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| Ornate Iron Front Alarm Clocks |
| The cases for these clocks were manufactured by various iron work and novelty companies. Many cases were made in Chicago with Golden, Swift and Regent being the most common companies. The works are generally made by Waterbury, Gilbert or Westclox, with Westclox of LaSalle, IL. being by far the most common (95%). The works generally have patent dates from 1885 to 1918. About 20% of the clocks are fitted with an alarm and bell, but most are not functional alarms. I often refer to the works as "Tin Can", since they reside in a tin can like structure that can often be separated from the iron case. Most were meant as novelties and were often of fancy victorian and Noveau styling. Some were made to commemorate people, events or organizations (the Colombian Exposition of 1892-93 is very common). Many case molds were used over and over again with subtle case style changes. |
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