The first Sunday in November is the time to turn your clocks back an hour. This year, you might want to look back a century, too. The International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris ended in November 1925, making art deco, the style it exhibited (not to mention named), officially antique at 100 years old. Its appeal is still going strong; dealers, decorators, and trend watchers have noticed a surge of interest in art deco in recent years.

The hundredth anniversary of the exhibition may be a factor, or maybe it’s just that the sleek lines and geometric shapes of art deco are truly timeless. This ATO electric clock sold for $1,020 at Schmitt Horan & Co. Dated to about 1930, its antique status may be debatable, but it is an exceptional piece of art deco-style. The stepped Bakelite base, echoed in the shape of the hands, combines characteristic shapes and materials of the era. The stylized chrome numerals still look modern.

The clock was designed by French horologist LEOn Hatot (1883-1953), who established the ATO trademark in 1920. Known for his clocks and watches, which often overlap with jewelry and sculpture, Hatot is one of the quintessential French art deco designers. His electric clocks earned him the Grand Prix at the 1925 exhibition.

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Q: I have an interesting old picture I bought along with some antique prints. It shows an indoor scene with a woman holding a baby in a room that looks like a parlor. It looks like a black and white photograph, but some parts are in color. It does not include a title or any information about the artist.

Was it hand-colored? Can you tell me anything about it? How can I find out about the photographer?

A: Hand-tinted photographs were popular in the early 20th century. Many photographers made them, and many have been reprinted since then. The book “Early Twentieth Century Hand-Painted Photography: Identification and Values” by Michael and Susan Ivankovich (Collector Books, 2005) is a good comprehensive guide to these photographers. The Wallace Nutting Collectors Club (wallacenutting.org) focuses on one of the most famous of these photographers (also known for his reproductions of the Colonial furniture that appeared in his photographs) but may have information on other creators of hand-colored photographs.

Even if you can’t confirm a photographer for your picture, you might be able to narrow down a date. The woman’s clothing and hairstyle may provide clues, as does the furniture and decorations in the room, especially if any technology, like a telephone or phonograph, is visible.

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TIP: If your electric clock stops, turn it upside down for a day. The oil inside may flow into the gears, and the clock may start working again.

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Kovels answers readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures: the object and a close-up of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th Street, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email us at collectorsgallery@kovels.com.

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CURRENT PRICES

Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.

Peanuts, telephone, Snoopy & Woodstock, Snoopy standing, holding receiver, yellow, red base, keypad, box, ATC, $65.

Imari, charger, trees, leaves, flowers, center blue and white medallion, three plants, late 19th century, 18 inches, $75.

Glass-contemporary, vase, globular, blue iridescent, short collar, tapered base, hand blown, signed, Mark Peiser, 1970s, 2 1/2 x 3 inches, $160.

Bradley & Hubbard, lamp, dome shade, scenic panels, blossoming tree branches, multicolor slag glass, signed base, early 1900s, 24 inches, $220.

Royal Dux, group, woman, seated, in carriage, two giltwood poles, two men, standing, dog, sitting, rococo style dress, oval base, four-footed, leafy scrolls, masks, cobalt blue and white, gilt, 15 1/2 x 15 1/2 inches, $255.

Clock, advertising, General Electric, figural, refrigerator, round dial, four-footed, electric, Warren Telechron, 9 x 5 x 3 inches, $280.

Furniture, mirror, Federal, gesso, gilt, oval, eagle crest, spread wings, leafy garland, two cornucopia sides, shaped base, c. 1850, 30 x 52 inches, $345.