When were starburst clocks popular?

Starburst clocks first became popular in the 1950s. Also called the sunburst clock, these wall clocks have circular faces surrounded by wood or metal spokes that resemble sun rays. The original design for this clock was developed in the late 1940s. The Ball clock — a starburst-shaped assemblage of lollipop-like brass spokes capped with lacquered birch orbs, playfully mismatched hands and absolutely no numerals — was the first of more than 150 clock models conceived in the New York City offices of legendary writer, architect and furniture maker George Nelson. Find a collection of starburst clocks on 1stDibs.

What is a sunburst clock?

A sunburst clock is a wall clock that features a round face surrounded by spokes of wood or metal. This design resembles a shining sun. George Nelson Associates gets credit for designing the first one for the Howard Miller Clock Company in 1950, but many other creators have introduced their own versions over the years. Shop a collection of sunburst clocks on 1stDibs.

Sunburst Clocks

Welby Clock

Nelson Sunflower Clock

Category

Antique 1870s French Other Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Sunburst Clock

H 18 in W 11.5 in D 3.5 in

Decorative Bamboo Sunburst Clock XL Mid-Century Modern Style

Located in Oxford, GB

We have created a fabulous Sunburst. Mid-Century Modern style sunburst clock. It's a patinated

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Wall Clocks

Materials

Composition

Decorative Bamboo Sunburst Clock XL Mid-Century Modern Style

H 1.97 in Dm 63 in

Decorative Bamboo Sunburst Clock XL mid-century modern style

Located in Oxford, GB

We have created a fabulous Sunburst mid-century modern-style sunburst clock. Its A golden bamboo

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Wall Clocks

Materials

Composition

Decorative Bamboo Sunburst Clock XL mid-century modern style

H 1.97 in Dm 63 in

Mid-Century Modern Style Sunburst Atomic Wall Clock By Kenneth Wingard

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A striking wall clock designed by Kenneth Wingard to evoke the nostalgia of 1950s-style Sunburst

Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Style Sunburst Atomic Wall Clock By Kenneth Wingard

H 2 in W 25 in D 25 in

61cm 6.9kg BRUTALIST Hollywood Regency SUNBURST metal Wall Clock, Germany 1970s

By Kienzle Clocks

Located in Kirchlengern, DE

Article: sunburst wall clock Origin: Germany Age: 1970s Description: This original

Category

Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal, Brass

61cm 6.9kg BRUTALIST Hollywood Regency SUNBURST metal Wall Clock, Germany 1970s

Free Shipping

H 24.02 in W 17.33 in D 1.97 in

Rare Gilt Wood Smiths Gold Sunburst Wall Clock. Made in England

By Smiths English Clock Systems

Located in Leicester, GB

stunning large golden oval shaped sunburst, hand carved from wood and a simple aluminium clock face. Made

Category

Vintage 1970s English Baroque Wall Clocks

Materials

Beech

Rare Gilt Wood Smiths Gold Sunburst Wall Clock. Made in England

H 15.75 in W 23.63 in D 4.73 in

Atlanta Midcentury Atomic Age Sunburst Brass Table Desk Clock, Western Germany

By Atlanta Clock Co.

Located in Vienna, AT

An amazing midcentury triangular design starburst table or desk clock from the 1950s. Executed by

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Metal, Brass

Atlanta Midcentury Atomic Age Sunburst Brass Table Desk Clock, Western Germany

H 10.5 in W 11.5 in D 2.75 in

Vintage Mid-Century Sunburst Starburst Wall Clock, Germany, 1980s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Stunning 1970s sunburst starburst Junghans wall clock. Made of heavy resin, gilded, with a junghans

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

Materials

Resin

Vintage Mid-Century Sunburst Starburst Wall Clock, Germany, 1980s

H 2.25 in Dm 17.63 in

Vintage Mid-Century Sunburst Starburst Wall Clock, Germany, 1980s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Stunning 1980s sunburst starburst wall clock. Made of some kind of polystyrene foam, gilded, with a

Category

Vintage 1970s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

Materials

Plastic, Polystyrene

Vintage Mid-Century Sunburst Starburst Wall Clock, Germany, 1980s

H 2 in Dm 19.75 in

Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock by CONDOR, 1950s

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Stunning wall clock made of Iron & brass. An eye catcher par excellence. Made in Germany. We

