This is the archive page showing many examples of fakes. More recent examples from online auctions are here.
Fakes are items that are made to deceive buyers. Below are examples of alarm clocks that have had advertising or character dials installed in place of the originals. LET THE BUYER BEWARE! Many similar clocks are for sale at flea markets, antique shops and the online auction services. The asking or selling price of such a clock can be ridiculous, especially since it is a worthless fake!
Claim: " dmotorcycle advertising clock given away by dealer john l. shawver, bellefontaine, ohio. a number of old dates are stamped in the metal on the reverse side of the clock; 1911 is the latest date. both springs are good and the clock ticks; however the hands will not move. therefore, i am selling this clock strictly as a non-working conversation piece. the metal case is nickel plated. some tiny spots in the plating on the reverse side. notice the ring on top that could have been used for hanging the clock on a motorcycle. no dents in the metal case. i repeat, i am selling this clock as a non-working conversation piece because it ticks but the hands do not move. i bought this clock several years ago at a public auction in bellefontaine, ohio."
Analysis: This clock is a fake! It is 1917 - early 1918 Baby Ben with a newer dial that someone has made.The back has patent dates from 1902 to 1911. The numerals on this dial are copied from a style 4 Baby Ben dial, made from 1934 - 1939. The legs on the case are incorrect replacements.
This is a fake "Indian Motocycle" clock. The dial has been made up by someone (it was NOT made by Westclox). The dial design is based on a dial from a style 3 Chime Alarm (1931 - 1934). But the clock is a style 4 Loud Alarm (1935 - 1939). Westclox did not make dials like this - any such clocks are fakes!
Claim: "VERY RARE ZIPPO ALARM CLOCK THERE ARE FEWER THAN SIX ZIPPO CLOCKS KNOWN IN ANY COLLECTION!! I DON'T EVEN THINK THE ZIPPO MUSEUM HAS ONE. THIS ONE NEEDS REPAIRED AND IT HAS A SMALL HAIRLINE CRACK IN THE WHITE PLASTIC THAT YOU CAN SEE IN THE PHOTO. Copyright date on dial is 1959."
Analysis: This clock is a fake! This model of plastic case was first used in Columbia Time Products "Keno" in 1961 and Westclox "Bingo" starting in 1962. The dial appears poorly made and off-center as well. We believe that this dial was not made by Westclox.
This clock is a fake and a marriage! The case body is from a style 2 Big Ben (1927 - 1932), and the base is from a style 4 Big Ben (1934 - 1939). The dial is one that someone has made up. This dial has been seen on other models of Big Ben (see the clocks pictured immediately below).
This and the three clocks that follow state the following on the dial:
Old Style Cooking
Note: Starting bid was $150 but auction was canceled after about 8 hours with no bids.
Analysis: This clock is a fake! It is a style 7 Big Ben, manufactured from 1956 - 1964, with a made-up dial.
Claim: "Advertising "Louisiana Old Style Cooking Molasses D. B. Scully Syrup Co. Chicago, Ill" Copywrite 1938. Made by Westclox La Salle, ILL., also marked made in the U.S.A. US patent 201895 (with what appears to be DES in front of the numbers). The black person has glass eyes, and the eye on the right is used to set the alarm. It is almost 5" high and 5" across at the widest point. The outside edge is chrome, and the rest of the case is black metal, and it rests on a plastic base (2" by 3 1/8")."
Analysis: This clock is a fake! It is a style 8 Big Ben, made from 1964 - 1981. Someone has “made-up” a fake dial for it.
Claim: "You will never find another in this excellent condition. Please note three pictures. Face is "pinkish" in color and absolutely mint. Black figure sitting on "potty". Clock keeps perfect time - alarm works - 3 inches tall - 1 3/4 deep (not counting keys) - 3 1/2 inches wide. Bottom reads: 6 53632. Back reads: Pull alarm - soft -loud - set alarm - wind - a little "s" shaped slot that reads F S and and sliding button on it. Also reads: Westclox La Salle Ill. Made in USA. Black finish in great shape."
Analysis: This clock has a fake, made up dial. This is a style 8 Baby Ben with a metal base, made from 1964 to about 1973.
