Next, we have the first version of model #215
(below). These can be distinguished by ball feet
but that's not the only difference. On these
clocks, the time is set from the bottom but the
bottom is part of the wood case. The back of these
clocks is a metal plate. Every one I have seen is
stamped Los Angeles, confirming their early
vintage. Note that on this case all the corners are
rounded.
Here's some more date-related trivia. Some early Lawson metal cases have a seam. At first glance this older, Los Angeles-made model 414 and the later, Alhambra-made model 309 look almost identical. But in fact, nearly everything is different. The case on the 414 is slightly more boxy and the legs have decorative lines. But the most unusual distinction is that the 414 has a seam on the bottom. I'm no expert on metal welding so I can't say why this seam was or was not needed but it's still an interesting distinction.
On some very early models, Lawson tried to hide the
seam by cutting a notch into the base! (Note the
small opening in the wood base, only visible from
the back).
©2011 Randy Juster. All Rights Reserved.
Addendum - added
1/2012:
I've been asked for some information on determining the age of Lawson wood cased clocks. Since they were made for more years and in much greater numbers than the metal cases they deserve more attention than I've given them.
Obviously, the same factory location/manufacturing dates apply to the wooden clocks. However, as with just about everything else from Lawson, there were changes over the years. Let's take the most often seen Lawson clock, #215 (aka Sportsman, later Sierra). The ancestor of this design seems to be model 115 (below). This early Lawson has an all-wood case with large, squared-off trim pieces and they're copper (most later Lawson trim is brass). The time is set by removing a door located on the back Note that, on these very early clocks, the front and back meet the case at a right angle and the top "wraps around". This clock also has unusual feet that seem unique to this particular model.
I've been asked for some information on determining the age of Lawson wood cased clocks. Since they were made for more years and in much greater numbers than the metal cases they deserve more attention than I've given them.
Obviously, the same factory location/manufacturing dates apply to the wooden clocks. However, as with just about everything else from Lawson, there were changes over the years. Let's take the most often seen Lawson clock, #215 (aka Sportsman, later Sierra). The ancestor of this design seems to be model 115 (below). This early Lawson has an all-wood case with large, squared-off trim pieces and they're copper (most later Lawson trim is brass). The time is set by removing a door located on the back Note that, on these very early clocks, the front and back meet the case at a right angle and the top "wraps around". This clock also has unusual feet that seem unique to this particular model.
Finally, there is the model 215 that's as close to
a mass-produced item as Lawson ever came. These
clocks have a metal plate on the bottom with a hole
for setting the time. There are variations in
these, too, but they are minor. On almost all of
these, the metal bottom plate is painted brown and
the disc-shaped feet are attached with screws.
There are, however, a few (probably the very end of
the line) where the bottom plate was left
unpainted, as is just visible in the example below.
In place of the metal tag, these clocks have paper
labels and at least one I have seen had the feet
riveted to the bottom plate instead of attached
with screws.
The owner of this clock was impressed by its condition which is very nice, but this clock really isn't that old--late 1950s or even 1960s-1970s.
The owner of this clock was impressed by its condition which is very nice, but this clock really isn't that old--late 1950s or even 1960s-1970s.