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#636608 Thu Nov 12 2015 11:39 AM
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Trying to do some research and value of this find, any input would be greatly appreciated? I know it is from the R.M. Hollingshead Corp. Camden NJ, which had a huge fire July 30, 1940. This clock works and is in really nice shape. Found in an attic of a person long deceased and was told he worked there years and years ago. Just starting research; have had a offer but just wondered if anyone had additional information on history or value. I have not yet been able to find any information or others on-line, either for sale or sold at auction, etc.
Whiz green metal electric clock that measures 15 inches square. Red Whiz logo in the middle with the words: Polishes – Waxes- Lubricates, Motor Rhythm Tune.Up in a large circle around the center. Back reads Start - Push In - Turn Left - Let Go. Made in USA, Middlebury Electric Clock Company, Middlebury ILL

Front.jpg Back.jpg
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Whiz #636613 Thu Nov 12 2015 11:53 AM
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The clock looks to me; to be from the 1950s-60s. (based on the logo)


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Whiz #636614 Thu Nov 12 2015 12:02 PM
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I bought a similar clock, advertising a different brand for $138. Yours is in a little better condition and Whiz has a larger collector following.
Pictures at:
http://www.oldgas.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=526647

Last edited by Oldgas; Thu Nov 12 2015 12:04 PM. Reason: pics link

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Whiz #636629 Thu Nov 12 2015 01:06 PM
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it's a thing of beauty

Neil Gerrard #636701 Fri Nov 13 2015 03:42 AM
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It is a good looking clock, and in my opinion the layout on the advertising looks good. I dont know when that logo came into use but to me, it would be odd that the Advertising company would have used that movement, or even that style of clock in the 50s or 60s. Im certainly not the last word on clocks, and I may be mistaken but in my experience, that style of clock was used more in the 30s and 40s. Typically by the 50s, self starting movements were the norm. I think...lol

Last edited by JimT; Fri Nov 13 2015 03:52 AM.
Whiz #636708 Fri Nov 13 2015 06:11 AM
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If I put forth some erroneous info; I am sorry... I don't know anything about clocks... And I probably know only slightly more about Whiz Auto Products...

Looking at my Whiz tins and the logo's on them; especially one in particular. Is how I came to my conclusion, about the possible age of the clock.

Based on the Whiz items; I own. (I'm pretty sure that more than a few Oldgas Members have larger Whiz collections than what I have. And most likely they can give more complete answers, than I)

My earliest tins don't have really a Whiz logo.. (but a couple do have "Brownies/Pixies" graphics on the cans) Mid to late 1910s into the 1930s: it seems to me that Whiz used the blue background with the yellow triangle/pyramid; that read "98 Quality Products" logo... Into the 40s,50s and 60s; they used the "round Whiz logo with arms"... Or at least that is how it looks to me....



Here are a couple close up images of some tins/bottles with what I call; the "round logo with arms":





As I said; I am no expert on Whiz items! So, if I got it wrong? I hope the Membership will forgive, me.... I believe that the "London Car Wax" pancake tin is from the late 50s-early 60s and it is the only tin I have with the "round Whiz logo and red arms"... So I made an assumption, about the Clock....


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Whiz #636718 Fri Nov 13 2015 07:09 AM
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One indicator of age on electronics is the type of cord and plug used. It's not 100% accurate as the cords can be replaced over the years, but usually you can tell if there has been tampering with the cord.

I have to agree that the clock dates 50's/60's based on the use of the later era cord as well as the type of sealed clock mechanism. The lack of extra styling to the clock is also typical for the post WW2 era simple clocks where the brand advertised was the selling point and not who made the clock.




Collecting anything keeps you young at heart!
Whiz #636720 Fri Nov 13 2015 07:42 AM
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I believe your clock is late 1940s based on comparison to the method used to start it.
My Hastings Piston rings clock has a small knurled knob on the back that you turn (spin) to start it.
If that is same knob is what I see in your picture that is on your clock , I would say it is from the same period ?

image.jpeg

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Whiz #636783 Fri Nov 13 2015 06:30 PM
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Thanks so much for all your input so far, really appreciate your thoughts.

Whiz #760285 Fri Feb 05 2021 01:56 PM
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Amazing Clock, and one I haven't seen before. One thing to note is R.M. Hollingshead Co. first started advertising Whiz Motor Rythm early on in 1940 if that helps date it. I know this is an old post but did you wind up keeping the clock for your collection? Would love to see some current pics of it.

Chris


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