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Rare Vintage Mao Cultural Revolution Communist Animated Mechanical Propaganda Clock
Rare vintage Chinese mechanical propaganda clock featuring Chairman Mao and Cultural Revolution imagery.
The dial bears the Chinese slogan “Long Live Chairman Mao” and depicts Mao surrounded by revolutionary imagery, including red flags, crowds and an airplane.
Most notably, this is an animated mechanical clock. While the clock runs, the raised fist/arm of the central revolutionary figure continuously moves back and forth. Both the clock and animated mechanism are currently working.
Features an especially unusual horizontal oval/eye-shaped metal case with pale seafoam-green finish, chrome-tone surround and chrome-tone feet. Other animated Mao-era clocks are documented in museum and collector collections, but this particular horizontal oval case and dial configuration appears to be an uncommon variation.
Comparable animated Chinese propaganda clocks are associated with the Cultural Revolution era of the late 1960s/early 1970s. Exact year and manufacturer of this example have not been confirmed.
Original vintage condition with age-related patina, oxidation, scratches, discoloration and finish wear. Please review all photos carefully.
Working at time of listing. Due to the age of this mechanical clock, future operation and precise timekeeping accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
An unusual piece of Chinese political, Cultural Revolution, Cold War and horological history.
DETAILS:
• Origin: China
• Era: Cultural Revolution era, late 1960s–early 1970s attributed
• Movement: Mechanical wind-up
• Animation: Moving raised fist/arm
• Clock: Working
• Case: Painted metal with chrome-tone trim
• Slogan: 毛主席万岁 — “Long Live Chairman Mao”
• Condition: Vintage with age-related wear
