Posted 13 years ago
Chadakoin
(73 items)
An icon of Streamline Moderne design, the "Zephyr" was made by Lawson Time, Inc. of Los Angeles, Calif. from ca. 1937 through the 1950s. Its design has long been attributed to acclaimed German-American industrial designer Kem Weber, although recent research suggests that it was more likely the creation of noted Art Deco designer and metalsmith, Paul Feher, working with artist George Adomatis. No patents or design drawings exist for the Zephyr, or for any of Lawson's clocks.
This particular clock was made at Lawson Time's Pasadena facility and dates to 1940-42. It has a 'bronze' finished brass case with brass trim. The Zephyr was also available in a brushed gold finish with brass trim, "gunmetal" with chrome trim, and "silver" with brass trim.
I have also seen them in black and white with chrome trim. Neat.
I have one of these too, but mine is missing a little panel on the back of it. Did you polish and re-lacquer yours?
I also have one of these, any ideal of current value?
This one is completely original -- could stand a bit more cleaning.... I've seen photos of a black/chrome one, too. The company only marketed the three finish styles, so black ones must either be custom orders or aftermarket re-dos. As to current value - depending on finish type and condition, these typically go for anywhere from $150 to $1400+
When I was in Chicago in March a gallery there had the one in black and white (it was more cream color than white, age I guess. I questioned them about the color on it and they said it is original Lawson proto type and had a price tag of over $5,000.00 with documentation to boot.
I'd love to see that clock - and the documentation!
Chadakoin,
I recently bought a catalog online, it is a reproduction of Lawson's creations for 1938. A lot of the Lawson cyclometers that I have including the Zephyr like you have are in it. The back of the Catalog has this line "Lawson Time Designs by Ferher and Adomatis" which indicates to me that KEM Weber did not design the Zephyr it was the design firm of Ferher and Adomatis. Then I thought KEM Weber might have worked for them, so I went through my book, The Moderne in Southern Calfornia and there was no mention of him working at this firm, Just Lawson in 1934 and it states that he designed clocks for them. What do you think?
I have two clocks that are not in the catalog, the New Yorker (although they do show a New Yorker in the Catalog, but it look nothing like mine), and the Vogue (I haven't listed the Vogue yet but it is style number 313, they are very similiar in appearence both bronze with brass ornamentation.
rlwindle,
As far as I am aware, there is no documentation directly tying Kem Weber to the design of any of the known Lawson models. Per decopix.com, there are reproductions of a couple of design drawings he did for Lawson in that book, but apparently they were never produced. I live in LA, home of Lawson Clocks/Time, and I've put some effort into trying to track down Ferher and Adomatis, with zero luck. Bit odd how little trace they seem to have left. I'll keep searching when I have the time.
I played at a party once in california for a person who knew kem weber, and told me he did in fact have a hand designing many clocks by him, wether solely is not known, but he was at least partially instrumental in the design of many pieces. I am no at liberty to divulge this persons name but suffice it to say i believe they were speaking the truth as the whole of the house was filled with weber, frankl, designs, so much so that my head was spinning. I actually received a couple clocks and a standing ashtray from this person in lieu of my standard playing fee. partially anyway.
I have a zephyr model that needs a motor. I have been looking for 3 years on ebay and other places to no avail. Anyone have an idea? How about a shop that might be able to put in a non-original replacement? The time digit wheels are fine.
I love Streamline design. Currently reading American Streamline Design by Hanks and Hoy.
Hi...I have this exact same clock, but it needs to be refurbished. Do you do such work on your own clocks or can you point me to whoever you might use for such projects? I'd love to get mine looking as nice as yours. I'd really appreciate it! My email is on my profile.