Fabulous Finds Friday: Retro Syroco Wall Clock
Sometimes you find something totally unexpected.
Something you weren’t even looking for.
Something that fits a need that you didn’t even know you had until you saw it… and you can’t live without it.
That’s just what happened this week when I finally got out to do some thrifting. I’m so glad I found this treasure, but I need your help with a quandary.
First of all just let me say that I have a thing for vintage/retro clocks.
Not sure why, because I don’t even wear a watch. Never have.
I found this $10 beauty, a Syroco wall clock, leaning against some shelving that holds craft supplies at the back of the thrift store.
Usually things like this are hung on the wall by the door where you enter the store.
It measures about 30″ tall and is made of some kind of plastic resin material.
I’m a girl who loves curlicue thingies so this clock was impossible to resist
It’s battery operated and is decorated to look like aged copper.
The clock is very light because it’s hollowed out at the back.
From my research I was able to find that Syroco is short for The Syracuse Ornamental Company, which was founded in Syracuse New York in 1890. The company changed hands several times since the 1960s and closed in 2007.
My clock is marked 1971.
Notice that where it was made has been removed. I wonder what that’s about.
Anyway, I have to tell you how I got this clock.
As soon as I saw it I picked it up and carried it around the store with me.
I never leave something I want because it might not be there when I turn around two seconds later.
I’ve learned that lesson several times.
Well, I guess the man who came back into the thrift store looking for the clock just learned that lesson too.
Yikes, I felt kinda bad and I even said sorry.
Not that I really had anything to be sorry for, but I’ve been there so I know how it feels.
I explained that I had the perfect place in my living room just waiting for this clock… which I did and I do.
I’m happy to say that he smiled and seemed to take it well.
The pendulum doesn’t seem to work, but it keeps time beautifully.
Now here’s what I need your help with.
In the past I’ve had no problem painting retro clocks like this red hot vintage clock makeover, and this shabby chic vintage clock makeover.
But for some reason I can’t make up my mind about this one. It’s not like it’s worth a lot of money, maybe $50 if I can get the pendulum to work, so that’s not the issue.
Usually my gut just tells me yes or no, but this time even my gut doesn’t know.
To paint or not to paint? That is the question.
What do you think?
Thanks so much for reading, and until next time…
keep on keepin’ on!
XOX
I don’t know if I will be the only one to say this but I can’t help you with your question. I knew what your question was going to be before you even asked it! I am left with the same problem many times and the item will sit unused for quite awhile since I can’t make up my mind. Knowing how you do transform many pieces to fit your style and personality I would look around at the rest of the room you are going to put it in and try to see in your mind what colour the clock should be to fit in. Now that I have said that to you I am going to go back and do the same with a few of my finds that have been collecting dust for too long. Be sure to let us know what you decide, either way I know it will look fabulous!
Good Luck!
Thanks Pam! That’s good advice. I usually have no trouble deciding, but every once in a while I just can’t make up my mind. I hope you have some luck deciding on what to do those finds of yours. 🙂
Paint !!!
Thanks Granny!
I don’t think you should paint it.
Thanks for your input Lisa. 🙂
I think you should leave the clock the way it is. I’m jealous of your find. Enjoy!
Thanks Maggie! I feel so luck to have found it.
I love it and I say PAINT!!!!!
Tania
Thanks Tania!
I would paint it 🙂
Thanks for your input Kelly!
I would probably paint it -If my clock from my MIL was not hers I would paint it too. My husband might have a seizure if I painted that cuckoo clock white to match my kitchen decor. just my 2 cents. When we clear my grandmother’s house I am painting her Syroco sconces white. There are two sets -my sister will keep hers gold.
Thanks so much for your 2 cents. 🙂
If it was wood, I would have trouble deciding…but since it’s plastic, I say GO FOR IT! You always make the best color choices and this clock will be no different 🙂
Thanks very much!
I think much like the others, PAINT!! You have a creative mind and the next question will be, what color!! Isn’t color grand? Take care.
Thanks Charleen! I’ll have to start mulling over color choices now, in case I do decide to paint.
Hmmmm… Maybe try brightening up the copper accents to see if you like it with more blingy contrast. Then if you’re still not in love with the color- paint it!
I don’t remember what vor your walls are, but I could see it in white with metallic teal where the copper is!
Thanks so much for the suggestions Melanie!
Neat clock! You could hang it, enjoy it and then decide if you want to paint it. I think these were available through
home parties. They do paint up very nicely. Great find.
I would paint it…….probably ?lol.
Thanks Mary! Hanging it an waiting a bit is a good idea.
I’m sure it will be pretty either way. How would it look best in your house? Personally I like it the way it is. But since you’re going to keep it, judge by how it will look best with your decor. Cool find. LOL about the man who came back to get it. I’ve been there too.