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock by CONDOR, 1950s

H 1.38 in Dm 14.57 in

Gigantic Rare Heavy Sunburst Mirror Wall Clock from the 1970s

Located in München, DE

Gigantic very rare heavy Sunburst mirror wall clock from the 1970s. Beautiful elaborate high

Category

Vintage 1970s European Space Age Wall Clocks

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Wood

Gigantic Rare Heavy Sunburst Mirror Wall Clock from the 1970s

H 2.56 in Dm 27.56 in

Very Rare Hutschenreuther Sunburst Wall Clock in Porcelain, Germany, 1960s

By Hutschenreuther

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Elegant, decorative, extremely rare. Very good condition. High end quality.

Category

Vintage 1960s German Hollywood Regency Wall Clocks

Materials

Porcelain

Very Rare Hutschenreuther Sunburst Wall Clock in Porcelain, Germany, 1960s

H 1.58 in Dm 14.57 in

Large Mid-Century Junghans Sunburst Brutalist Brass Wall Clock, Germany, 1950s

By Junghans Uhren GmbH

Located in Vienna, AT

An impressive round Modernist Starburst Brutalism wall clock from the 1950s, executed by Junghans

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Brass, Sheet Metal, Enamel

Large Mid-Century Junghans Sunburst Brutalist Brass Wall Clock, Germany, 1950s

H 1.5 in Dm 17.5 in

French Art Deco Ormolu "Bronze Dorée" Cartel Sunburst Wall Clock, Circa 1915

Located in CH

French Art Deco Ormolu "Bronze Dorée" Cartel Sunburst Wall Clock, Circa 1915. Since the Louis XIV

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Wall Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Art Deco Ormolu "Bronze Dorée" Cartel Sunburst Wall Clock, Circa 1915

H 2.5 in Dm 30.5 in

1930s French Art Deco 'Cartel Silvoz Paris' Sunburst Brass Wall Hanging Clock

By Cartel

Located in London, GB

1930s Art Deco French Parisian brass sunburst wall clock manufactured by Cartel Silvoz Paris. The

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass, Steel

1930s French Art Deco 'Cartel Silvoz Paris' Sunburst Brass Wall Hanging Clock

H 11.03 in W 11.03 in D 3.94 in

Space Age Sunburst Wall Clock by Kienzle Automatic in Aluminium, 1960s Germany

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Stunning sunburst wall clock made of aluminium and metal. One of the most beautiful models I

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Space Age Sunburst Wall Clock by Kienzle Automatic in Aluminium, 1960s Germany

H 1.97 in Dm 11.82 in

Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock by Dugena in Brass, 1960s, Germany

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Stunning sunburst wall clock made of brass, metal and glass. One of the most beautiful models I

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock by Dugena in Brass, 1960s, Germany

H 2.17 in Dm 11.82 in

Mid-Century Modern Iron and Brass Sunburst Wall Clock by Atlanta Electric

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Stunning wall clock made of Iron & brass. An eye catcher par excellence. Made in Germany. We

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Modern Iron and Brass Sunburst Wall Clock by Atlanta Electric

H 1.58 in Dm 14.57 in

Mid-Century Modern Brass and Wood Sunburst Wall Clock by Atlanta Electric

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Stunning wall clock made of metal, brass, wood & glass. An eye catcher par excellence. Made

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Modern Brass and Wood Sunburst Wall Clock by Atlanta Electric

H 2.37 in Dm 12.21 in

Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock in Brass by Dugena, 1960s, Germany

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Stunning wall clock made of brass, metal and glass. An eye catcher par excellence. Made in

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock in Brass by Dugena, 1960s, Germany

H 11.82 in Dm 11.82 in

Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock by Richter Quarz in Brass, 1960s Germany

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Stunning sunburst wall clock made of brass, metal and glass. One of the most beautiful models I

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock by Richter Quarz in Brass, 1960s Germany

H 1.19 in Dm 12.21 in

Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock by Meister Quarz in Brass, 1960s, Germany

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Stunning sunburst wall clock made of brass, metal and glass. One of the most beautiful models I

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock by Meister Quarz in Brass, 1960s, Germany

H 1.58 in Dm 11.82 in

Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock by Meister Anker in Brass, 1960s Germany

