Posted 15 years ago
Chadakoin
(73 items)
A recent eBay find. Sold as not working, but like many of these seldom used old-timers, with a little cleaning, a little lubrication, it now runs great! Dating to c. 1938, the Mars has a "walnut" Bakelite case with inlaid brass numerals/hr. markers, and a celuloid lens. Couple of numerals missing but should look great after restoration. Chapter ring is grooved like an old 78 record. Clock measures approx. 5" x 4.5" and is marked "New Haven Self Starting Bell Alarm."
Looks very similar to the Westclox "Silent Knight" from around the same time.
Just curious: What is your method for cleaning these up? I've been buying some old non-working alarm clocks off eBay as well and would appreciate any tips.
I've never worked on New Haven electrics before, and I don't know what type of movements they have. I deal mostly with GE/Telechron and some Westclox and Hammonds. Do you have a picture of the movement? Is it self-starting?
Also, are the numerals around the face painted on? It looks like they may be radium, which was used extensively until the 1950s for luminous clock and watch dials. If so, be extremely careful when working with it since it's radioactive. Actually, your best bet would be to just leave it as is.
A lot of people don't know priming these electric clock and assume when they plug them in and they don't take of that they are broken. I have bought a number of electric clocks that are supposedly broken but when you spin the primer knob off they go.
Super piece, lucky you pete.