Claim: "I FINALLY FOUND SOMETHING GOOD AT THE FLEA MARKET!!! You are looking at wonderful examples of both black memorabilia as well as advertising in this wind up alarm clock. The clock was made in the USA by Westclox in La Salle, Ill. I do not know the exact age but I do feel that it is at least 50 years old. There is a serial number on the base that can be used as a reference and it reads "3 (centered on top of) 53647". On the face of the clock is a Litho picturing the "GOLD DUST TWINS" sitting in a wooden tub that reads "Gold Dust Washing Powder." This piece stands just under 5 inches tall and has a face diameter of 4 inches. I haven't opened the clock to see the inside because IT IS FULLY FUNCTIONING!!! (If you remember to wind it) This piece is in great shape considering its age. The only flaws that I can see is some black paint loss on the base and back of the clock (please see pictures) I am sure this can easily be restored by taking it apart and repainting it. The litho advertisement is in great shape with the exception of some "peeled or scratched" areas near the border of the 10, 12, and 2. (also pictured) Fortunately these scratches couldn't be further from the main picture. They are located at the outer rim, beyond the numbers, and cannot be seen unless you are looking up into the corners. This piece is to be sold "AS IS" with what I feel to be a reasonable price with NO RESERVE."
Analysis: This clock is a fake! It is a style 8 Big Ben with a metal base, so it could have been made from 1964 to about 1975. The dial is a replacement someone has made.
Claim: "This item is a clock made in 1936 by Westclox of LaSalle, Ill. It has the original sticker on the back. The model number is 10038. The patent number (#201885) identifies this clock as being made in 1936. The clock works very well. It also has an alarm that works. The face of the clock has the Fairbanks Soap Gold Dust Twins. The condition of this clock is excellent. It measures 5" high by 5" wide by 2 1/4" deep. It makes a lovely ticking sound. A wonderful collectible for your collection."
Analysis: This clock is a fake! It is a style 8 Big Ben made from 1964 - 1981. The patent number 201885 is a design patent issued on August 10, 1965. So this clock was made between 1965 and 1981, and someone has made up a dial for it.
Claim: "An Excellent 1938 Vintage "WAY DOWN SOUTH" Alarm Clock. Great HAND COLORED Graphics with an ART DECO Black Case. 1938 Copyright. The Clock is in GOOD Working Condition (the alarm sounds out at 20 minutes earlier then set). The Case has some minor wear as can be seen in the photographs). FUN FUN CLOCK."
Analysis: This clock is a fake! It is a Big Ben style 5, made from 1939 to 1949. Someone has "made up" the dial.
Claim: "Bidding will be on this great 1938 Westclox 'Way Down South metal alarm clock. Face has copyright 1938 and 'way down South, printed with a Black Man and Woman seated. At bottom is printed Made by Westclox LaSalle, Ill. U.S.A."
Analysis: This clock is a fake! It is a Big Ben style 6, made from 1949 to 1956. Someone has "made up" the dial.
This clock and others with similar dials are being offered new (year 2001). This particular clock is a Westclox "Keno" with a new dial installed. There is a web site offering these clocks for $30, and they are also being sold on online auctions.
Here's typical description: "Here's a great alarm clock promoting "Mammy Brands" produce in Florida. This is a unique and unusual black memorabilia alarm clock in good working condition. It's a nice addition to your collection or an excellent finishing touch for that extra bedroom, rumpus room or the kitchen. The clock is nearly 6 inches high and over 4 inches wide. You can also visit our website at ..... to see our collection of unique and unusual memorabilia...black memorabilia, entertainment and more..."
Claim: "LITTLE BLACK SAMBO CLOCK This clock is in perfect condition, and keeps good time. It has a copyright date of 1944. It is made by Westclox. It stands about 5" tall."
Analysis: This clock is a fake! It is a style 8 Big Ben, made from 1964 - 1981. Someone has made a new dial for it. Notice that the dial was made from the same master artwork as the clocks below!
Claim: "It is in a dark wood case, copywrite 1946. It is 3 3/4" high and 4 1/4" wide. There is a 3" mark on the case that goes from the top edge diagonally to the side. It looks like someone put heat on it causing the finish to mark. Under the hour hand are the words "Little Black Sambo" with the copywrite beneath the 9. It is in working order and generally good condition."
Analysis: This clock is a fake! It is a Seth Thomas Deft-3 "Baby Ben" alarm clock with a made-up dial. Originals have a metal dial, I can't tell from the photo what this dial is made of. The date of 1946 may not be far off, for this model was made in the 1940's to early 1950's.
This is the archive page showing many fake examples I've seen advertised. Newer examples from online auctions are here.