Model 431 "Modernique" Electric Clock Designer: Paul T. Frankl (American, born Austria, 1886–1958)
Manufacturer: Warren Telechron Co. (American, 1912–1992)

1928–32

American Decorative Arts

By appointment, Wurtele Study Center

Paul T. Frankl trained as an architect in Vienna and an architectural engineer in Berlin before immigrating to New York in 1914. Frankl’s interests in contemporary art and architecture are evident in the model 431 "Modernique" clock, designed for the Warren Telechron Company in 1928. The rays on the clock face resemble the faceted shapes in Cubist paintings, and the sides and top of the rectangular case have a series of setbacks inspired by the look of modern skyscrapers. Frankl received a patent for the clock’s design in 1930 but its high price tag of $50.00 made it too costly for most Depression-era shoppers, and it was discontinued in 1932.

Medium

Brass-plated metal and Bakelite

Dimensions

7 11/16 × 5 3/4 × 3 5/8 in. (19.5 × 14.6 × 9.2 cm)

Credit Line

Gift of Mrs. Arthur D. Berliss, Sr.

Accession Number

1984.23.1

Geography

Made in Ashland, Massachusetts

Culture

American

Period

20th century

Classification

Timepieces

Disclaimer

Note: This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect the Yale University Art Gallery’s complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of records is ongoing.

Bibliography

  • "Acquisitions 1984," Yale University Art Gallery Bulletin 39, no. 3 (Winter 1986): 71.

Object copyright
Copyright Artist/Estate/Foundation
In Copyright

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