Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion Lackner Buick dealer neon clock - authentic?

Hi guys,
I have the chance to buy this neon Buick dealer clock. From the attached picture it looks OK, but I can't find any evidence where Lackner made this particular clock. Most of the ones I see are Chevy clocks. I want to make sure this isn't a fantasy piece. I know it would be easier to tell if we could see the back as well but this is the only pic I have. Would love to hear what the clock experts on Oldgas think about this one.

Thanks,
Brian H

this clock is definitely a reproduction.... Original Buick clocks were made, but this is not one of them. One easy way to tell is the originals have a more definite "step" (change in diameter) of the outside case of the clock. If you look at an original Chevy time clock photo you can tell what I am referring to.

Original Valve in Head Buick Lackner should have clock numbers on the face glass. The Buick plate should be recessed to the back of the clock to appear good and deep. Also, case color is normally a crinkle black and should have early style non-safety power cord. Also, original neon tube itself is larger than most repro neon tube. Screws should be flat blade. If you go to Liveauctioneers and search for Buick clocks you'll see originals from 40's-60's and then repops. Pretty easy to tell when you see them on the same page.

Guess I'll have to be more careful, that clock looked pretty original to me!

Paul,
Looks like you are referring to this one as a good original?

https://new.liveauctioneers.com/item/44214422_buick-valve-in-head-neon-clock

That one looks really nice and I see what you mean about the recessed face. The face is so clean it almost makes me think it's a replacement!

Well, at least I know now not to offer too much for it. If I could get it for repop prices I still wouldn't mind having it. It's a cool clock. Thanks everyone for the feedback.

Brian H

This is the one I want!

I think this is more like the clock you are interested in... probably not lackner. (PICS from Worthpoint.com) Notice how numbers gone.

Wow Paul, that clock in the second picture looks like it fell off the back of a truck! I'd take it if it were in better shape though...

BrianH

Yeah, that clock is just a little rough! Im glad you got me thinking about these clocks again Brian, happened to pick one up today... Oldsmobile, very cool! I happen to already have the Oldsmobile "parts" clock, so should be a cool set!

Paul, that Olds clock is awesome. Nice find.

BrianH