Western Clock Co 'America Electric' Alarm Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1934
This electric alarm clock, model 'America Electric', was manufactured by the Western Clock Co of La Salle, Illinois, in 1934. The clock utilizes a synchronous electric motor, a technology the company incorporated into its range beginning in 1931 after its parent organization, the General Time Corporation, acquired the Hamilton-Sangamo Corporation to secure an exclusive license for the design.
The 'America Electric' model was in production between 1932 and 1936. The clock features a round black metal case supported by a flat metal stand. The dial is constructed of white cardboard, marked with Arabic numerals and red dots for the hour positions. Time is indicated by two black hands and a distinct gilt sweep seconds hand. The dial and case bear manufacturer inscriptions identifying the product as part of the Westclox range and highlighting the company's association with the 'Big Ben' brand.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Electric clock
- Maker
- Western Clock Co
- Model
- America Electric
- Case Material
- Black metal
- Dial Material
- White cardboard
- Place recorded
- United States
- Production range
- 1932-1936
- Maker / attribution
- Western Clock Co
- Registration Number
- ST 19598
Design
- Visible features
- • Round black metal housing • Flat metal base stand • White cardboard dial with Arabic numerals • Gilt sweep seconds hand
- Case and Dial Design
- The 'America Electric' alarm clock is housed within a circular black metal case, designed to sit upon a flat metal stand. The dial itself is fashioned from white cardboard and features clear black Arabic numerals for the twelve hour positions, with the addition of small red dots to mark the hours. The dial is clearly inscribed with the Westclox branding. It displays the text 'Westclox America Electric' and further identifies the manufacturer as 'Western Clock Co, La Salle, Ill. USA'. The back of the metal case features a secondary inscription, connecting the model to the company's other prominent product line: 'Made by makers of Big Ben'.
- Provenance and Identification
- The object is held in the museum collection under the registration number ST 19598. It was acquired by the institution via a loan that was subsequently converted into a bequest from Mr. John Askew, finalized on May 3, 1934. The association data links the object to its specific place of manufacture in La Salle, Illinois. The object is classified as a horological instrument within the museum's science and measurement collecting area. As a production piece from the 1932–1936 window, it provides a specific data point regarding the adoption of electric movements within the consumer clock market of the 1930s in the United States.
- Movement and Technical Origins
- The clock is powered by an electric synchronous motor. This model represents the firm's transition into electrical timekeeping, a process that began in 1931 for the Western Clock Co. The technical capability for this product was secured through the General Time Corporation, which owned both Western Clock Co and Seth Thomas. In 1930, the General Time Corporation acquired the Hamilton-Sangamo Corporation. This purchase was strategic, intended to grant the company an exclusive license to utilize the Hamilton-Sangamo synchronous motor design. This enabled the development of the 'America Electric' model, which was in production from 1932 to 1936.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The exact month or day of manufacture within 1934 is not specified
- Research required: Current operational state of the electric motor is not provided