Bushing the Westclox Big Ben Chime Alarm Clock Movement. I tried selling some of my surplus electric Big Bens on eBay and they just didn’t go, you could get only about $0.99 for them. Just wrap a length of log chain around it where it will stay level on its own, and be easy to hook up. Does this plan for reassembly of my grain bin make sense? The farm truck rim and tire are placed inside the bin and raised to the roof, centered on the collar to support even and centered lifting. I would be under my bed quoting the Greek alphabet - backwards and blubbering! I’m always interested in the history and the variations of clocks and how they fit in the scheme of things, what came before and what came after. You will need a moderate amount of strength and leverage in order to safely handle these last sheets. Foundations vary in quality and the details of what may need dealt with to separate them from the bin. I was told it was an antique at that time. They typically have a round brass base with a glass dome over them; they were made in Germany from the 1890s up through the 1970s, and a lot of people collect them. German: WECKER (alarm); UHR (clock). In a way they’re preventing clocks from being thrown away so I can’t totally condemn it, but it still seems like a funny thing to do. Position lifting hook in exact center of bin roof opening. If you really want to remove the top ring and roof first and then use ladders to disassemble the rest of the bin, please let me take photos so I can create an article titled "How to Take a Vacation With Injuries." I doubt if each roof sheet weighs 25 lbs and the rest of the bin will also be light. Ken Koester (sp.) Thank you, i have a pocket watch that says (inscribed inside) g. falconer ,,,rona & london or kona & london i dont know its in old english and says kona or hona it has 1243 all inscribed on the inside where when u open it u can see the gears, looks like an a8 and a crown with a 18 on the middle inside cover (that covers the gears) and also a 1243 and what looks like an 8 or an infinite symbol (sideways 8)then again on the part that clasps over everything on the inside an A3 or A8? I hope you find the help you need. We have photo’s of all the employees between 1927-1945 at the Peterborough Ontario Location but not much else. The Westclox 1950 Big Ben Moonbeam alarm clocks have been gently waking sleepers for over 50 years. | Free shipping on many items! All the rods in my clocks are verticle that is from top to bottom of the case, four on each side at the back of the movement. It has a cracked front lens that I would like to replace. Not to mention there’s the Big Bens so that doubles it right there. Note: Big and Baby Ben from style 6 on have staked on alarm switch knobs which should not be (and do not need to be) removed. If you are doing your bin-moving project in the summer, we recommend trying to work in the early morning(s) as much as you can, before the sun hits the bin full-force. What brand of bin do you have here? Do you need a super loud alarm to jolt you out of a dead sleep? It is a 3 ring 18' diameter grain bin. Something about them has always been ingrained in me. Some common-sense precautions must be observed. Hand and wrist injuries are very probable, should the vice grips slip, or get twisted out of the user's hands. There are also some specialty chapters, like an alarm clock chapter and a 400-day clock chapter, one that specializes in wristwatches and one on early American pocket watches. How big A bin can you lift just by hooking on to the roof ? You can also make a lifting ring out of a large-diameter spoked iron wheel. It has a patent June 18-1882 and says Dakota on the back,can you tell me more? I have an Pine State Ice Cream Milk clock that I would like to find out how much it may be worth. It sits on a small brass stand with Westclox on it. It would be greatly appreciated. Sorry. You can take two per space, generally. This movement has a "bell-back" design, meaning that the bell mechanism is … The bolts pretty much all came out with a socket mounted to some cordless drills. I was wondering if you could help me get an idea as to how much I should expect if I were to find someone to dismantle a grain bin or two. would it be esential to separate every piece? If you look at a Baby Ben in the 1959 Sears catalog, they sold for about nine dollars and if you go to a Wal Mart today you can still buy a Baby Ben for about nine dollars, but the quality isn’t the same. I have looked high and low in my attempts to find out how any of these resproduction style 1A were produced. It has a removable bottom decorative piece as