During our trip to Brimfield a few weeks earlier, I purchased two vintage Westclox Big Ben De Luxe alarm clocks. These weighty tickers were made over 80 years ago by the Western Clock Company in La Salle, Illinois. Unfortunately, I once again broke rule #4 from our how to shop vintage post. I spent a total of $60 on the clocks, without knowing what their real value is, because I was drawn to their very distinctive faux texture. Luckily for me, I was able to accurately date each piece and guesstimate their worth based on the feature that compelled me to buy these lovely time keepers.
The first version of this alarm clock came out in 1927 but was only available in a polished nickel finish with a either a white or black non-luminous dial. The "crackle" Big Bens (shown above) were manufactured during 1928 – 1930 in three different colors; old rose, green, and blue. Each shade was layered over a gold painted finish to create the faux distressed look. During the first six months of production, the crackle Big Bens had white paper faces. However, during the second half of 1928, the gold paper non-luminous dials were produced. Based on this bit of information, I was able to date the green clock shown above to this time period or later. In 1929 the gold luminous dials, as shown on the old rose clock above, were introduced. Even so, that was not enough information to confirm that my clock was made in 1929 until I discovered that in 1930 the word “De Luxe” was no longer printed on the alarm clock's face. Now I can pinpoint that the green clock was made most likely in 1928, but the old rose clock was definitely made in 1929. But what are these mechanical wonders worth?
With vintage and antiques, condition is everything -- within reason. There are a few cosmetic issues that will not affect the value of these alarm clocks. The bases on these tickers are known to crumble so a few chips and minor nicks are acceptable. Furthermore, it is normal to see wear to the paint around the windings and knobs. With that said, a crackle finish Big Ben that works, but has seriously cosmetic issues, is valued at $15 -$30. The same clock in good cosmetic condition that does NOT work may fetch a few more dollars simply because it is pretty. However if you have a clock that looks good plus works the value jumps up to $200. But buyer beware- there are reproductions of this clock on the market. If the clock does not feel weighty and if it has any plastic parts (it should be all metal with a glass plate over the dial) it is a fake.
Now all I need is the blue crackle alarm clock to compete my set!
Friday, May 25, 2012 at 4:09PM 
