I received an email from a blog fan this week who posed an interesting question. She was concerned that a number of clocks offered for sale at a local antique store had radium dials. I assured her that I know of no maker of mantel, shelf, or long case clocks that used radium on their dials but had there been alarm clocks, wristwatches, and even antique compasses on display her concerns would have been justified.
Westclox LaSalle non-luminous alarm clock
As a matter of fact, it reminded me of the number of times I have been in antique and junk stores and have seen clocks with luminous dials and the danger I might have faced during a brief exposure, say within a meter or so and the more serious danger of being irradiated had I purchased and serviced them.
German musical alarm clock or Joker
As a clock collector, I have a limited number of alarm clocks none of which have luminous dials. I understand the potential danger of radium and that is why I confine my collecting to alarm clocks with non-luminous dials only.
Even a clock that has lost its luminescence may still have traces of radium on its dial or particulate matter that has fallen from the clock face which makes them equally as dangerous.
Antique “alarm” clock mechanism from around 1900
Since radium has a half-life of hundreds of years even old radium dials are very hazardous. If working on a clock with a radium dial care should be taken to prevent the inhalation or ingestion of flakes or dust which may contain radioactive materials. My advice is to not work on them at all.
In the past several years radium dials have largely been replaced by phosphorescent – or occasionally tritium-based light sources. Therefore clocks produced after the 1970s had safer luminous material applied to the dials but modern alarm clocks are not nearly as attractive as antique clocks from the 1920s or so.
Clocks with luminous radium dials are certainly a danger to avoid and as far as I am concerned, not worth the risk.
Canadian clock collectors are most familiar with the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company that closed its doors in 1941 but 7 years later a number of clock companies were alive and flourishing in Canada, predominantly in areas in and around Toronto.
It is difficult to imagine that seventy years ago there were ten active clock companies in Canada. Unfortunately, none of these companies survived beyond the late 1970s.
Could any of these companies survive today?
Here are the ten Canadian clock manufacturers in no particular order:
BRESLIN INDUSTRIES: of Toronto: Clocks were a sideline for this company run by the Breslin family, whose products were focused on lamps, lampshades, and novelties. The only clocks in existence have horses as the typical 1950s theme. The wind-up movements are the same Ingraham type used by Snider, another company on this list.
INGRAHAM CANADIAN CLOCK COMPANY of Toronto. Ingraham clocks were being made by the original American company in Bristol, Connecticut from the mid-1800s. The Canadian factory was located in Toronto from the late 1940s until at least 1980. Wall and alarm models, the latter with wind-up or electric movements, were made for the Canadian market. Representative examples of typical alarm, kitchen, and starburst wall clocks with Ingraham Canadian, Ingraham Canadian Clock Co. Ltd, or Ingraham plus Made in Canada on the dial. The novelty windup alarm clocks, The Westerner and The Mountie are popular with collectors of animated models.
WESTCLOX CANADAof Peterborough, Ontario: The parent company started making alarm clocks in LaSalle, Illinois, near Chicago, before 1900. The Canadian factory operations began in Peterborough in 1920. The new building was ready in 1923. Business was so good that additions were put on several times up to the 1950s.
Westclox Peterborough plant
However, by the mid-1980s the North American Westclox factories were closing down in favour of lower labour costs from China. Westclox is best known for its millions of Big Ben and Baby Ben windup and electric alarm clocks made in various styles between 1920 and the early 1980s in Canada. The company also make wall clocks for kitchens, dining, and recreation rooms starting in the 1930s. If collecting, avoid Westclox alarm clocks made in China.
Westclox LaSalle alarm clock, assembled in Peterborough, Ontario
SETH THOMAS CLOCKSof Peterborough, Ontario: This old company was founded by Seth Thomas in the early 1800s in Plymouth, Connecticut (now Thomaston). In 1931 it became part of General Time Corporation, which owned Westclox. Seth Thomas brand mantel, alarm, and wall clocks were produced for the Canadian market in the Westclox factory from 1931 to the mid-1980s. However, inferior clocks produced under the Talley Industries brand are avoided by serious collectors.