well as a top rounded top flat piece of wood with a verticle wooden slat on the back extending to become a peg-like extension to fit and secure the decorative piece into the top of the clock. There’s a clock that came down the family, my great great granddad bought it used in about 1885, it was actually sold new in about 1839, one of the first of the weight-driven brass clocks. So we are generally unavailable to help you move your own grain bins. Robert E Smith from Rochester, New York on February 25, 2011: Did you guys start out with Lincoln logs and tinker toys? Answer: 28" or 30" is, I think, an average diameter for a semi-truck tire rim. WECKER (CCW arrow) knob sets alarm time. Hope this will work. How many you'll need and how deep to drive them depends on the size of the bin, and on how soft your ground is (or isn't). 3.6 out of 5 stars 252 ratings. We will therefore finish dealing with it last. The internet is fantastic, you can find out anything about just any kind of clock, exchange pictures easily, correspond with people and work together on research. We have hauled bins larger than the one shown in a pickup box trailer. I would also like photo and more details of his clock, since I intend to write a follow-up article. Westclox 49829V Big Ben Metal Case Decor Alarm Clock with Quartz Accuracy. Proceed counter clockwise (from inside), then next sheet clockwise, then next two counter clockwise (according to seam laps). Next, start on the door and doorframe. Debbie Blake, I have a small Westclox wind up clock dating around 1937. area, for new construction, as well. It is a good idea to put in the scaffolding as soon in the disassembly process as possible, as it will normally fit through the door of the bin, but not through the roof manhole. i have a large ansonia wall clock 32 1/2″ x 32″. Joilene Rasmussen (author) from United States on March 02, 2011: I remember reading a John Phipps humor column about the pleasures of singing in a grain bin...so I agree, they have a certain charm. Joilene Rasmussen (author) from United States on June 19, 2014: Thank you Jimji, that was very informative. This will become important during re-assembly. Colorado...a bit far, I think, to be of use. Vintage Westclox Big Ben … We have a bin site on our farm that is no longer in use. and again 1243 is this an antique its gold but looks brand new but also an antique at the same time does anyone know what kind of pocket watch this is or if its gold or a replica of something or what it might be worth?? Look in the Yellow Pages under Grain Bins, and Grain Storage Systems, to find out what is currently available to you. 641.780.3660 Thanks! (He also thought well pits were great.). “The first Big Bens and Baby Bens in 1910 were wind ups.”. With alarm clocks, they were so common that when people repaired them they did whatever they could to get them going. 7&a half X 6..desk clock. It is battery operated and takes a D battery. Cheers. Thanks so much I can’t find out anything about him or any other clocks by him. Some years ago I intended to do a write-up on my collection and started researching on the internet and found the Westclox history site with a wealth of info. — I and others can help, but don't have the crane. The clock is several houndred pounds, and keeps great time. Frank Baker. It depends on the size and weight of the sheets, and their general condition. Are there rubber washers on each one or what ? It has ingraved on it 2-20-31. They made them with wooden works until about 1840, then with brass gears and I like some of the early brass-geared American clocks. Get the best deal for Westclox Big Ben Alarm Clocks from the largest online selection at eBay.com. October 18, 2013 November 19, 2014 Bill Stoddard. I just build them. We have been asked what kind of trailer we use most for grain bin moving, especially when we don't completely disassemble a bin. Any guidance or help is appreciated. The bin in this article is a 5-ring, 6,000 bushel Butler brand from the 1950s. If your State is this way, you won't need overwide permits, provided you can use farm equipment or a truck with farm plates. The style 7 Big Ben and Baby Ben (1956 to 1964, the first Bens with concentric alarm hand) has minute markings. November 17, 2014 May 2, 2017 Bill Stoddard. I was looking at it and said, aha! When I got out of college I started going to the watch and clock conventions and met a man who was giving a program about the history of Big Bens and Baby Bens. Note from Bill - In 1950, Westclox published a parts it. I like to find the ones before that and study their history. Joilene Rasmussen (author) from