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Stunning sunburst wall clock made of brass, metal and glass. One of the most beautiful models I

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock by Meister Anker in Brass, 1960s Germany

H 1.58 in Dm 11.82 in

Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock by Meister Anker in Brass, 1960s Germany

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Stunning sunburst wall clock made of brass, metal and glass. One of the most beautiful models I

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock by Meister Anker in Brass, 1960s Germany

H 12.41 in Dm 12.41 in

Junghans Mid-Century Golden Sunburst Brass Table Desk Clock, Germany, 1950s

By Junghans Uhren GmbH

Located in Vienna, AT

indices and a nice sunburst brass frame. The clock stand on a curved brass base with little ball feet, it

Category

Mid-20th Century German Hollywood Regency Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

Junghans Mid-Century Golden Sunburst Brass Table Desk Clock, Germany, 1950s

H 8 in W 7 in D 4 in

Egyptian Revival Mantel Clock Set

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Egyptian revival mantel clock & garniture set, early 20th century. Circular white sunken dial

Category

Early 20th Century Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Brass, Bronze

Egyptian Revival Mantel Clock Set

H 14.25 in W 15.25 in D 7.25 in

1960’s German Starburst Wall Clock

Located in Bradenton, FL

A round, decorative Hollywood Regency wall clock, circa 1960. A large metal sunburst frame in the

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal

1960’s German Starburst Wall Clock

H 15.5 in W 15.5 in D 3 in

Sienna marble clock with candle holders

Located in HAARLEM, NL

The arched clock, together with a pair of matching 5-light candelabras would be a lovely decoration

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Charles X Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Sienna marble clock with candle holders

H 17.33 in W 9.45 in D 5.91 in

19th Century French Boulle Mantel Clock

By André-Charles Boulle

Located in Brighton, Sussex

numerals to the clock face, an eight day chiming movement. A sunburst pendulum and gilded ormolu mounts.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Boulle Mantel Clock

H 18.9 in W 9.45 in D 5.91 in

Vintage German Wall Clock in Brass

Located in Esbjerg, DK

A pocket watch shaped quartz (batteri-operated) wall clock featuring solid brass frame, Roman

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass

Vintage German Wall Clock in Brass

H 9.65 in Dm 7.29 in

Bracket Alarm Clock by John Taylor

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

A fine mahogany bracket alarm clock by John Taylor, the rectangular case enclosing an arched gilt

Category

Antique 1780s Mantel Clocks

Materials

Mahogany

Bracket Alarm Clock by John Taylor

H 24 in W 13.5 in D 8.75 in

Art Deco Chrome & Walnut inlaid Mantel clock

By F.H. Weeks

Located in Dereham, GB

Stylish Art Deco Walnut cased mantel clock,1930s Tulip Banded inlay around front of case & With

Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Mantel Clocks

Materials

Chrome

Art Deco Chrome & Walnut inlaid Mantel clock

H 5.12 in W 9.06 in D 3.35 in

Original 1948 Baccarat Crystal Sun Clock

By Baccarat

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Clock. A solid crystal sunburst, whose rays transport us to a place of magic. Designed in 1948 and

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Wall Clocks

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Brass

Original 1948 Baccarat Crystal Sun Clock

H 4 in Dm 38 in

John Leroux, London. Twin Fusee Bracket Clock

By John Leroux

Located in Amersham, GB

An 18th century balloon shaped bracket or table clock by John Leroux of Charing Cross, dating from

Category

Antique 18th Century English George III Mantel Clocks

Materials

Brass

John Leroux, London. Twin Fusee Bracket Clock

H 13.78 in W 11.23 in D 7.29 in

Vintage Mid_Century Gold Metamec Starburst Wall Clock, 1960s

By Metamec

Located in London, GB

For sale is a Mid-Century Modernist ‘Starburst’ or 'Sunburst' wall clock by Metamec, England and

Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage Mid_Century Gold Metamec Starburst Wall Clock, 1960s

H 1.97 in Dm 18.51 in

Louis XVI Architectural Gilt Bronze and Malachite Clock

Located in London, GB

which hangs an Apollo sunburst pendulum. The clock is flanked by two malachite columns with Neoclassical

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

Louis XVI Architectural Gilt Bronze and Malachite Clock

H 20.87 in W 13.98 in D 4.34 in

French Neoclassical Style Lyre-Form Gilt Bronze Clock

Located in London, GB

French neoclassical style lyre-form gilt bronze clock French, 19th century Measures: Height 50cm

