- Kit-Cat Klock
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The Kit-Cat Klock is an art deco novelty style clock. The clock is manufactured in the shape of a black cat and is hung on a wall. The tail swings as a second hand and eyes move back and forth to give illusion of it watching you. It first appeared during the 1930s. The clock is an iconic symbol of kitchens in pop culture.[citation needed]
The first clock was made in 1932 by the California Clock Company in Portland, Oregon. Having changed very little in the intervening years, the clock is in the shape of a grinning black cat with cartoon eyes that roll horizontally in sync with a pendulum tail that wags beneath. The clock is traditionally colored black, but models in other colors/styles are available. The first generation of clocks, manufactured in the '30s, '40s and '50s, have two paws, while newer models have four paws and a bow tie. The words "Kit-Cat" were added to the clock face in the 1980s. The original clocks were plug-in, but most models sold since the late '80s use batteries. The manufacturer estimates that the clock has sold on average at the rate of one every three minutes for the last 70 years.[1]
In Popular Culture
The clock is one of many in Dr. Emmet Brown's house in Back to the Future.
To celebrate its 80th anniversary, Kit-Cat is sponsoring a 55-foot long float, entitled "Timeless Fun for Everyone", in the 2012 Rose Parade.
References
- ^ "Kit-Cat History". California Clock Co.. https://www.kit-cat.com/kit-cat-world/kit-cat-history/. Retrieved 2007-11-12.
External links
Categories:- Clocks
- Art Deco
- 1932 introductions
- Cats in popular culture
- Novelty items
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