Natural Burl Wood Analog Wall Clock. Face shows only 3, 6, 9, and 12 with dashes for the other hours. The asymmetrical surface and sides are lacquered to create a vibrant color. The back is smoothed down with the center hollowed out and a battery-operated mechanism attached through to run the second, hour, and minute hands. Takes 1 AA battery. 

Condition: Is in working order. 

Size: 22 x 18 x 3 1/12 in. 

A burl (American English) or burr (British English) is a tree growth in which the grain has grown in a deformed manner. It is commonly found in the form of a rounded outgrowth on a tree trunk or branch that is filled with small knots from dormant buds. Burl formation is typically a result of some form of stress such as an injury or a viral or fungal infection. For much of the history of wood harvesting, imperfections were avoided by companies, but lumberjacks and woodworkers routinely made use of all parts of a tree, with one of the most common pieces being sliced burls made into wall clocks. This practice entered the mainstream in the 19th Century after coastal redwood became highly sought after, and expanded significantly after the commercial harvesting and trade of redwood ended due to early conservation efforts after World War I. In the aftermath of the 1990 “Redwood Summer” environmentalist activity that kicked off the Timber Wars, many companies began experimenting with resin and other substances to meet the demand for the clocks without having to harvest from any more endangered tree species. Since burls of all varieties yield a very peculiar and highly figured pattern, however, burled wood does continue to be fiercely sought after in woodworking, often fetching tremendous prices and resulting in unique, one-of-a-kind works of art. “Burr maple” is the most highly prized, as its coloration is rich and varied after treatment.