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

French Neoclassical Style Lyre-Form Gilt Bronze Clock

H 19.69 in W 7.49 in D 5.12 in

Imposing Monumental Louis XVI Temple Mantel Clock by Barbichon

Located in HAARLEM, NL

Imposing monumental Louis XVI temple mantel clock with osculating sunburst pendulum surrounded with

Category

Antique 18th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Imposing Monumental Louis XVI Temple Mantel Clock by Barbichon

H 37.8 in W 14.97 in D 11.03 in

A late Louis XVI marble and ormolu portico clock

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

A late Louis XVI marble and ormolu portico clock, comprising a central drum-shaped clock with a

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

A late Louis XVI marble and ormolu portico clock

H 17.5 in W 12 in D 4.75 in

French Sevres Style Porcelain and Ormolu-Mounted Lyre Clock

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A French Sevres style cobalt blue lyre clock with finely cast ormolu sunburst and floral swagged

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Sevres Style Porcelain and Ormolu-Mounted Lyre Clock

H 18.51 in W 7.88 in D 4.73 in

Antique Neoclassical Louis XVI Gilt Bronze and Malachite Clock

Located in London, GB

border, from which hangs an Apollo sunburst pendulum. The clock is flanked by two malachite columns with

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

Antique Neoclassical Louis XVI Gilt Bronze and Malachite Clock

H 22.05 in W 13.78 in D 4.73 in

French 19th / 20th Century Bronze Cartel Clock, Figural, Dore

Located in Stamford, CT

A French Bronze Wall, Cartel Clock Late 19th Century, Solid Bronze, Figural A fine solid

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Louis XV Wall Clocks

Materials

Steel, Bronze

French 19th / 20th Century Bronze Cartel Clock, Figural, Dore

H 33 in W 15.5 in D 5 in

Louis XVI Style Ormolu Mounted Malachite Column Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

Louis XVI style ormolu mounted malachite column mantel clock. French, late 19th century. Measures

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

Louis XVI Style Ormolu Mounted Malachite Column Mantel Clock

H 20.48 in W 9.06 in D 7.88 in

Very Impressive French 19th Century Neoclassical Lyre-Form Clock

By Etienne LeNoir

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

molded ormolu sunburst surmounting the clock are symbols of Apollo, the sun god who oversees the passage

Category

Antique 1850s French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Crystal, Marble, Enamel, Ormolu

Very Impressive French 19th Century Neoclassical Lyre-Form Clock

H 29.93 in W 11.82 in D 7.88 in

Neoclassical Style French Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

Neoclassical style French malachite and gilt bronze mantel clock French, late 19th century

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Enamel, Ormolu

Neoclassical Style French Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

H 18.9 in W 11.82 in D 5.91 in

French Clock, Directoire Period, Portico Form, Signed Revel Paris

Located in London, GB

, flat bottomed plates, silk suspended and visible sunburst pendulum. The clock strikes the hours and

Category

Antique 1790s French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Ormolu

French Clock, Directoire Period, Portico Form, Signed Revel Paris

H 15 in W 10 in D 3.5 in

Imposing 19th Century French Ormolu Clock Garniture 29"(73cm) high

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A large and impressive, very good quality French gilded ormolu clock garniture. The clock supported

Category

Antique 1860s French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Imposing 19th Century French Ormolu Clock Garniture 29"(73cm) high

H 29 in W 14 in D 10 in

Antique French Louis XVI Marble and Ormolu Portico Clock

By Richard & Co.

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A beautiful Antique French portico clock retailed by the famous Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Co of

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Antique French Louis XVI Marble and Ormolu Portico Clock

H 17.5 in W 12 in D 5.5 in

Large Neoclassical Carved Giltwood Mantel Clock Allegory of Time

Located in Nashville, TN

, embossed copper. Oxidation. With later associated sunburst pendulum. Original key. Working condition not

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Giltwood

Large Neoclassical Carved Giltwood Mantel Clock Allegory of Time

H 35 in W 22.5 in D 9.76 in

Beautiful and Great Quality Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful and great quality late 19th century gilt bronze cartel clock The large bronze clock

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Wall Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Beautiful and Great Quality Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock

