco tail, hypnotic moving eyes, and eerily close resemblance to
(Syracuse Ornamental Company). The complete Syroco inventory “Felix the Cat.” Premiering in basic black, the Kit-Cat has,
encompassed everything from brush holders to bookends, offering the over the years, updated his wardrobe to include fire-engine
look of hand-carved wood at a fraction of the cost. When it came to red, restful aqua, and even a multi-color splash of sequins.
clocks, it didn’t matter if your tastes veered to the figural (monks, Also possessing an irresistible kitschy charm: souvenir clocks from
waiters, clowns), the animal (cats, parrots, camels), or the cheerily locales as diverse as New York and Las Vegas. What better way to travel
nostalgic (windmills, rustic scenic views). Whatever your preference, back in time than with a “Statue of Liberty Clock” (complete with
Not only does it tell the time, it even plays music for a revolving
ballerina! German mid-century music box clock by Rensie Watch
Co.. 2-3/4” h x 4-3/4” l; $50-75. (Photo by Donald-Brian Johnson)
Seth Thomas “Red Apple” kitchen clock,
1930s. 8” h, $30-40. “Windmill” by Syroco/Lux. 11” h, $150-175. (Photo by Ray Hanson)
(Photo by Donald-Brian Johnson)
26 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles
