Alarm clocks have been in use for centuries, and have taken on many forms to arrive at the device which now wakes most of us up in the morning. From their origins back in Ancient Greece, to the release of the Big Ben alarm clock with the bell in the back, made by Westclox in 1915. Westclox was a major innovator in the development of the alarm clock, offering the Drowse in 1959, which offered the first alarm clock with a snooze feature. These antique alarm clocks were manufactured by the other clock makers as well, among them, Waterbury, New Haven and Ansonia.
The styles of these antique alarm clocks are as varied as you can imagine. From the diminutive detailing of the many models of travel alarm clocks, complete with their own cases, to the unique appearance of many promotional clocks, collectors have so much to choose from.
A popular style of clock design in the 1920's and 30's is commonly known as Art Deco. The French and Swiss in particular, were well known for this geometric, straight edged styling. Cartier made antique alarm clock travel models which were square in shape, with black enameled handles and gold hands. The Seth Thomas company in the United States made an Art Deco alarm clock which was made out of a green faux-marble material similar to lucite.
Among other styles of clocks are the many promotional and collectible models. Westinghouse made and antique alarm clock which had an ad for 'nine o'clock washing tea' on the dials. One of the most widely recognized of the collectible clocks are the Coca-Cola clocks. These clocks were first created in the 1890's by the Edward Baird company. This company made clocks of wood and tin. Although initially, Coca-Cola was skeptical about the return on an investment of advertising on clocks, as they quickly gained popularity, they realized that it was an ingenious marketing scheme. Many other manufacturers, like E.N Welsh, Ingraham, and William Gilbert Clock Co. went on to make Coca-Cola advertising clocks.
Whether you are a serious collector, or just an admirer of older timepieces, the history of the alarm clock is a captivating one.
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