The art deco period of the 1920s and 1930s created influence on all aspects of our lives. Many examples of the architecture of the period has been restored and can be viewed in the Miami Florida area. It was a product of a machine driven industrial age. The streamlined appearance of fast moving objects and straight lines found its way into all aspects of our lives. For the collector of this period the art deco clocks are available and give a representative view of the period and of the influence.
In Europe, the French and the Swiss were heavy into the influence of art deco clocks. They were characterized by clocks for the mantle or clocks for the desk top. They were constructed of marble or onyx and trimmed with brass, chrome and glass. The clocks would typically have the numbers displayed with Roman numerals and the clocks faces flanked by columns. The desk clocks could be found with built in areas for ink wells. Since few people use pens that require ink today the space has evolved into an area to catch dry desk items such as paperclips.
The French influence on the art deco clocks can be identified by the bronze figurines that were used to adorn them. A favorite was the goddess Diana, who as the huntress carried an ivory bow and green onyx shield. She was not alone and other clocks were adorned with bronze creatures from the forest such as fantail doves, lovebirds, and even gazelles. French clock designers that emerged from this period were Brandt, Cartier, and the Jaz brand. Edgar Brandt's clocks can be recognized by the wrought iron designs that set on marble bases. Cartier was known for the square travel clocks with gold hand and enameled black handles. The Jaz line was marketed by Compagnie Industrielle de Macanique Horelogere in 1934. They had geometric contrasts with round faces in horizontal cases and came in many colors such as blues, greens and golds. Mirrors were prominent in their design.
On the other side of the ocean the leaders in electrical appliances, such as General Electric and Westinghouse, hired their own designers to produce art deco clocks. These clocks came in a variety of materials and designs. The clocks of this period would complement any home and ranged from the serious geometric designs to playful representations of ships and airplanes.
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