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

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 - US ONLY - This item processed and shipped within 1 business day: Applies to All US States and Select US Territories and ships via USPS 1st Class Mail. Upgraded/expedited shipping options available at check-out.

- INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING AVAILABLE: I ship to 38 countries and rates are available on this page (top right).

- Hand crafted in Tucson, AZ, by John Galen Gudenkauf (owner/artist) with US and Global Materials.