Remembering Oswald Eye Clocks of the 1920s-50s
By Mitch Greenblatt
I collect a lot of clocks and my searches have led to all kinds of crazy novelty clocks including these Oswald Eye Clocks created by Fritz Oswald between 1920-1950 (approx). Their gimmick was standard time shown through each eyeball separately - left for hours, right for minutes. A simple schtick for the ticks that keep me looking for the rarer styles.
The Clock Movement
Vintage Oswald Rolling Eye clocks - first patented in 1926 by the J. Oswald Company of Germany with early models carved of wood or cast from metal, only after World War II. The dials are represented as the eyes separating the hours on the left and minutes to the right. You'll find skulls, monkeys, devils, gnomes, cats, genies, owls, and dogs (LOTS of dogs).
Skull Clock
Monkey Clock
Devil Clock
One of many Scotty dog clocks
Genie Clock
Interested in finding one? There are always a few on Ebay at any given time.
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