Posted 8 years ago
artfoot
(367 items)
Lawson Model 98 cyclometer features clear and blue mirrored tiles on four sides. It measures 7 3/8" by 3 5/8" and stands 4" tall. A plated steel back holds a paper label that likely dates this clock to the company's Alhambra years (1948-79). According to the Decopix.com website, Lawson continued to make Deco style clocks until the late 1960s.
I will add in the comments section below a link that will explain the Lawson Time Company story in great detail, with a good deal of information about the other companies making similar digital-style clocks as well.
This is the Lawson Time Company story in wonderful detail - http://www.decopix.com/the_lawson_clock_story/
Oh man what a treasure, my heart sinks looking at this one, so envious !!~
Terrific clock, Harry! I'm suspicious of your label though... This model is generally thought to have been discontinued before 1938, and Lawson Time didn't move to its Alhambra facility until 1948. During the '30s, furnishings with cobalt mirror glass elements were the rage, but I think this look would have seemed dated by the late '40s. I'm guessing the paper label may have been repurposed from a later clock (No. 219). The '8' looks like it might be penciled in (?). I suspect that if you were to peel it off, you'd find an incised maker's mark underneath with the earlier Los Angeles address....
Thank you Chadakoin for giving me a date for this model and "good eye" about the label. There is a scratched out 21 - it looks like the 8 may have been rubber stamped but I can't really tell, even with a jeweler's loupe. Maybe I'll get up the nerve to remove it. Also, the numbers look to me to be the type 3 1970s font, so it wouldn't surprise me if it had been reworked.
I bought this probably 25 years ago and recently found it stored in the back of a cupboard. I had forgotten I still had it. It works perfectly and runs quietly.
Thanks to everyone for the comments and loves.
compare to original auction feb 15 ebay #222403605442
wonderful!