Lot # : 125 - RARE "Electrolarm" 700 Bakelite Skyscraper Art Dec

Introducing a true relic of Art Deco design, this Telechron Model 700 clock, known as the “Electrolarm,” was produced between 1929 and 1931. This electric alarm clock was designed at the height of the Art Deco era, showcasing striking skyscraper-style architecture that speaks to the grandeur of the time. More than just a timekeeper, the Electrolarm boasts a powerful bell that can wake even the soundest sleeper, with an alarm that is as bold as the design itself. Standing 8 inches tall and 6 inches wide, this clock has a solid presence, weighing just over 3 pounds. The clock face is softly illuminated by a small lamp above the “12,” controlled by a discrete knob at the back. Its alarm can be silenced with a front-facing lever located just below the face. Most clocks of this model featured brass or wood trim pieces, though it's exceedingly rare to find one with all of these pieces intact, as the original adhesive has not stood the test of time. This piece, however, retains its characteristic thin side trim, which remains a distinctive feature. A beautiful, collectible piece, this Telechron Model 700 is a testament to early 20th-century craftsmanship and design elegance, making it an extraordinary find for any collector of vintage clocks or Art Deco treasures. Telechron Model 700 "Electrolarm" Clock These magnificent clocks are model 700's made by Telechron from about 1929 through 1931. They called this model the "Electrolarm". As the name implies, it is an electric alarm clock, but that understates its effect. The bell inside is powerful enough to wake the soundest sleeper with its raucous jangle. There is nothing understated about the skyscraper styling, either. It was designed at the pinnacle of the Art Deco period, just before the streamline era started to take over.This clock was apparently sold under both the Telechron and General Electric names (note the presence of both names on the face of the white clock). A small lamp illuminates the face (it is located just above the "12"), controlled by a tiny knob in the back. A small lever protrudes through the front, just below the face, which will silence the alarm when pushed. The clock stands about 8 inches high, and is 6 inches wide at the base. It is fairly hefty at just over 3 pounds. Most of these clocks had brass trim pieces glued to the front of the case. Some were produced with wood trim. The glue they used did not last, and it is extremely rare to find one of these clocks with all of the trim in place. The two thin pieces at either side seemed to stay in place, however, and are often the only ones left. I have a partial solution to the problem of missing trim. Click for more information. Shown above is a brown Electrolarm with a complete set of wood trim. The pieces were fabricated from three different kinds of wood and then glued in place. This variation does not seem to have been documented anywhere (except here, of course). I have seen a number of these clocks with at least some wood trim pieces in place, so it cannot be argued that this was somebody's home workshop effort. The wood trim appears to have been available only on brown-cased clocks. This clock was produced in brown Bakelite, and in white or green Vinylite. Some promotional literature has surfaced which shows this clock in red, black, and marbleized green. These, I believe, were prototypes, and were never put into regular production. A marbleized green example does exist, and a picture of it appears here courtesy of the clock's lucky owner. Vinylite is not what we think of today as Vinyl; it is a much different material, generally known as "Plaskon". Telechron only produced a few thousand of these clocks in white and green, making them quite hard to find in any condition. The brown version is far more common. Plaskon is notorious for its tendency to develop stress cracks, and the pigments that were used to color it fade rapidly and severely in sunlight. The green clock shown here suffers badly from both of those maladies. The crystal on these clocks had a mirrored border, and almost all examples show an oval section where this coating has disappeared. To prevent light from the bulb from being visible through the coating, some paint was applied over the mirroring in just this one area. The paint adhered better to the silvering than the silvering adhered to the glass. So, over the years, the coating flaked away. Refer to photos of the actual item being sold for most accurate condition information. Please ask any questions or request additional information if needed. All items are being sold as-is and unless specifically stated otherwise all clocks are being sold as untested. This collection was extremely well cared for and many have notes regarding the condition or issue and those will all be notated in the listing. Eouse Auctioneering can’t guarantee the accuracy of the owner’s claims. Please use your best judgement and due diligence when bidding in this auction. We are happy to facilitate whatever you need to be an informed bidder.