Antique & Shabby Chic Charming circa: 1888-1894 Novelty Timepiece Western Mfg Co LaSalle Ill USA Cherubs Clock

I bought this from a prominent Estate Sale here is Atlanta of a Coca Cola executive's estate and this is what history they reveled to me about the clock as follows; 1884 Stahlberg and others arrived in Peru, Illinois from Waterbury, Connecticut to make clocks based on Stahlberg's idea. Small factory established in back of Brylski's Department Store. First produced 1 clock per day, then 3 or 4 per day, gradually increasing. Started with 8 people. 1885 Three story brick building erected. Production up to 25 clocks/day. United Clock Company incorporated Dec. 23, 1885. Only 4 inch movements made then. Patent #326,602 granted to Stahlberg on Sept. 22, 1885. Ca. 1886 Alarm clocks made with dial "Presented by G. William Schlichten, Co. LaSalle, Ill." Mr. Stahlberg gave alarm clocks to employees for Christmas inscribed on back "One of a hundred clocks that cost $10,000." 1887 Bankrupt & reorganized. Western Clock Co. incorporated May 14, 1887. 1888 Bankrupt, reorganized by F. W. Matthiessen. The Western Clock Mfg. Co. incorporated July 7, 1888. 1889 Ernst Roth appointed general manager, serving for 34 years. 81 Employees. Old clocks "recalled" and remodeled for 75 cents each. 1895-6 50,000 units (largest order to date) for Nine O'clock Washing Tea .1896 America, F. W. (later Ironclad), Framed Clock introduced. 200,000 clocks produced by 100 employees. 2 inch movements introduced. 1899 Pocket watches introduced. 1901 Production capacity 1,000,000 alarm clocks per year (500,000 units actual production). 285 employees. 1905 George Kern (Big Ben inventor) hired. 1,150,000 units (3500/day) produced by 410 employees. 1908 First of the Big Ben patents granted. On October 13, 1908, the board of directors resolved to change the company name to Western Clock Co. (but not approved until 1912). 1909 First year of Big Ben sales - 28,261 sold this year. 1910 Big Ben officially introduced to the market. First advertisement Sept. 24, 1910 Saturday Evening Post, p. 39. 146,099 Big Bens sold this year. 2 million units (total) produced by 880 employees. First year of Baby Ben sales - 4,783 sold this year. It used a modified two inch movement. The trademark "Westclox" first appeared. It was placed on the backs of Big Bens from 1910 through 1917 and at the bottom of some dials as early as 1912. 1911 391,620 Big Bens sold this year. 1912 baby Ben style 1 (regular movement) first sold. Stockholders approve name change to Western Clock Co. on June 11, 1912.

This clock listed for under a $1 in a 1890 Western Clock Co. catalog and in a 1905 "Butler Bros., New York" catalog. According the the 1902 Western Clock Co. catalog, this model was their most popular Gold clock. Another tidbit of info obtained from this catalog was that the E.N. Welch Mfg. Co., based out of New York City, was the Eastern Selling Agents for the Western Clock Mfg. Co.

Reference book: "The Book of American Clocks" by Brooks Palmer, 1967, brief company history on page 306.

This Western Clock Cherubs is at present, non-working and is sold in "as-is" condition. It is either cast metal or solid copper; even though some parts that were painted over have chipped away revealing brilliant sparkly gold guilding underneath so that's why I'm assuming cast metal of some type. I see scratches on the bottom that is solid copper. Original brass plating over copper, someone has painted it white along the way. I feel that this clock could be used as ambiance in a room as it sits right now, or you could have it repaired and restored it to its original glory.

Actual clock, itself is Brass, 30-hour, spring driven, Time only, pin lever escapement.

Enjoy! Overall this cherubs clock is mysteriously interesting, very antiqued looking and quite a beautiful piece of history.

Off White porcelain dial is clean , this measures 2 inches in diameter. Case measure 7.5 inches tall by 5.5 inches wide.

Clear Beveled face plate in front and a metal area in rear for clock mechanism entry. Dial information: slightly off center; easy fix. Paper label with black Arabic numerals, 1 ½" chapter ring. Price is reflective of needing restoration. I have seen similar clocks that are fully restored & functional at auctions, for several hundred dollars and some, [because of the cute factor] for over a thousand $$$$!

Clock will be carefully packed to ensure a safe delivery,

Great Gift Idea for the Cherub Lover in your life!

Item ID: 1119H-010