Odd Parker alarm clock

[jboger]

Odd at least to me. I bought this about two months ago at an auction that had several pocket watches and alarm clocks. This is an off item for me as not generally interested in this sort of thing. But at the time, it struck me as something different.

The dial seems to be a coated paper and has a Parker Trademark logo, which I have found on the web. It seems Parker made things other than just alarm clocks, coffee grinders for example. I did find other Parker alarm clocks, but not this model.

The bell is in the base and has a separate winding mechanism. I opened it up. It's quite dirty inside. It runs well and keeps good time. And the hairspring is true blue (no rust) and true in the round and flat. Because the movement is dirty I don't like to run it.

Anyway, I did not find out much from the web. I can continue to search. In any case I still find it an interesting arrangement even if just another run-of-the-mill alarm clock.

I'll add photos later.

 

[jboger]

Found a picture of what I have from an 1893 Parker catalog. I inserted the box around my alarm clock.

 

[JTD]

It would still be nice to see pictures of the real thing, that is, your clock, if you are able to post some photos.

JTD

 

[jboger]

Here are the pictures. I thought I was missing a key to set the time. Just recently I discovered one just pulls out a center piece in the back (see picture) and then sets the clock. Easy. If any one has any thing to add about this clock or Parker, I'd be glad to read it.

 

[JTD]

Thanks for posting these photos (but wish you had taken some when you had the movement out). Looks to be in nice condition.

f any one has any thing to add about this clock or Parker, I'd be glad to read it.

The Parker Clock Company was founded in 1893, when Charles Parker bought out the fancy goods company of Parker & Whipple (they of the coffee grinders etc.) and renamed the company Parker Clock Company. The firm was in Meriden, CT. The company did well until the depression hit. From about 1926 on the company suffered a number of ups and downs and finally wen out of business in 1934.

Whether they actually made the clocks they sold I cannot say. It may be that they simply imported them, badged with the Parker name. If we could see the movement inside your clock, it might be possible to know who made it.

I did find other Parker alarm clocks, but not this model.

This model has come up for auction more than once - you can find it on the internet.

JTD

 

[SteveC1964]

I’ve collected alarm clocks a very long time. Parker made very good alarm clocks.

 

[Uhralt]

I’ve collected alarm clocks a very long time. Parker made very good alarm clocks.

I think they also held a patent for "rotating hammer" alarm clocks.

Uhralt

 

[jboger]

It's an easy matter to remove the movement from the holder.

 

[jboger]

Here are photos.