Westclox 1931 Electric Big Ben Alarm Clock History

1931 Big Ben Electric Models

820	Big Ben Electric, black Bakelite case, non-luminous white dial: 1931 - 1934
830	Big Ben Electric, black Bakelite case, luminous white dial: 1931 - 1934
840	Big Ben Electric, mahogany case, luminous white dial: 1931 - 1935

History

The first electric Big Ben alarm clocks were introduced ca. August 1931. The three models introduced at this time were models 820, 830 and 840. Models 820 and 830 have a black composition (Bakelite) case, and model 840 is a mahogany case. They use the Sangamo self-starting synchronous motor. The motor runs the clock as well as winds the alarm mainspring. There is a key on the back for manually winding the alarm mainspring.

References

Westclox Tick Talk, August 20, 1931, p. 1

Westclox, An Identification and Price Guide, Gary Biolchini, Schiffer Publishing, 2003.

Big Ben and Baby Ben Identification Guide, by Richard Tjarks and Bill Stoddard.

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