H 32 in W 12 in D 6 in

Large French Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze cartel clock

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A large French Louis XV style gilt bronze cartel clock. After the model by Jacques Caffièri. The

Category

Antique 19th Century French Wall Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Large French Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze cartel clock

H 43 in W 25 in D 5 in

Rare and large ormolu mounted malachite mantel clock signed Manière

Located in London, GB

Rare and large ormolu mounted malachite mantel clock signed Manière French, 19th Century Height

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu, Enamel

Rare and large ormolu mounted malachite mantel clock signed Manière

H 23.63 in W 13.98 in D 5.12 in

Large Antique Empire Period Gilt-Bronze Mantel Clock by Deverberie

By Jean-Simon Deverberie

Located in London, GB

Antique Empire period gilt-bronze mantel clock by Deverberie French, c.1805 Measures: Height 67cm

Category

Antique Early 1800s French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Large Antique Empire Period Gilt-Bronze Mantel Clock by Deverberie

H 26.38 in W 21.26 in D 7.49 in

18th Century French Directoire Ormolu and Enamel Clock by Deverberie

By Jean-Simon Deverberie

Located in Essex, MA

Period French marble and ormolu mantel clock with sunburst or sun king motif original works

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Directoire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

18th Century French Directoire Ormolu and Enamel Clock by Deverberie

H 19 in W 12 in D 3.5 in

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Marble and Ormolu Clock

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

clock, signed Vaillant à Paris. The clock is raised by a black Belgian marble base with fine ormolu

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Carrara Marble, Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Marble and Ormolu Clock

H 19 in W 14 in D 4 in

An Extremely Fine and Rare 19th Century Ormolu Cartel Clock

By Samuel Marti

Located in Amersham, GB

An exquisite Louis XV style gilt and patinated bronze cartel clock. The eight-day two train bell

Category

Antique 1890s French Louis XV Wall Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

An Extremely Fine and Rare 19th Century Ormolu Cartel Clock

H 27.56 in W 15.75 in D 4.73 in

George Nelson Mid Century Ball Clock in Brass and Wood

By George Nelson

Located in Weesp, NL

working at the studio. Nelson famously recounted the story of how the Ball Clock came to life in an

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass

George Nelson Mid Century Ball Clock in Brass and Wood

H 2.96 in Dm 13 in

Large French, Louis XVI Period Marble and Ormolu Portico Clock

By Gavelle l'ainé à Paris

Located in Montreal, QC

sunburst, flanked by cockerels. This is an exceptionally large and well-made clock by a celebrated maker.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble

Large French, Louis XVI Period Marble and Ormolu Portico Clock

H 26.75 in W 18.5 in D 7.25 in

Pedro Friedeberg, Exceptional Surrealist Carved Clock, Gilt Wood, Mexico 1970s

By Pedro Friedeberg

Located in New York, NY

" of a clock) radiate from a gilt face adorned with fine geometric sunbursts; one burst encircles the

Category

Vintage 1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Mantel Clocks

Materials

Gold Leaf

Pedro Friedeberg, Exceptional Surrealist Carved Clock, Gilt Wood, Mexico 1970s

H 19.75 in W 11.25 in D 5 in

French rouge marble and ormolu four glass clock signed Raingo Freres

Located in London, GB

A good antique French ormolu and rouge marble four glass clock by the eminent makers Raingo Freres

Category

Antique 1880s French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French rouge marble and ormolu four glass clock signed Raingo Freres

H 19 in W 10 in D 5.5 in

Get Updated with New Arrivals

Save "Sunburst Clocks", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Sunburst Clocks For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of sunburst clocks available on 1stDibs. The range of distinct sunburst clocks — often made from metal, wood and brass — can elevate any home. Sunburst clocks have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. There are many kinds of sunburst clocks to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco and Hollywood Regency sunburst clocks are of considerable interest. Howard Miller, George Nelson and Elgin Clocks each produced beautiful sunburst clocks that are worth considering.

How Much are Sunburst Clocks?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $1,100, while they’re typically $115 on the low end and $21,750 highest priced.

Finding the Right clocks for You

A sophisticated clock design, whether it’s a desk clock, mantel clock or large wall clock for your living room, is a decorative object to be admired in your home as much as it is a necessary functional element. This is part of the reason clocks make such superb collectibles. Given the versatility of these treasured fixtures — they’ve long been made in a range of shapes, sizes and styles — a clock can prove integral to your own particular interior decor.

