Lawson 304 Zephyr Desk Clock. 1930's California Streamline Moderne Design
Lawson 304 Zephyr Desk Clock. 1930's California Streamline Moderne Design
SOLD $800.00 Sold: Apr 8, 2025 on eBayOriginal Listing Description
This Lawson Zephyr clock is in working condition and appears to be an unaltered original. It has some surface scratches from routine cleaning over its 85 year life. Its service history is unknown but the assembly screws on the back show minimal signs of wear. The inside mechanism appears clean. In overall good condition with minimal surface blemishes. I have not attempted to polish or clean it with any liquids or abrasives for fear of damaging the patina, preferring to let the aging speak for itself. A true icon of California Streamline industrial design, the Lawson Zephyr model 304-P40 was designed in the 1930s and manufactured by Lawson at various factories in Southern California from the late 1930s onwards. The example listed here bears the manufacturer plaque showing 'Pasadena' which dates this unit between 1940-1942. With a large fan base, the Lawson Zephyr is an iconic piece of functional artwork and resonates with collectors around the world. They can be found in art galleries, museum collections, and have appeared in large auction houses. The Lawson Zephyr clock emerged in the 1930s from Lawson Time, Inc., a company founded by Lindley S. and Harold B. Lawson in Los Angeles in 1933. Initially introduced as the "Mayfair" in 1937, it was rebranded as the "Zephyr" by 1938, possibly inspired by the sleek, record-setting Burlington Zephyr train. The clock's distinctive low, horizontal form, curving silhouette, and use of contrasting metals like brass and copper reflected the era's fascination with speed and modernity, while its innovative digital display--featuring rotating wheels--promised "exact time at a glance." Though long attributed to German designer Kem Weber, a 1938 Lawson catalog credits the design to Paul Feher and George Adomatis, two lesser-known but talented designers who shaped the company's early aesthetic. Crafted in Los Angeles, the Zephyr catered to an affluent clientele, blending cutting-edge technology with Art Deco elegance, and remains a celebrated artifact of 1930s California design. (Condition: Pre-Owned)
Note: This item has been sold and is no longer available. This page serves as a historical price reference for clocks collectors and appraisers.
Original Listing Description
This Lawson Zephyr clock is in working condition and appears to be an unaltered original. It has some surface scratches from routine cleaning over its 85 year life. Its service history is unknown but the assembly screws on the back show minimal signs of wear. The inside mechanism appears clean. In overall good condition with minimal surface blemishes. I have not attempted to polish or clean it with any liquids or abrasives for fear of damaging the patina, preferring to let the aging speak for itself. A true icon of California Streamline industrial design, the Lawson Zephyr model 304-P40 was designed in the 1930s and manufactured by Lawson at various factories in Southern California from the late 1930s onwards. The example listed here bears the manufacturer plaque showing 'Pasadena' which dates this unit between 1940-1942. With a large fan base, the Lawson Zephyr is an iconic piece of functional artwork and resonates with collectors around the world. They can be found in art galleries, museum collections, and have appeared in large auction houses. The Lawson Zephyr clock emerged in the 1930s from Lawson Time, Inc., a company founded by Lindley S. and Harold B. Lawson in Los Angeles in 1933. Initially introduced as the "Mayfair" in 1937, it was rebranded as the "Zephyr" by 1938, possibly inspired by the sleek, record-setting Burlington Zephyr train. The clock's distinctive low, horizontal form, curving silhouette, and use of contrasting metals like brass and copper reflected the era's fascination with speed and modernity, while its innovative digital display--featuring rotating wheels--promised "exact time at a glance." Though long attributed to German designer Kem Weber, a 1938 Lawson catalog credits the design to Paul Feher and George Adomatis, two lesser-known but talented designers who shaped the company's early aesthetic. Crafted in Los Angeles, the Zephyr catered to an affluent clientele, blending cutting-edge technology with Art Deco elegance, and remains a celebrated artifact of 1930s California design. (Condition: Pre-Owned)
Note: This item has been sold and is no longer available. This page serves as a historical price reference for clocks collectors and appraisers.