Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A classic industrial-style square wall clock featuring the iconic 'Synchronous' electric movement. This piece represents the dawn of the electric age in American households, moving away from spring-wound mechanisms to the precision of the power grid.
Story
Laurens Hammond invented this motor in 1928, using the steady 60-cycle pulse of the city's power grid to keep perfect time. Before he made world-famous organs, he changed how America woke up and worked by mastering the electric hum.
Maker / Origin
Laurens Hammond was a prolific inventor who held over 100 patents, but he is most famous for the Hammond Organ. His clock company was a pioneer in electric timekeeping, surviving the Great Depression by pivoting his motor technology into musical instruments when the clock market saturated.
Condition & Value
The wooden case shows some honest wear and minor separation at the mitered corners consistent with age. The dial appears remarkably clean with minimal yellowing, which significantly helps its display value. The presence of the original cord and its safety status would affect the final price.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.