Fun novelty clock made by the New Jersey Clock Co. In the early 1930s under their Chronart trade name. The case of the clock is wood composite that resembles bakelite, though it is intended to resemble mahogany. The front of the clock is decorated with a metal plaque that is a tribute to the era of exploration that preceded the period in which the piece was manufactured. The plaque seems to depict an arctic scene, complete with what appears to be an Inuit in the foreground. The panel is embossed with the title “Polar Bird”, possibly intended to evoke Admiral Byrd’s antarctic expedition. The prop of the plane actually spins and the clock is started by turning the prop, which then acts as a second hand. The movement in these clocks was manufactured by the Hammond Clock Co. The clock has a metal plate on the back that Reads Chronart, Polar Bird, New Jersey Clock, Newark NJ. The case measures 8 1/4″ tall, 7 3/4″ wide at the widest point, and 2 11/16 measured front to back. The case of the clock is in very good condition with no damage and only minor wear. The recessed portion if the dial and plaque are silver plated, some of the silver has been polished off and the remainder has tarnished so it is difficult to tell how much of it still remains. There is general wear and patina to the metal on the dial and decorative plaque. The cord has been replaced with a newer silk-wrapped cord, though the plug appears to be original. When I plug the clock in, it makes a low-pitched humming sound, but it doesn’t actually run. The item “Antique Art Deco Clock Chronart Polar Bird Aviation Artcic Exploration” is in sale since Saturday, December 8, 2018. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Transportation\Aviation\Other Aviation Collectibles”. The seller is “epone” and is located in Sacramento, California. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Type: Clock
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United States