Antique and vintage clocks can whisk us back to the 18th and 19th centuries. When most people think of antique clocks, they imagine an Art Deco Bakelite tabletop clock or wall clock, named for the revolutionary synthetic plastic, Bakelite, of which they’re made, or a stately antique grandfather clock. But the art of clock-making goes way back, transcending continents and encompassing an entire range of design styles and technologies. In short, there are many kinds of clocks depending on your needs.

A variety of wall clocks can be found on 1stDibs. A large antique hand-carved walnut wall clock is best suited to a big room and a flat background given what will likely be outwardly sculptural features, while Georgian grandfather clocks, or longcase clocks, will help welcome rainswept guests into your entryway or foyer. An interactive cuckoo clock, large or small, is guaranteed to bring outsize personality to your living room or dining room. For conversation pieces of a similar breed, mid-century modern enthusiasts go for the curious Ball clock, the first of more than 150 clock models conceived in the studio of legendary architect and designer George Nelson.

Minimalist contemporary clocks and books pair nicely on a shelf, but an eye-catching vintage mantel clock can add balance to your home library while drawing attention to your art and design books and other decorative objects. Ormolu clocks dating from the Louis XVI period, designed in the neoclassical style, are often profusely ornate, featuring architectural flourishes and rich naturalistic details. Rococo-style mantel clocks of Meissen porcelain or porcelain originating from manufacturers in cities such as Limoges, France, during the 18th and 19th centuries, exude an air of imperial elegance on your shelves or side tables and can help give your desk a 19th-century upgrade.

On 1stDibs, find a range of extraordinary antique and vintage clocks today.

Questions About Sunburst Clocks

When were starburst clocks popular?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
Starburst clocks first became popular in the 1950s. Also called the sunburst clock, these wall clocks have circular faces surrounded by wood or metal spokes that resemble sun rays. The original design for this clock was developed in the late 1940s. The Ball clock — a starburst-shaped assemblage of lollipop-like brass spokes capped with lacquered birch orbs, playfully mismatched hands and absolutely no numerals — was the first of more than 150 clock models conceived in the New York City offices of legendary writer, architect and furniture maker George Nelson. Find a collection of starburst clocks on 1stDibs.
What is a sunburst clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
A sunburst clock is a wall clock that features a round face surrounded by spokes of wood or metal. This design resembles a shining sun. George Nelson Associates gets credit for designing the first one for the Howard Miller Clock Company in 1950, but many other creators have introduced their own versions over the years. Shop a collection of sunburst clocks on 1stDibs.

African Travel Plans on Hold? This Ardmore Leopard Vase Brings the Beauty of the Savanna to You

It’s an excellent example of the sought-after ceramics coming out of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.

With a High-Tech Flagship and Cool Collabs, Lladró Is Breaking the Mold for Porcelain Production

Thanks to its new leadership, the Spanish maker of figurines, busts and lighting is on a mission to update the art of porcelain for the 21st century.

Zoë Powell’s Magnolia 05 Vessel Is Handmade from Clay She Unearthed Herself

The free-form stoneware piece is inspired by the magnolia tree and its associations with home.

8 Ways to Breathe New Life into a Space with Plants

The pair behind the Instagram account @houseplantclub share their tips for making any room of the house gloriously green.

Paris Gallerist Sandy Toupenet Gets Fired Up over 20th-Century Ceramics and Inventive New Makers

Her space on the city’s Left Bank mixes mid-century pieces by the likes of Jean Cocteau and Pablo Picasso with whimsical contemporary creations.

These Soft Sculptures Are Childhood Imaginary Friends Come to Life

Miami artist and designer Gabriela Noelle’s fantastical creations appeal to the Peter Pan in all of us.

This Vivacious Teapot Has Agnes Martin on One Side and Jean-Michel Basquiat on the Other

Ceramist Roberto Lugo brings a street-art sensibility to a dainty serving vessel while paying homage to his artistic heroes.

This Rare Set of 100 Alessi Vases Includes Designs by Scores of International Artists

Alessandro Mendini, Michael Graves, Ettore Sottsass and other design luminaries contributed to this unusual collection of porcelain wares representing a time capsule of late-20th-century decorative art.