NEW HAVEN CLOCK COMPANYof Brantford, Ontario: The parent company was based in New Haven, Connecticut originating in1900. Some mantel and wall clocks were made in Brantford with Canadian wood cases, but the spring-driven pendulum movements were brought in from the U.S. factory. Most clocks were made for schools and offices.
New Haven schoolhouse clock, made in the USA but assembled in Brantford, Ontario
FORESTVILLE CLOCK COMPANY of Toronto: Set up by Leopold and Sarah Stossel as the Blackforest Clock Company in Toronto in 1928 the name changed to the Forestville Clock Company in 1941 because of World War II, and continued in business until the late 1970s. Forestville sourced movements from England, France and Germany.
1970s Forestville Westminster chime, Canadian case(?) with German movement
Blackforest shelf clock circa 1939
CANADIAN NEON-RAY CLOCK COMPANY: The main product was “Bulb Illuminated” advertising clocks. this business was in operation from about 1942 to the mid-1960s In Montreal. Many companies purchased these clocks to advertise their products such as soft drinks, beer, service station items like motor oil and spark plugs, ice cream, paints, meats, and mattresses. French-language, as well as English advertising clocks, are commonly found in Canada.
CANADIAN GENERAL ELECTRIC of Barrie, Ontario. In addition to large industrial electrical components, CGE produced electric alarm, table, and kitchen wall clocks for the Canadian market from the 1930s into at least the 50s. CGE kitchen wall and alarm clocks were produced in large numbers.
SNIDER CLOCK MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED of Toronto. The Snider Clock Corporation and its successor, the Snider Clock Mfg Company, flourished for over twenty-five years (1950 to 1976). Their success is a tribute to Harry Snider and his family for the many unique clock designs that were created, to the effective construction methods developed by Harry and then Michael Snider for them, and to their business skills in promoting and selling their clocks through hundreds of stores across Canada.
Former location of the Snider Clock Company
WALTER CLOCKS of Toronto. The main product was mantel clocks. All of the cases were made in Toronto. At least a dozen different models were produced in the mid to the late 1930s before WWII. During that time, both time & strike and Westminster chimes spring-driven movements were imported from Britain and Germany. The war meant that overseas movements were not available and clock production stopped. But many more models were made after WWII, from the late 1940s through to the late 1950s. The prewar models had walnut veneer cases and hinged back doors. The removable round door on the back of the postwar models mostly made with less expensive, stained birch wood, was unique. Production continued up to the late 1950s when the last of the Walter Clocks mantel clocks were made.
Gone forever. It is a shame. Gone is the knowledge, expertise, and entrepreneurship. Could any of these companies survive today? No, they were important in their day, thrived on innovation and some were ahead of their time but the world is a different place today.
The Westclox Clock Company is best known for various versions of Big Ben and Baby Ben windup alarm clocks produced from 1909 to the mid 1980s though the later Chinese clocks did not compare with the better made American versions.
A pair of Baby Ben Dura 61C clocks
In the Art Deco style is the LaSalle series. Both of these clocks (above) are the model 61-C (401) otherwise known as a Dura clock so-called because of the nickel-plated, die-cast zinc cases made by The Dura Casting Corporation in the United States. There are 6 models in the LaSalle series and all use the Westclox type 61 Baby Ben, one day movement.
The second clock, sent to me by a reader, has a broken crystal, a rough case and a broken time key but the movement works. Since all parts are interchangeable my plan was to combine the best parts into one working clock.
A working clock, the product of taking the best of parts of two Dura clocks
So, I was left with a non working movement. I was intrigued by the design of the movement and the fact that many parts in this, which I believe to be the 61 number 2 movement, are interchangeable with other Baby Bens both before and after this movement was made. The date stamp on this movement is June 1930.
