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Crazy For Vintage Kit-Cat Klocks!

October 27, 2017 Patty 2 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links.

Original '30s Allied Clock Company "Kit Cat" wall clock.
Original ’30s Allied Clock Company “Kit Cat” wall Klock. Value-$1,500+

Literally,  there’s no better time than meow, to learn how valuable and collectible- vintage “Kit Cat” Klocks are.  Currently, these purr-fect clocks even have their own Fan Club with thousands of members.

“You’ve got to be kitten me right?” “It’s meow, or never to learn a little nostalgia about these adorable animated

cat wall clocks.

History of the Kit-Cat Klock

The Kit-Cat Klock was the brilliant design of Mr. Earl Arnault (1904-1971) which he designed in 1932. The cat’s tail wags back and forth, and his eyes moved curiously back and forth; and no matter how bad your day was going, looking at his delightful grin always made the day seem a bit brighter.

In 1939, Allied Clock Company and Clifford Stone of Portland Oregon, started the production of these adorable tail-wagging pendulum clocks-which are still being produced today. The first Kit-Cat clock used a wind-up timing mechanism via a knob located on the front of the clock -along with electric wiring.

 It is said original early 1939 Kit-Cat clocks, can sell for over $10,000-PAW-SOME!

(His appearance somewhat reminds me of “Felix the Cat”-the mischievous cartoon comic-strip character created in the early 1900’s.)

Drawing of "Felix the Cat"
Drawing of “Felix the Cat”

During the years there have been several changes to the novelty Kit-Cat klock. During the 1940s, the clock came in red, black or white-but soon, a variety of colors and jewels would be added. Additionally, the cat’s shoulder area became more rounded, and bow ties and collars were added.

Vintage mid-century Pink Kit-Cat Klock
Vintage mid-century Pink Kit-Cat Klock

In 1962, the Allied Clock Company moved the clocks production to Southern California and the company name was changed to-California Clock Company. In the late ’80s, the California Clock Co. was forced to find another way for the timed movement on Kit-Cat’s exclusive “one-second” animation-which was used for the rolling eyes and the wagging tail. American electric motor manufacturing was almost exclusively relocated to Asia, leaving Kit-Cat Clock without a US motor supplier. Left with this dilemma,  the company invented a battery-run technology along with some precision balancing inner clock parts, using gravity to keep everything moving in a controlled manner.

During the ’90s, the Limited Colour Collection of Kit-Cat Klocks were produced. “Lady Kit-Cat” was introduced in 2001-which of course featuring long eye-lashes and pearls instead of a bow tie.

Lady Kit-Cat Klock with pearls and eyelashes
Lady Kit-Cat Klock with pearls and eyelashes

Dating A Kit-Cat Klock

When production first started, the clocks were made of steel, but in the ’40s molded plastic was used (bakelite); then in the ’50s, it was decided he would now have upper paws and wear a swanky bow tie.

For dating them here are a few key points to remember:

  • If the back of the clock is made of steel and is marked “Seattle WA-it dates pre-1940’s
  • No bow tie-it dates pre-1954
  • If the back of the clock states “Seattle WA” and has a plastic back and NO front paws-it was made before the early ’50s.
  • The earliest clocks will be marked “Portland, OR” on the back, and are extremely valuable!
  • If the back of the clock is marked “San Juan Capistrano, CA” it was made mid ’60s-early ’90s. Backs marked “El Monte, CA” means the clock was made in the early ’60s.
  • Battery clocks were made after 1990
  • If the front of the clock has “Kit-Cat” on its clock face, it was made after the year 1982.

(For other dating tips, check out the Kit-Cat official online site.)

Most of the Kit-Cat Klocks produced in the ’40s and ’50s can sell for over $500 if found in its original box.

Vintage mid-century Kit-cat Klock
Vintage mid-century Kit-cat Klock

 

The year 2007, marked Kit-Cat’s Klocks 75th anniversary, which was celebrated with the 75-day, Route 66 “Great All-American Road Show. Since the Kit-Cat Klock is considered to be an American icon, Woody Young, President of the California Clock Company stated it would be a perfect fit to include the world’s largest Kit-Cat Klock (75”) and a 75-year-old Ford Deuce Roadster. The car would be specially painted to celebrate the clock by participating in over 75 events (parades and car shows) across the country.

2007-75th Anniversary Kit-Cat Car Roadster
2007-75th Anniversary Kit-Cat Car Roadster

 

 

75" Kit-Cat Klock-Value over $4,000
75″ tall Kit-Cat Klock-Value over $4,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2012, marked the 80th anniversary of the Kit-Cat Cat Klock, and 30 years with Woody Young as it’s president.  To celebrate these anniversaries, Kit-Cat sponsored the only 100 percent American-grown commercial float in the 2012 Pasadena Rose Bowl Parade.

2012 Rose Bowl Parade in California- Kit-Cat Klock Float

 

 

 

 

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Comments

  1. alarm says

    November 20, 2017 at 2:14 am

    Aw, this was a really nice post. In concept I wish to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and actual effort to make a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and under no circumstances appear to get something done.

    Reply
    • Patty says

      November 20, 2017 at 5:31 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply

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