For your consideration is this MastersCrafters Clock & Radio Company, Model No. 335 "Swinging Bird" electric mantle clock from the 1950s. The MastersCrafters Clock & Radio Company was first run by Ben Lerman and his wife Kate in the 1940s and 1950s, and later by their daughter Doris and her husband Bernard Ellman until the 1980s. MastersCrafters became well-known for its whimsical, novelty-style clocks, which frequently featured motion and light, catering to a growing postwar middle class seeking elegant yet economical home decor. One of their most renowned designs was the "Swinging Playmate" clock, which featured a little girl swinging back and forth in time with the clock's clockwork. Another popular variant was the "Motion Fireplace Clock," which employed spinning parts and internal illumination to mimic a flickering fire. In 1958, Ben and Kate Lerman handed over the day-to-day control of Mastercrafters to their daughter Doris Ellman (b. 1922, Chicago) and son-in-law Bernard Ellman (b. 1921, Chicago). While the 1950s are widely regarded as the company's heyday, it appears that this tiny but prolific clock firm provided a fair living for the Ellmans and their workforce for many years after that. However, following the death of engineer John Hancock in 1976, the enterprise's metaphorical motor began to stall. Finally, in 1980, Doris and Bernard decided to sell Mastercrafters to Creators, Inc., a company founded by Doris' cousin Lester Lerman, thus keeping it in the family for a little longer. This is the "Swinging Bird" model and shows an open space for the bird to swing. Behind the bird is a beautiful countryside graphic creating a nice background for the swinging bird. The clock face shows raised numbers and reads, "MasterCrafters / Movement by Sessions - Made in U.S.A.". The back of the clock features the original tag telling the user the patent numbers, the voltage, which light bulbs to use, the model number and name and the company's name. It shows good condition overall with wear present from its age and use over the years, but no major signs of damage noted. The clock has not been tested for functionality. It measures 4 3/4" L x 7 1/2" W x 10 5/8" H and weighs 1 pound and 12 ounces. Provenance: From the Tombstone Western Heritage Museum in Tombstone, Arizona. E168