Broken time key
I wanted to know why this movement was not running. There were no obvious signs. I oiled the pivots to free the movement but had no success. The movement would run for a few seconds and stop. The alarm and time mainsprings were fine and had plenty of power but evidently not enough to keep the movement running.
My dilemma; two working movements and one good case
I let down both mainsprings. I removed the time and the alarm bridges to investigate further (3 small screws hold each bridge) and to eliminate the possibility of worn gears, broken pivots and worn bushing holes. Finding nothing I decided that a good cleaning was the next step.
Front plate
I disassembled the movement, pre-cleaned and placed the parts, including the mainsprings into my ultrasonic cleaner for 20 minutes. My wife had been baking and it was an excellent opportunity to take advantage of the heat of the oven to dry the parts thoroughly.
Free of dirt and grime
Hairspring escapements can be tricky though I got lucky and set it up correctly the first time. After installing the balance wheel and threading the hairspring through the regulator and attaching the post the movement was in beat from the start.
Hairspring and balance wheel escapement
Now I have two working movements and one good case, though one could call the second working movement a spare.
Baby Bens are well engineered and some parts are interchangeable. I enjoy working on these Baby Bens and will be on the lookout for more to add to my collection.
Reader EW asked me if I wanted a second Westclox LaSalle 61C alarm clock. Yes, I said, of course. I was advised of the condition of the clock beforehand so there was no surprise when it arrived in the mail.
The important distinction between my clock and the new arrival is that the new one actually works. My LaSalle may have run at one time but not now. I can hear it briefly ticking but once placed on a flat surface it stops. There is not a lot wrong with it but it definitely requires a good cleaning and perhaps some bushing work.
Gee, our old LaSalle ran great….those were the days
Archie Bunker
Westclox alarm clock; winding keys and adjustments
The Westclox Clock Company is better known for various versions of Big Ben and Baby Ben windup alarm clocks produced from 1900 to the mid 1980s. But there were other windup models one of which is the Art Deco styled LaSalle series. Both of these clocks are the model 61-C (401) otherwise known as a Dura clock because they have nickel-plated, die-cast zinc cases made by The Dura Casting Corporation in the United States. There are 6 models in the LaSalle series and all use the Westclox type 61 Baby Ben, one day movement.
While on a vacation in the Dominican Republic we brought along an old Westclox wind-up mechanical travel alarm clock for no other reason but to have it as a curiosity and of course, to get us up in the morning. You might wonder why an alarm clock is necessary for a relaxing beach vacation. Well, if you have excursions planned for a specific day, it’s essential to wake up early and on schedule.
We’ve all become accustomed to using electronic alarms, like those on our cell phones or tablets, to wake us at a precise time. However, my brief testing showed that this compact travel alarm clock works well, even if it’s not quite as precise.
This is a Westclox travel alarm clock I purchased from a local antique dealer for $6. It’s in excellent condition, suggesting it hasn’t seen much travel. Clocks like this often didn’t fare well with heavy use; once they broke, they were typically discarded.
I would date it to the 1960s. It is very compact, measuring 3 inches square by 1 1/2 inches deep when collapsed. It is in a light brown plastic case and folds into its case when transported. It fits easily into a purse, messenger bag, overnight bag, or suitcase.
Collapsed, the clock fits anywhere
Unlike older alarm clocks that usually have two separate winding keys, this one combines the winding mechanism for both the bell alarm and the time function into a single key. The center knob is used to adjust the time, while the upper-left knob sets the alarm. Additionally, there is a speed adjustment located just above the center knob.
The red lever activates the alarm
The three patent numbers on the back of the clock don’t clearly indicate the exact year it was manufactured.
These clocks were produced in large quantities and can often be found for under $10 on online marketplaces or in antique stores.
Back of the alarm clock shows setting knobs
While many Westclox alarm clocks were produced in Canada and the US, by the 1960s, production shifted offshore to reduce costs. This particular clock was made in China, whereas other similar Westclox alarm clocks from the same era were manufactured in Taiwan.
