Identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
The clock face is clearly marked 'ELGIN', allowing for higher confidence in the maker. The combination of organic cork, walnut framing, and chunky, stylized numerals strongly points to a 1960s-1970s Mid-Century Modern design with Brutalist influences.
Story
Elgin National Watch Company, historically famous for precision pocket watches, transitioned into producing decorative battery-operated wall clocks in the mid-20th century to adapt to changing home decor markets. This set exemplifies the 1960s-1970s trend of incorporating Brutalist elements and organic textures into everyday interiors. Mid-Century Modern (MCM) decorative arts remain highly popular, particularly pieces featuring organic materials like walnut and cork mixed with brass.
Maker / Origin
Elgin
Condition & Value
Cosmetically, the walnut frames and cork backing appear intact with no obvious major losses or deep gouges visible from the front. There is a dark area on the upper right of the brass-tone clock face that could be a shadow or tarnish.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Mid-Century Modern (MCM) decorative arts remain highly popular, particularly pieces featuring organic materials like walnut and cork mixed with brass. Elgin clocks from this era are accessible entry points for MCM collectors and interior decorators. Complete sets (clock plus sconces) sell faster and for a premium compared to orphaned clocks, though prices generally cap around $100-$150 unless it is a rare, oversized starburst model.
▲ Complete 3-piece set (clock and matching sconces) commands a premium over orphaned pieces.
▲ Highly desirable Mid-Century Modern aesthetic combining organic cork, walnut, and Brutalist brass elements.
▲ Recognizable Elgin brand name adds consumer confidence.
▼ Unverified clock mechanism — a non-working movement drops the value to purely decorative levels (±40%).
▼ Unconfirmed dimensions — smaller scale sets trade at the lower end of the range.
▼ Potential tarnish on the brass face — if not just a shadow, permanent discoloration limits the retail ceiling.
Best Venue
List on a vintage-focused marketplace like Etsy or eBay where Mid-Century Modern decor performs best. Before listing, test the clock with a fresh battery for 24 hours to confirm it keeps accurate time, and clean the brass face gently if the dark spot is tarnish. Sell as a complete 3-piece set to maximize appeal.
Upside Potential
If the clock mechanism is confirmed to keep accurate time, the brass face is pristine without tarnish, and the central clock is a larger scale (20+ inches), the set could reach or slightly exceed the $120 high-end in a curated vintage retail setting.
Also found — market-range context
Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.