Actually this is one of a half dozen Telechron clock designs by noted GE industrial designer Ray Patten that use very recognizable elements of the PA and FA headlight casing. This one is a very basic pantry or kitchen clock, but one of the clocks he designed with this styling is a rather complex gatehouse time clock for employees to punch in and out of work.

http://cgi.ebay.com/SDP-014-GE-Telechro ... 58894bed46

Please note that this link is to an active eBay auction. The link will go dead when the auction ends or somebody buys the item. I will offer the standard disclaimer that I have absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with this particular auction, I am just providing the link for the look it provides at another type of product that was the work of this noted locomotive stylist.

PC

An interesting similarity. It seems to predate the first Alco PAs by about four years.

-John

Ray Patten used these same styling elements in a variety of GE household products in addition to the Telechron clocks. This is one of those elusive factors in why the styling of the PA and FA looks "right" and is such a classic of industrial design. The elements are so familiar and comfortable, we have seen them in so many other places and products designed by the same person, often without realizing the connection.

How often do you see him mentioned at railroad museums?

PC

A little bit to help on interpretation of Ray Patten:

http://www.idsa.org/content/raymond-e-patten-1897-1948

If the version of the above link comes up looking too brief, click on Ray Patten's photo, and the displayed material will be expanded.

It makes an interesting study to put Mr. Patten's many patents in chronological order and go through them one at a time to see if you can identify the styling elements of the Alco FA before you actually get to the patent that he was granted for the styling of the locomotive.

And sure enough, you will see the linkage.

And be sure to see US Patent Des.110,906 dated February 25, 1938.

PC