

This is especially true when I realized that these little clocks gave years of excellent service to the original owners. Just sitting on a shelf is enjoyment enough for me.
#WESTCLOX ALARM CLOCK CRACK#
The crack creates a rough spot on the main arbor which causes a hiccup in the time keeping. The only real challenge I have encounter is a pressed on brass cannon bushing that cracks.

I have successfully reconditioned several Westclox movements and they keep good time. Both of them were designed and built to last.
#WESTCLOX ALARM CLOCK SERIES#
The La Salle series used the Baby Ben movement which was a scaled down version of the Big Ben movement. Westclox Ben movements were known for quality and durability. I know you could buy a relatively inexpensive alarm clock for under a dollar back then. I am not sure how much one the clocks would have cost originally. But after all, it was the machine age and these clocks certainly resembled the new machines and construction of the era. The back also has an art deco stylized W for Westclox and a more finish design look to it.īaby Ben movement in the La Salle series alarm clocks by Westclox. The 61-G has less line detail but it has a dial with numbers more representative of the art deco style. Records I have seen indicate that the 61-G started production in 1931.

The models I have 61 -C,-D, -F and -G were all manufactured between 19. But that doesn’t detract from the designs which are timeless.

Without the low luster of the Butler finish, the clock can look somewhat unfinished. Over time the finish on the the Dura clocks will show little bubbles of oxidation under the finish or small pits. For the La Salle line of alarm clocks it was called a “Butler” finish which gave the appearance of pewter. Consequently, companies like Dura applied nickel plating to the die cast aluminum to prevent oxidation. (I remember casting aluminum stick shift knobs in high school metal shop) The downside is that develops a thin layer of oxide fairly quickly which dulls the finish. It makes a great metal for casting objects that can be buffed to a mirror like finish, just perfect for some of the styles of the Art Deco age. With the advent of easily generated electrical currents in the 1880’s, aluminum started to be produce for commercial purposes.Īnd easily machined. This requires passing a substantial electrical current through an aqueous solution to precipitate the aluminum. Unlike other metals that can be found in their elemental form or easily extracted with chemicals or heat, aluminum can only be extracted on a large scale with the use of an electrolytic process. 1 The Dura cases were mated with the Baby Ben movement to create the La Salle series of alarm clocks.Īluminum is considered a relatively young metal having only been discovered in 1761. Two of the designs, model 402 and 403 were chosen to be displayed in the Third International Industrial Exhibition. George Graff was the Dura designer who is attributed with designing at least six of the “Dura” cases. The Dura Manufacturing Company designed and made various objects of plastic and cast aluminum. Westclox teamed up with the Dura Manufacturing Company in Todedo, Ohio, to create the La Salle series of clocks inspired by the popular Art Deco design style that had become so widespread in the 1920’s. Travel Health & Medical Insurance PlansĪlarm clocks.Covered California Enrollment & Eligibility Support Documents.
