Elgin Folding Travel Alarm Clock Value Guide

The Elgin Folding Travel Alarm Clock is a quintessential mid-century accessory, representing the golden age of portable mechanical timekeeping. Produced between 1950 and 1960, these German-made clocks are highly collectible for their durable clamshell design and the prestigious legacy of the Elgin National Watch Company.

What Is Elgin Folding Travel Alarm Clock Worth?

The typical price range for Elgin Folding Travel Alarm Clock is $25 - $35 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The physical condition of the black textured faux leather case, specifically looking for wear on the hinges.
• The functional state of the mechanical movement and the accuracy of the alarm chime.
• The clarity of the glass and the lack of oxidation on the gold-tone brass bezel.
• Completeness of the original internal components, including the steel hands and winding mechanisms.

How to Identify Elgin Folding Travel Alarm Clock?

• Check for the 'Elgin' brand name on the black dial and 'Germany' printed at the bottom of the clock face.
• Verify the presence of a black textured clamshell case that folds into a stand for the brass bezel.
• Confirm the mechanical movement by checking for the manual winding keys and time-setting knobs on the back.
• Inspect the materials for a combination of gold-tone brass, glass, and a faux leather exterior.

History of Elgin Folding Travel Alarm Clock

During the mid-20th century, companies like Elgin and Seth Thomas mass-produced these portable mechanical clocks for travelers. They were designed to be compact and durable, with a folding case that protected the glass and internal components while in transit. Elgin, originally the National Watch Company, was a powerhouse of American timekeeping for nearly a century.