Alarm Clock Doc

Here is a wonderful Big Ben from my collection that I will be offering for sale. This is a style 5 Big Ben Loud Alarm, that is, basically, new-in-the-box! It has the original box, instructions and tags used for retail sale. The condition is NEAR MINT. Absolutely no signs of wear! The style 5 was made from 1939 until 1949, with an interruption during World War II. This one was made in September of 1948, so it is one of the last ones. The Loud Alarm movements used in the style 4, 5 and 6 Big Bens are of the same design as the original style 1 Big Ben. The only changes made were improvements that made them more "repair-friendly".

During the 1930s, 40s and early 50s, General Time owned both the Westclox and Seth Thomas brands. During this time they made several models with the Seth Thomas name that used Baby Ben movements. The function of the Seth Thomas and Baby Ben clocks of the era was identical. The Seth Thomas models were cased in wood or catalin. This one is the "Deft" model by Seth Thomas. It has a metal dial and dark mahogany case with brass trim. This one was made on November 17, 1939. It has the same movement as the Westclox style 5 Baby Ben.

Westclox introduced the style 3 Baby Ben in December of 1932 and produced it until the end of 1934. This was the first case design by Henry Dreyfuss. This color scheme, with the burgundy/brown paint and copper plating was introduced in December of 1932 and made until July of 1934. This beautiful example was made on August 14, 1933. It is extremely rare to find one in this condition. The paint and the plating are original and nearly flawless.

I love a clock with a history, even if it is modern-day history! This is a Westclox anniversary model Big Ben alarm clock. Westclox made these in 1970 to commemorate the original 1910 Big Ben. These are an exact copy of the original. Most of the parts are interchangeable with the style 1a model. This one comes with the original box, price tag and instructions which shows the original owner's name and address, Mr. Whielden W. Williams, of Chicago Illinois. It also includes a letter from Westclox, written to Mr. Williams on December 8, 1969, which answers his question about the loudness of the alarm. The Westclox Customer Service Manager tells Mr. Williams that this anniversary clock has a louder alarm than the other Big Bens being sold at this time. Mr. Williams then purchased the clock on January 28, 1970.
Mr. Williams lived in Chicago his whole life. He married late in life and never had children. Mr. Williams passed away in 1989, at the age of 83. His obituary asks that in lieu of flowers, to please send a memorial contribution to the Chicago Hearing Society. This suggests that Mr. Williams had hearing issues and would explain why he had inquired about the loudness of the Big Ben alarm!