HERMAN MILLER GILBERT RHODE WORLD'S FAIR CLOCK QUESTION

[Jack Feldman]

A while back I purchased what I believed was a Herman Miller World's Fair clock, model 4084, designed by Gilbert Rohde. After doing as much research as I could I'm pretty confused. At first glance the dial looked right, but it has no manufacturer marking, and I stupidly neglected to notice the power-interruption indicator window under 12:00, which I know was a Telechron mainstay. I haven't seen another example of this clock—or any Herman Miller clock of the period--that has this. I didn't buy the clock in person, and it wasn't until I'd received it that I was able to read the plate on the back, which identifies it as a Telechron. The only element on the outside of the clock that refers to Herman Miller is the World's Fair plaque on the back. Do any of you know if this clock is "right"? I haven't seen this variation mentioned in any blogs or histories of the companies that I've found.

I've also been trying to find information that identifies the model numbers of HM clocks from this period. I have a catalogue reprint, but the text quality is often blurry or otherwise impossible to make out. If someone can help I'd be very grateful. Thanks very much.

 

[EscapeWheel]

I'll hazard a guess. Someone in the past replaced the original movement with a Telechron. Does the power interruption window look original? The two straps holding it in place look a little 'off'.

Here's one that has a worse replacement:

271: GILBERT ROHDE, table clock, model 4084 B < Design, 22 October 2020 < Auctions | Wright: Auctions of Art and Design (wright20.com)

Are there indications of three holes where the original movement might have been mounted like this one?

American Art Deco Rare Gilbert Rohde Clock for Herman Miller | Clocks | Decophobia | 20th Century Design

Very cool clock!

This might help too.

Gilbert Rohde for the Herman Miller Clock company brochure… | Flickr

 

[EscapeWheel]

I'd like to take all that back! How about this one?

World's Fair Clock by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller || TFTM Melrose

 

[Jack Feldman]

I'll hazard a guess. Someone in the past replaced the original movement with a Telechron. Does the power interruption window look original? The two straps holding it in place look a little 'off'.

Here's one that has a worse replacement:

271: GILBERT ROHDE, table clock, model 4084 B < Design, 22 October 2020 < Auctions | Wright: Auctions of Art and Design (wright20.com)

Are there indications of three holes where the original movement might have been mounted like this one?

American Art Deco Rare Gilbert Rohde Clock for Herman Miller | Clocks | Decophobia | 20th Century Design

Very cool clock!

This might help too.

Gilbert Rohde for the Herman Miller Clock company brochure… | Flickr

Thanks for taking the time to reply. The clock from the Wright auction looks like the movement was replaced with a battery-operated one, but the model number is on the back of that clock and it’s not on mine.
There is a hole in the back of the mechanism, but not in the same place as any of the screw holes on the pic you sent. I’m not sure what the hole on mine means. It’s hard to tell if the power interruption window is original, but I assume it is.

 

[Molson3003]

Herman Miller used hammond spin start rotors as far as I know.

There would be no reason for a power failure flag with a spin start. The power failure flag was unique to telechron and Revere. I believe Warren had the patent.

The hole was likely to accommodate a spin start lever.

It may be that the movement as well as the dial was replaced with telechron.

A pic of the movement would be helpful.

Others may know more, not an expert on Herman Miller.

 

[Molson3003]

Ok - looked at the auction link.

Clearly an ac failure flag. Interesting. . .

 

[Molson3003]

A simple yet elegant design.

I looked through “Electrifying Time” and couldn’t find any Telechron that looks even close. I also couldn’t find any mention of a collaboration between Telechron and Herman Miller.

All the literature on your clock clearly states self starting electric clock. This seems to indicate your clock was made with a telechron rotor / technology; ruling out the possibility of a marriage.

Aside from the back door being labeled as telechron, have you verified there is a telechron rotor and movement inside.

Unless I missed another thread on this clock, I have seen no mention as to whether it works. Is it self starting?

Surely some of the telechron gurus who frequent the forums have encountered a clock like yours, and I’m hoping they can enlighten us.