I remember once thrifting & I found a wooden pedestal bowl I was thinking about getting. I carried it around with me while I was deciding. A man showed up & not only dogged my steps, but was too close in my personal space. I could feel him staring at my piece. It made me so uncomfortable, I decided to put it back & he grabbed it so fast, it made my head spin. Shoulda kept it I guess.
Thanks for your input Florence! Thankfully the guy who came back for the clock wasn’t stalking me through the store. He had more of an easy come easy go attitude. If I didn’t love it so much I might have let him have it, but all’s fair in thrifting. 🙂
What a beauty! It has great lines and would be gorgeous painted! Love it.
Thanks Debra! These with these curlicues do tend to paint up nice.
I say no paint. Since it is designed to replicate wood carving, its “natural” state is beautiful. I think taking natural textiles and making beautiful , useful items is VERY creative. I get its plastic , but its made to give the feel of wood. Just sayin…;)
Thanks so much for your input Stephanie! I appreciate your point of view.
Ultimately you will make the decision that is right for you, especially since you will be keeping the clock. I have a Syroco rooster piece, and also a pair of birds. Personally I wouldn’t paint mine.
If you are keeping it and don’t plan on selling it later, go ahead an paint it whatever color would look nice in the room.
Just keep in mind that Syroco is no longer in business as you said above, so these Syroco pieces may gain in value as there will be a shortage eventually. Then again, who knows what will become collectible!
Just follow your heart.
I would paint it in a heartbeat! A little Scandinavian upgrade with either white, very light gray, or very light blue paint. But that would fit MY decor!! LOL. In the end, you’ll have to decide which look would fit the space you are planning to hang it. Good luck!!
Thanks Gabi! I do have a Scandinavian background, Finnish to be specific. My living room walls are white so light blue would be pretty. I’ll have to think about that.
Thanks for the advice Elaine! You’re so right, we never know what will be collectible in the future. That is something to think about.
It’s lovely! Either way it would look so pretty! But if your feeling adventurous I say paint it! Can’t wait to see what you decide on!!
Thanks so much Susan! I certainly will share when I decide.
Hello Tuula,
I don’t think we have this brand here in “Terra Australis” – what I would do, rather than paint, is put it in a large frame with a brightly coloured background, or on a brightly coloured wall, you could also put a frame around in a contrasting colour to the wall – eg: candy pink wall, bright orange surround.
In a way it would be a shame to change the colour, especially if they become collectable and it sounds as though they are.
All the best with your decision – Lyn
Thanks for the advice Lynette! A colored background is an interesting idea.
Maybe some bronze color with rose-gold highlights ’cause she is so curvy and pretty!! Another great find!
Thanks for the suggestion Karolyn! She is curvy and pink would suit her.
OK. I’m saying a little bit of what some of the others said. First, hang it and see how you feel about it. And we all know how great your painting projects turn out! And….what color? Though, if you decide to paint it (and I’ll bet you do!) no matter what color you choose, I’m sure it will be fabulous…….cuz everything you do, is! Dona
Thanks so much Dona!
I say paint the clock. Say goodbye to the 70s.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Olivia!
I would vote to paint it antique white & distress it. I think it’d be cool hanging anywhere, hallway, bathroom, any room, any decor.
Thanks for your input Linda! White can certainly transform things from dated to fresh.
I would leave the background and paint the decoration.
Thanks an interesting idea Jordyce! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Hello Tuula
I am with the ones that say WAIT!
Live with it for awhile, and I am sure the perfect idea will come to you.
That said you COULD give it an “aged” copper look with turquoise accents
Thanks Jessie! That’s an interesting idea. I do love turquoise.
I would paint it. You like color, and you like to make people smile. Right now, it has good bones – curlicues, balls around the clock face, etc. But – it just looks like a plastic clock. If you paint it, or wallpaper it, or stamp it, whatever, to have some color and pizazz! – just around the round part, it will be something more than a plastic clock. I wouldn’t touch the clock face, or the balls around the clock face, or even the curlicues, unless you add glitters of gold to make it look like sunshine. Just get some glitz, or color around the round part, and it will truly make people smile, instead of saying “Why does she have that old clock up there? Can’t she afford a new one?”
Thanks for your suggestions Kathy! You’ve given me a lot to think about. I appreciate it. 🙂
I think mostly of leaving it as is. Perhaps just hi-lighting it in some areas; not a total redo but a “face lift”, if you will!! A gold or copper would bring it up a notch but still it would have that feel about it that drew you to it in the first place. I would also do an upgrade on the pendulem, perhaps your initials on it, or welcome, etc.? Just a thought. Please share the end result what ever you decide to do!!! Thanks, Barb
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Barbara! I like the idea of doing something to the pendulum. 🙂