Pictures

Western Clock Co., Baby Ben bedside alarm, circa 1923

Westclox brand Baby Ben 30-hour "peg-leg" bedside alarm clock made by Western Clock Co., LaSalle, Ill (printed on the label). Based on the front assembly screws and the style and placement of dial lettering, I believe this is a style 1 made between 1925 and 1926, however the movement has a date stamp of 4 6 23. I purchased the clock on e-Bay from a seller who dated it as pre-1927. There are patent dates on the case with the most recent being 1911. It features a selection of four settings on the top of the case. The one selector may be set for either ALARM or SILENT and the other selector may be set for either STEADY or REPEAT. The latter allows the sleeper to catch a few extra minutes of rest before the alarm begins to sound off again, but I have not tried it. This is a small clock being a little less than three inches in diameter. The clock has a non-jeweled balance wheel movement and separate springs for the time and strike. It has a simple pin-pallet lever escapement. Some pivot hole wear was noted but not excessive enough to warrant bushing. After cleaning and oiling the clock began running with no further repair but was not a strong runner. The main spring was replaced with a new one after which the clock seems to run well.

As received one of the peg-legs had been replaced with an old bolt, the alarm winding key was missing, and the top of the case was bent possibly by the anger of someone not wanting to be awakened. The movement was dirty but otherwise in decent condition and only required cleaning and lubrication. The case cleaned up nicely and I made a new brass peg-leg which I did not nickel plate but the plating was a little thin on the other one so it's not too obvious. The missing winding key was replaced from a parts movement. It's a cute little clock and it doesn't take up much space so I'll keep it around.






Not for sale at this time

The information on this page is believed to the writer to be correct at the date of posting but is presented with no guarantee expressed or implied. Pictures were a true representation of this clock at the time of posting but may not be current. Please contact me if you believe that any of the above information is incorrect, or if you wish to share additional information, or discuss this clock.

Unless otherwise credited, the pictures and information on this page are the property of Robert H Croswell & Greenfield Clock shop, 4180 Main Street, Trappe, MD 21673 and may not be sold or used for commercial purposes without permission. © 2016
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