General Electric Model 4H72 "Breton" Clock

This General Electric model 4H72 "Breton" clock is one of the most sought after clocks of the Art Deco era.  The face is a vertical glass pane with engraved and mirrored numerals, and the base is a silver-painted aluminum casting.  A small incandescent bulb in the base is used for illumination.  The small button shaped object just below the "12" is a brass GE logo.

This clock was sold between 1937 and 1939, and cost $8.95.  It stands about 8 inches high, and the base is 8 inches wide.

Contrary to popular belief, this clock was not designed by Rockwell Kent.  The GE/Telechron in-house designer, John Rainbault, was issued design patent D104,148 for the 5F50 "Mirage".  The Breton design was not patented, but the numeral and hand designs were identical to those of the Mirage, and the design in the center of the face was similar.  On this basis, it is almost certain that Rainbault also designed the Breton.

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