Most of us rely on alarm clocks on an almost daily basis, but early alarm
clocks were very different from the digital ones of today. Early
alarm clocks were known as "tin can alarms" or "nickel alarms," as they
were often nickel-plated. Many antique alarm clocks were also
"legged." Legged alarm clocks started being manufactured in 1880,
and continued being the primary design until solid-base alarm clocks took
over in 1935. Legged alarm clocks are rare today, primarily because
they were sold cheaply and thrown away rather than repaired when they
quit working. Some legged alarm clocks feature bells mounted on the
top or back of the case. Legged alarm clocks with brass cases are
hard to find, as are those with piecrust bezels. White dials were
predominantly used, making those with luminous dials uncommon and usually
worth more. Even more rare are antique alarm clocks with private
label dials. These labels identify the name and location of the jeweler.
Find and bid on a variety of antique alarm clocks at eBay, or use the
Buy It Now function if you don't want to wait for bidding to
end. No matter what type of antique alarm clock you are looking
for, eBay is a good place to discover antique clocks and add to your
collection.