Vintage Timepiece Drop Spindle No.244 - Circa 1975 Westclox Travel Ben Clock Dial - Free Shipping (US)

$150.00

Antique Timepiece Drop Spindle No.244: One-of-a-Kind - 1975 Blue Foil Metal Westclox Travel Ben Dial and Authentic Watch & Clock Components

WEIGHT: 2.0 ounce (57 grams), WHORL: 2.5" (63mm) dia., SHAFT: - Larger .134 (3.5mm) dia. Steel Shaft x 8.5" (21.6cm) long in Metallic Cobalt Blue

Made from 30 Individual Pieces - a hard-to-find circa 1975 Westclox Travel Ben (travel alarm clock) dial in a vibrant blue metal foil is the centerpiece of this spectacular drop spindle. The dial is adorned with an array of interlocking authentic vintage and antique watch gears and components - along with 4 Capri blue Preciosa Czech crystal rhinestones - all encapsulated in a thick layer of epoxy resin for a no-snag and long life finish. The dial is laminated to a 1/8" thick acrylic disc and a large vintage brass clock gear on bottom - all mounted to a metallic cobalt blue steel shaft and finished off with a rainbow ion coated stainless steel pendant, antique watch winding barrel, clock gear cog, and gold plated crystal spacer and findings. The shaft is made from high carbon (spring) steel with a heat forged hook that has a 2-part powder coat paint finish applied for a beautiful look and feel. All components are assembled with an industrial 2-part epoxy glue.

This spindle is on the heavier side and has plenty of rim weight and a perfectly balanced spin - perfect for spinning long staple and coarse fibers and art yarn, as well as plying singles.

HISTORY of WESTCLOX:  Charles Stahlberg and others formed the "United Clock Company" on December 5, 1885, in Peru, Illinois. The company soon went bankrupt and reorganized as the Western Clock Company in 1887…went bankrupt again… then reorganized as the Western Clock Manufacturing Company in 1888. In 1908, the company patented for the movement for the "Big Ben" alarm clock and brought it to market 1910; it Ben became the first alarm clock to be advertised nationally. The company's name was shortened to "Western Clock Company" and the name “Westclox" first appeared on their alarm clocks in 1910 and “Western Clock Co., Ltd.” was incorporated in 1919. In 1931, the company merged with the Seth Thomas Clock Company; both becoming divisions of General Time Corporation.  In 1938, Westclox introduced its first portable travel alarm clock to the market. During World War II, Westclox and other General Time Corporation subsidiaries produced aviation instrumentation and control components, compasses for the United States Army, and clocks for the United States Navy. Production of civilian clock models resumed in 1946.

The Westclox company was a major manufacturer of dollar watches, which were intended to be affordable to any working person, starting production in 1899. The company continued to produce cheap pocket watches into the 1990s. In 1959, Westclox introduced and patented its "drowse" alarm, which was one of the first of its kind powered by electricity, which integrated what is now more commonly known as a "snooze" function. Talley Industries acquired General Time in 1968. Westclox introduced its first quartz movement in 1972. After 1988, the company was purchased and changed hands several times and sadly, the Westclox company ceased world wide production and closed in 2001 after more than a century in business.

FREE SHIPPING Applies to All US States and Select US Territories Only: In-stock/Pre-made items typically ship in 1 business day and Made to Order items typically ship within 2-3 business days - via USPS-Ground Advantage Package Service. Transit times vary - ships from Tucson, AZ, USA.

INTERNATIONAL & UPGRADED SHIPPING AVAILABLE: Customer pays 100% of shipping charges for these options.

All John Galen spindles are designed and hand-crafted by John Galen Gudenkauf (owner/artist) in Tucson, AZ. Made in USA from US and Global Materials

Shipping from United States

Processing time

2-5 business days

Estimated shipping times

  • North America : 2 - 5 business days
  • Europe : 8 - 12 business days
  • Australia, New Zealand and Oceania : 8 - 12 business days

I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.

Customs and import taxes

Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.

Payment Options

Secure options
  • Accepts Etsy gift cards

Returns & Exchanges

I gladly accept returns and exchanges

Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery

Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery

I don't accept cancellations

But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.

The following items can't be returned or exchanged

Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:

  • Custom or personalized orders

Conditions of return

Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Custom and personalized orders

Yes. I gladly accept custom orders, although they are limited when it comes to altering dimensions. TAHKLI/SUPPORT SPINDLES: customers can choose (in most cases) from the shaft colors, beads, and whorl color/wood species of items already listed.

Wholesale availability

Yes. I do offer wholesale sales to qualifying re-sellers. Contact me and we can discuss terms

Orders by Mail/Checks Accepted

I gladly accept orders by mail and do accept checks. When ordering, please phone or email John Galen to check availability and to reserve the item(s) you wish to order. When I receive the order/check in the mail, I will send out the package within 24 hours.
CONTACT: John Galen at 520-490-4962
EMAIL: johng@johngalen.com

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