Westclox, a division of Western Clock Co. (1884–present). <em>"Moonbeam" Clock</em>, Introduced 1949. Plastic, brass, other metals, rubber electric cord, and plug, 4 7/8 x 6 1/2 x 2 3/8 in. (12.4 x 16.5 x 6.0 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Arnold Lehman, 2011.15.3. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.2011.15.3.jpg)

Westclox, a division of Western Clock Co. (1884–present). "Moonbeam" Clock, Introduced 1949. Plastic, brass, other metals, rubber electric cord, and plug, 4 7/8 x 6 1/2 x 2 3/8 in. (12.4 x 16.5 x 6.0 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Arnold Lehman, 2011.15.3. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.2011.15.3.jpg)

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What is the brand and date of this clock, and why is it in the museum's collection?

This is the "Moonbeam" clock. It was manufactured by Westclox, a division of Western Clock Co. which existed from 1884-present.

This model was introduced in 1949, but we don't know the exact date when this particular clock came out of the factory. The clock is important for the Decorative Art collections because it is a great example of mid-century design and is useful to compare to the other clock designs around it.

Your question is actually significant because the Dec Arts' curator currently focuses his collection on American design of the nineteenth century to the present as well as important examples of contemporary design produced globally.

Can you tell me about this?

That's a Moonbeam Clock! They were introduced by Westclox in 1949 and they are still available today!

What is its country of origin?

They were designed and made in the United States. I'm not sure if they are still made here, but this one in the case certainly was.

Thank you.

"Moonbeam" Clock

Decorative Arts and Design

On View: Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor

MANUFACTURER Westclox, a division of Western Clock Co., 1884–present

MEDIUM Plastic, brass, other metals, rubber electric cord, and plug

DATES Introduced 1949

DIMENSIONS 4 7/8 x 6 1/2 x 2 3/8 in. (12.4 x 16.5 x 6.0 cm) (show scale)

MARKINGS On back: "SET ALARM/ PULL ALARM/ UL [in circle] / MOONBEAM/ S5-J-115 VOLTS A. C./ 60 CY. 2 WATTS/ PATD. USA- 2002421/ 2002433-2091770- RE. 23261/ DES. 152391/ MADE IN U.S.A./ LAMP INT. 25 WATTS" On Bottom: "TO REPLACE BULB REMOVE 3 SCREWS" On front, on clock face: "WESTCLOX"

COLLECTIONS Decorative Arts and Design

ACCESSION NUMBER 2011.15.3

CREDIT LINE Gift of Arnold Lehman

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor

CAPTION Westclox, a division of Western Clock Co. (1884–present). "Moonbeam" Clock, Introduced 1949. Plastic, brass, other metals, rubber electric cord, and plug, 4 7/8 x 6 1/2 x 2 3/8 in. (12.4 x 16.5 x 6.0 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Arnold Lehman, 2011.15.3. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.2011.15.3.jpg)

IMAGE overall, CUR.2011.15.3.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2011

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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