A striking late-1930s General Electric / Telechron Art Deco electric clock featuring an edge-illuminated frosted glass dial, cut-out numerals, etched center design and substantial stepped metal base.
The Breton was produced for only a short period, from1937 through 1939. Collector references record9,515 examples sold, making it one of the less commonly encountered GE/Telechron designs of the period.
This example has been carefully serviced and sympathetically restored while retaining its original glass dial, clock mechanism/housing and stepped metal base.
Recent service includes:
- Motor cleaned
- Rewired with new vintage-style cloth-covered power cord and plug
- Tested continuously for 24 hours and kept accurate time during testing
- Rear light control operates properly with two illumination levels
The illumination is one of the Breton's most distinctive features. A lamp concealed in the base shines upward through the glass, illuminating the cut-out numerals and central Art Deco design.
Please note the following condition/originality details:
- The hands are vintage period GE hands from aGE 5B53and are not the original 4H72 hands
- The small originalGE emblem/badge above the center of the dial is missing
- There is a chip along the upper edge of the glass, approximately1/4" × 1/8", clearly shown in the photographs
- At the upper-left corner there is a small area where the frosting has chipped from the rear of the glass; this is also visible in the photographs
- The stepped metal base is inexcellent overall condition for its age
- Please review all photographs closely, as they form an important part of the description
The clock is currently running quietly, illuminating properly and keeping accurate time during testing.
A beautiful and uncommon example of1930s American Art Deco industrial designthat displays particularly well when illuminated.
Model:GE 4H72 Breton
Manufacturer/Marketer:General Electric / sold
Power:AC electric
Illumination:C-7 lamp
Approximate size:8" wide × 7 7/16" high
The Breton is documented in Jim Linz's 2001 collector referenceElectrifying Time: Telechron & G.E. Clocks, 1925–1955. The reference identifies the 4H72 as a 1937–39 model originally priced at$8.95, describes its edge-illuminated white-glass dial and stepped chrome base, and records9,515 examples sold. It also notes that the numerals and central motif are variations of designs patented by John P. Rainbault.
Related Items:Too many requests.
