My writing on Lawson clocks has given some people the idea that Lawson and Pennwood clocks were the first digital clocks. It does appear Lawson and Pennwood were the first cyclometer clocks (they have wheels like a car odometer) but digital clocks in general can be found back to the 1800s… and there were even Art Deco digital clocks prior to the 1930s as this patent shows.
The Vinas handless clock patent 1626988 filed on August 29, 1925 was my grandfathers’s patent. I was happy to see your posting and that you made the world aware of his invention. My grandfather passed away before he was able to sell his invention, If you have further information to share with me, I would appreciate it. Looking forward to any information you may have. Thank you, Frank
Hi Frank – Thanks so much for letting me know this clock was your grandfather’s invention. I’m sorry to say I don’t have any information other than what’s in the post but if I come across anything, I’ll certainly let you know. Thanks again, Randy
there was one article from a news paper that I came across, the paper was very old looking and fragile. there was no date on the article or the writers name. the headline was, Times Forgotten Man. In this article it says “My grandfather worked on this handless calendar clock somewhere between 1903 and 1905 and finished it about 20 years later”.
Fascinating, working on a clock for 20 years. Well, your grandfather isn’t completely forgotten, at least on my site! Thanks again.
Thank you Randy, I appreciate your interest
I will be speaking with a older cousin soon and maybe she will have some information and photos of our grandfathers calendar clock. I do have a photo of the clock but it is not in very good shape. It is my hope that I would be able to post the information of his marvelous invention soon, Frank