This is a handsome figural clock advertising Carstairs White Seal whiskey, a 'balanced' blended American whiskey. What appears to be a sea lion, rather than a seal, balances a clear red ball on its nose while resting on its wave-tossed perch.. This dates after Prohibition, and probably post-War, when Telechron started using H rotors but before they sold the last shares to General Electric in 1946. These advertising clocks were owned by the whiskey company and loaned to the bar as long as they carried their whiskey.
The pot metal case is intact. The original paint is ivory with age but is mostly intact and glossy original finish, with a few fleabites. It has most of the original whiskey information label across the base. The original green felt and stickers are intact on the bottom. The stickers read "Bronzart New York, NY Genuine Product" and "This is the property of Carstairs Bros. Distilling Co., Inc., Baltimore Md. It may not be taken or transferred from this place of business without the consent of the Carstairs representative". The red ball is some sort of plastic, and is in very good, mesmerizing condition.
The Telechron clock has a beautiful gold filigree painted dial, with black roman numerals on an ivory background. It has a current interruption indicator. The mahogany painted hands and brass sweep second hand are fine. The stepped brass bezel has good, aged patina. The early steel H-rotored motor keeps time quietly with only faint rotor noise and smooth operation of the sweep second hand. It has a brand new modern cord.
This clock is about 17-1/2" tall by 9-1/2" wide at the base.
Directions: Plug in the clock. Set time by pulling the knob on back outward until the gear engages. Setting time with the power on will reset the current interruption indicator (goes from red to white). Turn the knob so that the hands move clockwise until the correct time is reached. Turning the other way will loosen the knurled brass nut which might then fall off and get lost.
Maintenance: Electrical clocks should be inspected periodically i.e. condition of cord, new excessive noise, etc. They also have mechanical moving parts which may need service every several years, i.e. inspection, cleaning and lubrication.