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Sparklingly modern: green and blue glass
mosaic clock by Georges Briard. 12” sq,
“Ship Ahoy Porthole Electric Clock” by $100-125. (Photo by Leslie Piña)
Syroco/Lux “Owl.” Haddon. Each rock of the ship marks a
5-1/4” h, $175-225. second. 8” d, $75-100. Syroco/Lux “Waiter” clock. 6” h, $195-250.
(Photo by Ray Hanson)
(Photo by Donald-Brian Johnson) (Photo by Ray Hanson)

glowing torch) or a sparkly Vegas version, with casino designed glass clocks, those by Michael and Frances
dice marking the hours? Higgins are among the mid-century’s most
During the 1950s and ‘60s, fresh shapes, materials, innovative. Clocks were a natural outgrowth for
and means of expression combined to create what these pioneers of practical design, whose decorative
we now refer to as mid-century modern. Firmly housewares ran the gamut from cigarette boxes to
tugging at the “modern” timeline were clock lamps candleholders, platters to “Posey Pockets.” Noted
by Moss Manufacturing of San Francisco. Moss was Michael, “We try to make things which may be
a line born of necessity. With metal usage curtailed thought beautiful. But we are not ashamed if our
by World War II, the lamp-making firm sought out pieces are useful. Indeed, we often prefer it, because
another basic material, not subject to rationing. The it makes them easier to sell.”
answer: Plexiglas, which was not only readily A 1954 Higgins clock for General Electric,
available but could be easily cut and glued into any featuring ball-tipped rays radiating outward on the
shape imaginable. Moss matriarch Thelma Moss, glass face, is as unexpectedly glorious as an alien sun.
never at a loss for imagination, inspired her designers A later line of glass-on-glass clocks was created for
to let their creativity run rampant. The result: a line Haddon during Higgins’ stay at the Dearborn Glass
of space-age Plexi eye-poppers, equally at home in a Company. The hours are indicated by colorful glass
1950s living room, or aboard a flying saucer. chunks fused to a vibrantly patterned glass slab.
Focusing first on lamps, Moss soon roved While from the mid-century, a Higgins clock is not
through the mid-century home like a Plexiglas of the mid-century. Simplicity and clarity of line,
Godzilla, seeking other items ripe for re-invention. coupled with a bold use of color, make Higgins
Moss clocks exhibit a mastery of multi-purposing. clocks right at home in any age. In other words,
They tell time. They light up. They hold flowers. they’re timeless.
Many even include that Moss specialty, the rotating Moss marvels, Captivating Kit-Cats, Higgins
platform. Flick the switch, and a ceramic figurine must-haves, and rococo Syroco. There’s no time like
(often by a prominent design name, such as deLee, Moss Mfg. Plexiglas table clock/lamp. the present to explore the limitless treasure trove of
Hedi Schoop, or Lefton) begins its stately twirl. The revolving “Siamese Dancer” mid-twentieth-century clocks. Which one will be
Equally modern, yet less over-the-top, were fused figurine is by deLee Art. 35” h, your favorite? Only time will tell.
glass clocks by Higgins Glass Studio of Chicago.
$275-300. (Photo by Leslie Piña)
Although artisans such as Georges Briard also
Donald-Brian Johnson is
the co-author of numerous
Bijou-Bazir marble Deco clock books on design and
with bronze Afghan hound. collectibles, including
14” h x 18-1/2” l, $2500-3000. Postwar Pop, a collection
of his columns, and an
(Photo by Leslie Piña)
upcoming second volume.
Please address inquiries to:
donaldbrian@msn.com

Photo Associate:
Hank Kuhlmann

“Parrot” by Syroco/Lux.
9” h, $125-$150.
Left: Up to the minute: Higgins Glass “Carnival” wall clock (Photo by Ray Hanson)
from the early 1960s. Chunks of fused glass mark the hours on
the patterned glass slab. 11-1/2” sq, $500-600. (Photo by Leslie Piña)
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