General Electric Alarm Clock Radio Value Guide

The General Electric solid-state alarm clock radio is a quintessential piece of midcentury Americana, representing the shift toward compact bedside technology in the 1960s. These units are highly collectible for their integration of a mechanical electric clock with a reliable AM tuner, all housed in iconic molded plastic casings.

What affects the value of General Electric Alarm Clock Radio?

• Operational status of both the mechanical clock movement and the solid-state AM radio receiver.
• Physical condition of the molded plastic housing, specifically looking for heat warping, cracks, or sun-fading.
• Clarity and integrity of the glass clock face and the original metal control knobs.
• Rarity of the specific plastic color, with neutral tones being common and vibrant midcentury hues often commanding higher prices.

How to Identify General Electric Alarm Clock Radio?

• Check for the 'General Electric' logo and 'Solid State' branding on the front or top of the plastic housing.
• Verify the presence of an integrated analog clock face protected by a glass or clear plastic lens.
• Inspect the rear panel for a model number and the 'Made in USA' manufacturing stamp typical of the 1960-1966 era.
• Confirm the tuner is limited to the AM band, as was standard for these early tabletop convenience models.

History of General Electric Alarm Clock Radio

General Electric produced compact solid-state alarm clock radios in the 1950s and 1960s as more homes adopted bedside radios. These models combined an electric clock mechanism with an AM radio, often in molded plastic housings in neutral colors. They were marketed as convenient wake-up devices and became common household items. Collectors value well-preserved pieces for their midcentury styling and mechanical simplicity.