United States on September 07, 2016: No, we no longer travel to build or dismantle grain bins. Just hope I have enough anchor bolts holding it down until we can frame up the inside and back fill a couple of feet on the windward side. That helps. Try our Banshee, at 90 dB, or with old-time good looks, the Ardmore for the old-fashioned, wind-up bell to get you going. He's near Elsie or Madrid. I don't have it at hand, as it's in my husband's cell phone. For not-so-tight bolts, a regular wrench will do. etzchaim613@gmail.com, I agree that the weather can make or break your grain-bin moving. Your idea of concrete a few inches higher on the inside is great, but pricey. I know the site informs readers the amount of Big Bens produced in any one year, but does NOT for the reproduction model produced in 1970. This one appears to be loose, but isn't on the inside. Next to the original Westcloxes I have an interesting collection of European copies by a.o. Stoddard: It’s really hard to say. But for years the majority were wind ups, they were so popular. Just remember, old luminous clocks are full of radium! But they seem to be scarce, so unless you care to weld your own, you're probably out of luck. It would be very interesting if you could provide me with some pictures of the clock. I have received quotes for bin dismantling I really thought was a joke and your article was very helpful and informativ. Also, being that ya'll are in NE Colorado, any chance that your husband would be interested? On the semi wheel, we used a round plate that is placed under the wheel and is of a size that it cannot fit through the center hole of the wheel. This “eye” is horizontally elliptical in general shape, about 4 3/4″ long and 1 3/4″ tall with a circle in the middle making it look like a single eye. The Canadian Clock Museum (http://www.canclockmuseum.ca/) may have some information. Any thoughts along these lines would be much appreciated. A lot of the American Shelf clocks from the 1820s up to 1900 have reverse paintings in the door, on the backside of the glass. This will hopefully keep your bin from blowing away (and maybe taking your boom truck with it) until you can return when the weather is nicer. Great information. once you can grip the shaft it will be just a matter of twisting the knob and it should screw right off, enabling you to take off the back casing. One time a friend and I were down there behind the factory and we got talking to a man who was leasing the back half of the factory to make machinery for bakeries. Also another really helpful piece was taking the time to pour a 12" wide foundation ring. on a smaller bin, depending on their placement. Hi there. While his co-worker continues to work on bolts, my husband begins removing the collar. It was a gift from him to her the year before they were married. Finish separating any sheets, after getting them away from foundation. Answer: Unfortunately, I have no personal experience repainting bins. Lynda Hinshaw, At this moment I am research a clock by Falconer& co HongKong. It’s got a round brass dial and a painting in the door, really neat. Thank you for your input. I have a Westclox Bachelor alarm clock from probably the 50’s as it was always there when I was growing up. Get the best deals on Westclox Big Ben Collectible Clocks when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. I tend to be a nitty gritty detail kind of guy. Lever the knob off Bigben Westclox Big Ben Twin Bell Alarm Clock 70010G. Joilene Rasmussen (author) from United States on April 06, 2011: It's not necessary to separate each piece; 2 sheets at a time are fine if you can handle them. I expect this is a matter of choice and aesthetics, and probably any paint suitable for metal could be used. Advertisement: Illustrates crackle green Tiny Tim, crackle blue Big Ben and crackle pink Baby Ben clocks. My kids, who have been on grain bin building sites nearly all their lives, can't resist a lowered roof. An interesting hub, though; I admire those who can and will work with such a process. then 4 symbols a crown an 18 and to unkown symbols in a square patern but on its side square pattern. The whole clock seems to be origional and was maintained by my grandfather who was a watch/clock repairman. I will discuss this with my husband and get back to you ASAP. (wind up models only) While we do have nearly all of the parts for the Westclox products we restore, we only sell the parts shown below on an individual basis. Any information would be very helpful. Even fairly dry weather outside can mean a sweltering atmosphere inside a bin. Do this in a pattern of 