Neon Advertising Clock

Q:        I inherited a large neon clock from my uncle, who was a meat inspector in Los Angeles in the 1950s. It was made by the Glo-Dial Corp. and has the words “Hungarian Salami” around the dial. It has green neon lighting and is 32 inches across. The patent number is 1994950. Can you tell me the history and value of this clock?

A:         The Glo-Dial Corp. was in business from the 1930s until the 1950s or later. Charles Hoffritz, who founded Glo-Dial in Los Angeles, was granted a patent for an illuminated clock dial in 1934. The dial had a black background, beveled white hands, white numerals and a neon tube concealed behind the dial. The white surfaces diffused the light, which reflected off the glass covering the dial and illuminated the numbers and hands. Advertising clocks are collectible. Your clock is worth about $400 to $500.