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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Alarm clock

Western Clock Co 'America Electric' Alarm Clock

Partially verified

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.

Front view of the Western Clock Co 'America Electric' alarm clock, showing the dial, hands, and metal stand.
Front view of the Western Clock Co 'America Electric' alarm clock, showing the dial, hands, and metal stand. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Clock · Alarm clock
Maker / attribution
Western Clock Co
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 19598
Source-reported date
1934
Source-reported place
United States

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

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'.

Evidence for this section
  • “round black metal case on flat metal stand”
  • “White cardboard dial with red dots to mark hours”
  • “Dial is marked 'Westclox America Electric' and 'Made by Western Clock Co, La Salle, Ill. USA'”
  • “Back of case is marked 'Made by makers of 'Big Ben'.”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “Electric synchronous motor”
  • “Western Clock Co introduced the synchronous electric motor to some of its clock range in 1931”
  • “General Time Corporation, which owned the Western Clock Co and Seth Thomas, purchased the Hamilton-Sangamo Corporation in 1930 in order to gain an exclusive license to use their synchronous motor design.”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “Registration number: ST 19598”
  • “Acquisition: Loan & Subsequent Bequest from Mr John Askew, 03 May 1934”
  • “Association: type: Manufacturer, name: Western Clock Co, date: 1934, locality: La Salle, state: Illinois, country: United States of America”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement still contain original electrical wiring components from 1934?
  • Were there color variations of the 'America Electric' case beyond the black metal version catalogued here?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Western Clock Co 'America Electric' Alarm Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerWestern Clock Co“Western Clock Co”
ModelAmerica Electric“'America Electric'”
Registration NumberST 19598“ST 19598”
Case MaterialBlack metal“round black metal case”
Dial MaterialWhite cardboard“White cardboard dial”
Production range1932-1936“The 'America Electric' was produced 1932-1936.”

Visible details

  • Round black metal housing
  • Flat metal base stand
  • White cardboard dial with Arabic numerals
  • Gilt sweep seconds hand

Research qualifications

  • The exact month or day of manufacture within 1934 is not specified
  • Current operational state of the electric motor is not provided

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Alarm Clock - Western Clock Co, 'America Electric', 1934

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record e094a996f5

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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