Westclox alarm clocks were originally produced by the United Clock Company in Peru, Illinois in the late nineteenth century.
The company initially failed, became the Western Clock Co., and again went bankrupt, reorganized under the Western Clock Manufacturing Co., and found success when they acquired the first patent for the Big Ben alarm clock in the early part of the 20th Century. In 1931 Western Clock Co. merged with Seth Thomas with both companies falling under the General Time Corporation. Westclox then became a division of General Time.
Regarding the Canadian connection, a significant number of Westclox alarm clocks sold in North America were manufactured in Peterborough, Ontario, from 1922 to the early 1980s.
Quite often alarm clocks that I find in flea markets and antique shops are dented, missing winding keys and other adjustment knobs which I try to avoid (unless for parts) but this one was complete.
Although I primarily collect clocks, I do have several alarm clocks in my collection. I am selective, adding only those that are particularly interesting, and I avoid clocks with luminous dials from the early 20th century due to the potential exposure to Radium.
Most traveling alarm clocks remain quite affordable, except for certain Swiss and French models.
This clock is an excellent example from a company that was once the undisputed leader in alarm clock production.
The Westclox Clock Company is better known for various versions of Big Ben and Baby Ben windup alarm clocks produced from 1900 to the mid 1980s. But there were other windup models one of which is the Art Deco styled LaSalle series. This is the model 61-C (401) otherwise known as a Dura clock because they have nickel-plated, die-cast zinc cases made by The Dura Casting Corporation in the United States. There are 6 models in the LaSalle series and all use the Westclox type 61 Baby Ben, one day movement.
Westclox LaSalle alarm clock
Gee that old LaSalle ran great….those were the days! (a line borrowed from the theme song to All in the Family)
I have a modest collection of alarm clocks and if something interests me I will buy it. My wife found this Westclox Alarm clock at an antique store in Halifax (Nova Scotia, Canada). At $20 the price was right. It is solid, well made, attractive and partially assembled in Canada.
There is no information on which clock parts were made in Canada and which parts were manufactured in the Peterborough plant through the years
Westclox alarm back of clock showing winding mechanism; oftentimes knobs are missing on these old clocks
The LaSalle 400 series ran from 1930 to 1934. This is model 61C. The clock measures 3 1/8 inches high. The base is 3 1/4 inches and the depth is 1 3/4 inches.
Bottom of clock showing Patent dates & “Case made in USA by Dura”
Inside is a Baby Ben movement. The Baby Ben movement was first marketed in 1910 and first nationally advertised in 1915. The 5-year delay occurred because the company was going through organizational changes and it took 3 years to improve the reliability of the Baby Ben. The patent date on this clock is 1914.
In 1912 Westclox opened a sales office in Toronto, Canada as part of its policy to establish world markets. Somewhere between 1920 and 1922 production began at the plant in Peterborough, Canada. At that time parts were shipped from the LaSalle-Peru plant for final assembly in Canada. Unfortunately, there is no information on which clock parts were made in Canada and which parts were manufactured in the Peterborough plant through the years. Thousands of Big Ben and Baby Ben alarm clocks were manufactured and sold through the 1920s to the 1970s. In the early 1980s production in Canada stopped.
I avoid clocks with radium dials. Since radium has a half-life of hundreds of years even old radium dials are very hazardous. If working on a clock with a radium dial care should be taken to prevent the inhalation or ingestion of flakes or dust which may contain radioactive materials. In the past several years radium dials have largely been replaced by phosphorescent – or occasionally tritium-based light sources.
Side view of alarm clock
I took the back cover off and found an inscription indicating that it was last serviced in 1955. The markings are unusual because alarm clocks rarely see servicing and once they stop they are simply discarded or used as paper weights.
That LaSalle may have run great at one time but not now. I can hear it ticking but once set down it abruptly stops. A thorough cleaning is required.
It is a nice piece of Canadian Horological history.
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
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