Winding Keys on Westclox Big Ben Leg Model Alarm Clocks

I was sorting Westclox parts in my clock shop, and came across 2 plastic bags labeled: “Interesting pinched Big Ben Style 1a Keys” and “Early Style 1 Big Ben Keys”. This motivated me to write about the development of the Big Ben winding key.

First, here are 2 examples of the Big Ben leg model (note – there are many variation in the dials):

Big Ben Style 1 leg model.
Big Ben Style 1 leg model. It has three screws in front, and the legs are riveted on.
Big Ben Style 1a leg model.
Big Ben Style 1a leg model. There are no screws in front, and the legs screw on.
Rear of Big Ben Style 1a, showing the keys.
Rear of Big Ben Style 1a, showing the keys.

When the Big Ben was first made in 1908, the keys looked like this:

IMG_9901
Early Big Ben keys (1908 – 1910)
IMG_9900
Early Big Ben keys (1908 – 1910)

Starting in 1910, the key shanks were nickel plated:

Early Big Ben keys (1910 - 1911)
Early Big Ben keys (1910 – 1911)
Early Big Ben keys (1910 - 1911)
Early Big Ben keys (1910 – 1911)

The handle shape was updated in the first half of 1911:

IMG_9905
Standard Big Ben keys (starting in 1911)
IMG_9904
Standard Big Ben keys (starting in 1911)

They reduced the shank diameter in the teens, but the shape of the handle stayed like this through the end of the leg model in 1935). The style 4a Loud Alarm (1935 – 1939) and 5a (1939 – 1946) Loud Alarm had the same key handle shape. Thus, this style of key was used for about 35 years!

There are variations in the handle. The earlier ones have a round bottom, later changed to a flattened bottom. Since millions of these keys were made, there are undoubtedly more variations.

Now, we need to talk about the Baby Ben Style 1 (leg model) for a moment. The first Baby Ben keys (style 1, introduced in 1912) were a small version of the key shown above.

N. T. Mills received a patent for the “pinched” or “closed” key on November 9, 1920:

Pat. 1358457
Patent No. 1358457, filed June 15, 1920 and issued November 9, 1920.

The patent drawings show that with the old type of key, the winder’s thumbnail may contact the time set knob accidentally. The closed or pinched key provides more clearance between the key and the set knob.

Baby Ben alarm clocks started using the closed key in 1920. The Big Ben kept on using the open key . . . except that a few Big Ben have closed keys:

IMG_9902
“Closed” or “pinched” Big Ben key, ca. 1920
IMG_9906
“Closed” or “pinched” Big Ben key, ca. 1920

We don’t know exactly how long the Big Ben had the closed key. If you have one, please let me know! We also don’t know why Westclox went back to using the open key for the Big Ben.


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16 comments

  1. Hi. I have a Baby Ben De Lux (green)that keeps time but has no alarm key. Would you happen to have a replacement?
    Thanks.

  2. plz help ( will pay with my VISA) I have very old Big Ben westclox needs two new winding keys and it goes to slow- all the way to the F.maybe you have two new winding keys – one is lose and one is damaged – if you reply will send you a pictures of it -clock still works OK just going to fast (Ontario Canada) plz reply

  3. I have a westclox big ben 1910 leg model with no screws in front and the legs screw on. I am missing the time winding key. I have the alarm key which is nickel plated. Can you assist me to obtain a replacement time winding key?

    thanks
    Ken

  4. Hello Bill

    I have a westclox big ben 1910 leg model with no screws in front and the legs screw on. I am missing the time winding key. I have the alarm key which is nickel plated. Can you assist me to obtain a replacement time winding key?

    thanks
    Ken

  5. Hello Bill,
    I have a Twin-Bell Westclox alarm clock which says Made in Canada at the bottom of the face, however, I see no model number. Although the alarm clock seems to be in good shape it has no female winding key. From measurements I’ve made I can see the thread count on the winding screw is 32 tpi. There is no ‘set’ of winding keys as in other models where one is for the alarm and one for the clock. Do you know how I may be able to find a replacement winding key for this clock?

  6. I need a set of winding keys for the model 1A. I just refurbished one and have it looking and working great. I would like to put the correct winding keys on it. Where can I get a set? TYIA

  7. The screw by the F S is the regulator to make the clock go faster or slower to adjust it for accurate timekeeping. Your clock may have a broken mainspring, that is why it won’t wind.

  8. HELP. I just recently inherited a Wesclox style 7 Baby Ben, model 11003. It has two winders, one for the time and the other for the alarm. It also has the screw to set the alarm in the screw to set the time. It has a knob at the top to push and pull which I guess shuts the alarm on and off. And then it has three tiny screws holding the clock together as well as another screw labeled FS with for little notches under the labeling. I have figured how to wind the clock and set the time and the alarm but I DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE EXTRA LABELED SCREW IS FOR. I ALSO CANNOT SEEM TO GET THE ALARM TO GO OFF, it might be due to the alarm windup which doesn’t really seem to wind it just clicks when I turn it. My main question is about the labeled screw so if anyone knows what it is for please let me know.

  9. Hello, I bought a Westclox Big Ben this morning with the time winder missing. from the photographs posted, it looks like the winder from the 1911 model would be the correct one. Can anyone advise where I might be able to find a replacement winder. The alarm winder is with still with the clock.
    Thanks

  10. Hello, I bought a Westclox Big Ben this morning with the time winder missing. from the photographs posted, it looks like the winder from the 1911 model would be the correct one. Can anyone advise where I might be able to find a replacement winder. The alarm winder is with still with the clock.
    Thanks

  11. where can I buy small screws for the 1939- 1940 big ben Black clock for the outside housing,reply

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