"Waralarm" refers to alarm clocks made during World War II that say "Waralarm" on the dial. The first Waralarm was cased in a molded wood fiber case. Later, they had metal cases. These had model 66 movements.
Some Baby Bens (Style 5) were also made with "Waralarm" on the dial.
The April 1943 Westclox Tick Talk has the following article about the Waralarm:
"WESTCLOX is now making plans to produce a Waralarm, a conservation model alarm clock, the production of which was requested a short time ago by the War Production Board.
In this model the W.P.B. specifies the use of but 7 pounds of brass for every 1000 clocks, whereas in normal production we use 300 pounds for every 1000 clocks. We have found suitable substitutes for the restricted metals.
Despite the difficulties, we believe the clock is pleasing in appearance, and will be readily acceptable by the buying public.
It has a case of moulded wood fibre, which will be lacquered. It stands 5 5/8 inches high, and is 5 1/4 inches wide, with a large, easy to read dial. It has a bell alarm, but plans call for the eventual use of a buzzer.
The clock will be assembled in the Four Inch Assembling, and finished in the Four Inch Finishing."
The Waralarm and other inexpensive Westclox clocks use the "model 66" movement. Max Schlenker's patent, applied for on Sept. 4, 1943 and issued on Oct. 17, 1944, #2,360,589 describes a cheaper version of the model 66 movement, in which the alarm hammer strikes an extension of the trip spring, making a bell not necessary (referred to above and below as the "buzzer" alarm).
The Bingo that was introduced in 1936* appears to be the same case used for the metal case Waralarm, except for the difference in alarm shut-off. The Bingo was out of production during the war (along with other non-war production) starting July 31, 1942. The Waralarm was introduced around April 1943. It was first made in a molded wood fibre case, then the metal case.
The Waralarm was discontinued in May 1944* (according to the price change book, but I've seen examples dated August 1944).
The "Raven" in the same (metal) case was introduced Sept. 21, 1944, and discontinued in January 1947*+.
The Bingo was re-introduced Sept. 25, 1947*.
July 31, 1942 - All non-war production ceased
Ca. April 1943: Fibre case Waralarm introduced.
Around April 1944: Metal case Waralarm introduced (and the fibre case model discontinued). My three examples (2 black, one ivory) have "PAT. PDG." on the back of the case, and they have the bell alarm.
May 1944* : Waralarm discontinued (according to the price change book, but I've seen examples dated August 1944).
Sept. 21, 1944*+: Raven introduced (in same metal case as Waralarm, painted black)
I have 3 examples of Raven, all in black cases and having the $1.65 information imprinted in the back, and having patent number 2360589 on the back. This patent was issued Oct. 17, 1944. It should be possible to find a very early Raven with "Pat Pdg." on the back, since in went into production before the patent was issued. My Ravens all have the bell alarm.
January 1947* - Raven discontinued
Sept. 25, 1947* - Bingo back in production.
*Dates from a Westclox price change book in the possession of Ellworth Danz, former chief stylist at Westclox.
+Sept. 21, 1944 is the first date listed for the Raven, but it is possible it was introduced earlier. The price change book gives dates that prices were established or changed, and gives discontinuation dates.
Note: The Bingo has a top alarm shutoff knob, the Waralarm and Raven have a back shutoff knob.
Maybe someone can research the government's material restrictions, and how they were changed with time. There may have been a change that allowed Westclox to start using substantial amounts of steel in the metal cased Waralarm. So perhaps restrictions on steel were removed or relaxed. (Remember the steel pennies made during the war)
It is interesting that Westclox called their clock the "Waralarm" (one word), where the other companies called theirs "War Alarm" (two words).
The "Baby Ben" Waralarm, made in army olive drab color, and ivory. This did not have an OPA price on it, perhaps because it was not for sale to general public. We would like to find out more about this clock. (Did the military buy them to issue to military personnel?)
Telechron had two War Alarm models (1 and 2). They are both illustrated on page 218 of Jim Linz's Telechron book. Gilbert also made a War Alarm
The four side screws that hold the back to the case are shorter and slightly larger in diameter than the four screws that secure the movement to the back.
1 is dated 5-44
1 is dated 7-44
3 are dated 8-44
This shows that the Waralarm was made through at least August, 1944, contrary to what is written above.
All five have bell alarm.
One of the 8-44 clocks has brass plates, steel T1, T2, T4, A1, A2, lever; brass T3, T5, balance.
The others have steel plates, steel gears except T5 and balance are brass.
All have steel hour wheel, minute wheel and pinion, trip wheel; brass shuck pinion.
