Hello! Lisanagain Here to tell you what I know about Vintage Motion Clocks:

These are electric clocks made from the 1930's through the 1960's. Most are made in the USA.

They feature a clock on top, and a motion feature below.

The Two Most Popular Brands are Mastercrafters and United.

Most motion clocks for sale on eBay are Mastercrafters. Almost all are made I believe,of Bakelite, and come in brown, white, and sometimes gold.

The most popular motion clock is the fireplace model #272 by mastercrafters. It features a lovely gold tone clock face up on top, with a sweeping second hand. The words "made in USA" are visible at the bottom of the clock face. Below the clock is the hearth of a quaint old fireplace. The motion affects are wonderful! A light inside (just a standard replaceable night light bulb) illuminates a rotating barrel which is covered with a colored foil. The light reflects off the foil and makes realistic flames dance on the front plastic cover. It really looks like a real fire from a slight distance! I am always entertained by my friend's reactions when they notice my fireplace clock and need to get very close to examine it. They often turn and ask, "Is that fire real?"

 It features several decorative peices which may or may not be present on the clocks you see for sale. They are: a fire log which is brown and red and attached to a plastic panel that protects the inner workings from dust. Two andirons, which are about the size of wooden matchsticks and are gold. These are what would hold back the logs from rolling forward into the room on a real fireplace. They attach at small holes on the plastic face as well. These are often missing from clocks for sale, as they come off very easily. The other piece is the "fence" which has swirly designs and a flowered back that surrounds the fireplace opening. This is the largest piece of trim, and in my opinion the most important to have present. Many clocks for sale will have one or more pieces of trim missing. If you are new to these clocks, I do recommend one with pieces missing as they are decorative only and do not affect function at all. You may get a much better price for one missing decorative trim, and in my opinion, the FUNCTION of the clock is much more important, especially to first time buyers. If the clock doesnt keep good time, hesitates or stops it's motion effects, or makes annoying noises, you will really not enjoy your vintage motion clock! If you want only a complete clock, ASK to make sure all trim is present, and expect to pay top dollar.. I have seen these clocks sell in 2007 from the twenties for non functioning models, to over two hundred or more for one with all pieces in mint running condition.

Mastercrafters also makes a variety of "swinging" clocks that feature people in swings below the clock. There is a scene behind the "swingers" usually of a cottage with trees and a garden, and some have autumn scenes. There is one with a little girl, two friends, called the "playmates" clock, and two young lovers together on one swing which is my favorite as they are framed by a heart shaped opening. There is a very rare model that also features music that plays as the couple swings. These clocks are a favorite with collectors, and can sell from less than $100 for not too good ones with problems, to several hundred dollars for excellent running ones in nice condition. There are also wall models of these swinging clocks that are similar to banjo clocks in looks, and sell for top dollar in good condition.

All the clocks feature a light which is easily replaced with a standard night light bulb.

There are also some more rare models: One has a bird swinging on it's swing perched in a cage, one has a waterfall with two people on a horse. The horse and people are made of brass, and the waterfall motion is made by a piece of twisted metal that turns and creates the illusion of downward flowing water. I really like that one! Another VERY sought after model has a tiny merry go round carousel that actually turns. It sells for very high prices, and I have seen them go as high as $300-$500. I have yet to own one of that one myself! I always get out bid!

There is also the Church clock, which is a Holiday favorite as it looks great as an addition to your Christmas Village! It stands about 12 inches high and the entire clock looks like a church. It originally came with a silver cross on top, but most for sale have long lost that decorative trim piece. You can easily add your own though! The clock front has steps and a door with a window on each side. Inside the foye' is a Preacher who is pulling a rope! (real string). The rope is attached to a silver bell at the top of the clock, inside an open steeple. As the clock runs, the man's arms go up and down and the little bell tips back and forth as if calling all to church! The details inside the foye are great too. There are portraits of Mary with baby jesus on one wall, and another on the other side. I really like this clock! they are readily available on eBay, and I think they are really underpriced as they are much more special than many folks realize! Your friends and family will enjoy this ! Get one for your Holiday Village this year, and keep it out all year round!  These are an excellent vintage clock , in my opinion!

United also makes some absolutely wonderful motion clocks.  They have several fireplace type clocks that are made of metal, and the effects are equal in realism to thye Mastercrafters. They are from the 1950's, and some may be older. There is a pot bellied stove that I just love, with a clock on the left, and the attached stove on the right. It measures about 9 inches wide by 5 inches high, and comes in a white antiqued finish and a brass looking one. If you love the fireplace motion clocks, look for one of these!  Also, there is a victorian fireplace that also has the clock on the side of the fireplace. The brass detailing is lovely and effects are fabulous. My favorite though is the Victorian Family Fireplace, which is similar in size and shape to the Mastercrafters fireplace, but is made of metal. The clock features a man and woman in chairs before a roaring fire. There is also a small child, and the woman is spinning yarn from a spinning wheel. There are exquisite details of fireplace tools, and even books on the hearth. This lamp has very realistic effects, and it a wonderful addition to any mantle. These are harder to find, and worth a good price,but worth every penny when found in good running order.

United also has a larger fireplace motion clock which features a wooden hearth with brass details. It has a nice clock face set into a stone chimney above the hearth (chimney is brass, but looks like stones..) The hearth is framed with thick brass frame which features a copper kettle hanging in the front. It hase two decorative trim pieces on either side that have a cock, (and a chicken on the other) topping them, and also fireplace tools appear to be hanging on them.  This lamp has a red plastic panel behind the kettle which illuminates from the morion effects which are created when light inside reflects off a twisted metal piece that rotates and creates and upward flame like effect. It is different and more subtle than the mastercrafters and other United clocks which all feature the same barrel type mechanisms. The effects are not as realistic, but are very pleasant to watch. This clock is harder to find, but an excellent addition to any collection, especially if you enjoy a more rustic log cabin type fireplace look. Expect to pay anywhere from $50-$150 for this model, and grab a deal if you see one!

The only other brand of motion clock Ihave found is Lincoln, and only one model. It features Art Deco Styling, and is arched at the top. The clock is on top, and below is a dancer who looks very much like a "Flapper" with her short blond hair and blue dress. She turns as clock runs, and behind her is mirrors to reflect her in the soft light coming from above. I do not know the year it was made, but I think it is from the 1930's. It is also bakelite, and is deep brown with red trim.

Most important on all these clocks is how well they run. Most clock repair people will run themselves if you ask them to fix them, as parts are extremely hard to come by and must mostly come from other clocks. Quiet operation is important to me, as I hate hearing annoying squeaking and grinding of gears. Many of these clocks can be found that are near silent, but it is good to ask is seller doesn't mention it. Ask if clock keeps good time. Cord can be replaced, as can light bulbs. Decorative trim is nice, but as I said before, I look for function first. See my other guide on buying tips for motion clocks for more details on getting the best for your money, and I hope to see you at one of my auctions soon!

PLEASE CLICK "YES" if this helped you!! many read, but few click...  PLEASE click..   Lisann