George Nelson Starburst Wall Clock Value Guide

Fine Collection of Clocks by Irving Harper for George Nelson at 1stDibs | irving harper clock — George Nelson Starburst Wall Clock

Estimated Value

$200 – $450

Period: 1950-1965
Origin: United States
Materials: wood, painted metal, plastic
Category: Wall clock

The George Nelson Starburst Wall Clock is a quintessential icon of mid-century modern design, originally produced by Howard Miller between 1950 and 1965. Its sculptural form and atomic-age aesthetic captured the postwar fascination with geometric motifs, making it a centerpiece for collectors of 20th-century Americana.

What Is George Nelson Starburst Wall Clock Worth?

The typical price range for George Nelson Starburst Wall Clock is $200 - $450 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

Provenance and manufacturer, with original Howard Miller production runs commanding higher prices than modern Vitra reissues.
The physical condition of the wooden rays, specifically looking for original finish versus later repainting or sanding.
Functionality of the movement and the presence of original hands, as replacements significantly decrease the $200-$450 market value.
Completeness of the geometric pyramid markers and the lack of warping in the wooden spokes.

How to Identify George Nelson Starburst Wall Clock?

Look for the original Howard Miller Clock Co. label or stamp on the back of the central metal housing.
Verify the specific hand configuration: a red minute hand and a white hour hand featuring a distinct counterweight.
Examine the rays for authentic wood construction paired with black pyramid-shaped hour markers.
Check the movement type; original 1950s models typically featured mechanical or early electric movements rather than modern quartz.

History of George Nelson Starburst Wall Clock

Designed in the 1950s by George Nelson and produced by Howard Miller and other licensed manufacturers, Nelson’s starburst and polygon clocks became icons of mid-century modern design. The geometric, sculptural form reflected postwar interest in atomic-age motifs and modern materials, and later reproductions and licensed reissues by companies like Vitra kept the design in production and popular among collectors.