12:00, then 6:00, then 3:00, then 9:00, until there are only 4 or so sheets left. Jessie, good observation. The only marking I can find are the letters ST in old english style inside of a diamond thats inside of a circle, on the clock works. Then lower the bin, again and again removing rings. It was a big job, since Grandma's sort of a packrat (so I guess I come by it honestly). Now you are ready to begin removing the roof sheets. You will want to figure out the height at which to set your scaffolding before you get it in place. I am looking for someone to dismantle a bin in Idalia CO. What kind of price am I looking at and then would you be interested or know of someone? Which is interesting because many of the electrics are scarcer but people just aren’t into collecting electric clocks. A Big Ben typical of those made from late 1910 to mid-1915. It is 3″ diameter with Westclox on the back and PAT.APLOFOR. Bend them and accidentally scratch the face of the clock and you've decreased the value even more. Steven Leckart from San Francisco, California on May 06, 2014: I'm interested in learning more about your work with grain silos. Expect the bolts to fit tightly. Anyone ? Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters. Lift it well clear of the rest of the bin... ...and set it down in an appropriate place for disassembly. England. (Naturally, the bottom-ring panels are heavier than the top-ring panels.). I live in Scotland but my clock was made in USA. It also says that the patent was re-issued March 31, 1868. Unbolt the last bolts on the second-to-last sheet... ...and carefully lower the last sheet with collar to the ground. Now I know that there’s probably 14 basic shapes, but a lot more variations than that depending on how far you want to take things. The strength of the roof is rather great when it is whole, but it can be delicate when taken to bits...especially half-way through the dismantling process. Joilene Rasmussen (author) from United States on February 25, 2011: LOL! For my 14th birthday I got a book called The Treasury of American Clocks and there was a picture showing the seven types of Baby Bens. thanks for your time…, was doing research.. Appears from search engine a conversation about “D” batteries but cant find it in the text.. Can anyone inform me of the different size of D? This Christmas (1930) ad illustrates 61-F Dura Case, style 2 crackle finish Big Ben and Baby Ben, Auto Clock, Pocket Ben and Country Club pocket watches. It is in good condition and has the original pendulum and key. Either a crane or boom truck, or grain bin jacks, need to be available for safe dismantling of a grain bin. On the Style 9, they went back to actual minute markings. All other parts are reserved for our restorations. Remove all bolts except top and bottom ones (collar and bottom lip). If someone has restored it in the past, make sure the correct dial was put on it and the movements, which have probably been repaired a lot, have been done nicely. Site of the Old Westclox factory 211-201 Hunter Street, Peterborough Ontario. I'm SE of Des Moines IA about 40 minutes. On some, it is necessary to go around the outside and "cut" sealing tar with a crow (wonder) bar and a hammer, while lifting the bin. That means you're paying $.80 a bushel for the procedure. We can't get out hands on a crane or a boom truck.. How about a Forklift which can lift 8000 pds. God bless you in your work and life. Your email (will not be published) (required), The Timeless Appeal of the Westclock Big and Baby Bens, The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Not Your Grandma’s Cuckoo: Decapitating, Rat-Eating Clocks of the Black Forest, The Care and Repair of 19th-Century American Clocks. While studying the types of Big Ben style 1 and 1A in WestcloxHistory.com, I noticed the reproduction style 1A, and have acquired about 5 of them. Once you are down to a few sheets, you will need to rest the centers of the roof sheets on the ladder. "Removing Time Set Knob on model Big Ben model 75 movement (single key wind introduced in 1956). Could you please try to help me find out what kind of clock this is. According to the owner:The Big Ben doesn't run (is wound tight), and the alarm only clicks when the alarm hand is advanced to the time setting. From the top side, using an electric impact wrench, you should be able to reach about three roof sheets at a time. When he made his first clock and plugged it into the wall it worked fine except it wasn’t accurate, it was off by plus or minus a half hour a day, because the 60 cycles were not regulated at that time, so it could vary quite a bit.