Why Won’t This Gilbert Gallery Clock Keep Running?

Gallery clocks are often called pub clocks, canteen clocks, or office clocks. Gallery clocks are often found in public galleries and exhibition spaces, where they serve both functional and decorative purposes. They are usually placed on prominent walls and are designed to be easily visible to visitors. These clocks can vary in style, ranging from … More Why Won’t This Gilbert Gallery Clock Keep Running?

A Collection of Antique Clocks at Our Summer Refuge

My collection of clocks is divided between my home in Nova Scotia and our cottage in Central Canada. Part of my collection is there because I am not the type of person who abandons a hobby; I make it a part of my everyday life. Although not an even split, about 15% of the collection … More A Collection of Antique Clocks at Our Summer Refuge

Thoughts on the Online Antique Clock Market: Tips for Smart Buyers

During my recent exploration of Facebook Marketplace, I came across many clocks at a variety of price points. It was no surprise to find many options, ranging from reasonably priced ones to some that seemed somewhat overpriced. The listings included quartz mantel clocks from the 1970s and 80s, vintage Chinese clocks from the 60s, as … More Thoughts on the Online Antique Clock Market: Tips for Smart Buyers

A Gilbert Clock joins two other gallery clocks in my collection

Recently, I acquired a gallery clock in exchange for another clock. I favour wall clocks over other types due to their convenient wall placement, eliminating the need for a shelf or mantel. Additionally, they tend to draw more attention compared to other clock varieties. The clock I traded, a rare Canadian cottage clock, held significant … More A Gilbert Clock joins two other gallery clocks in my collection

Tips for Antique Shop Proprietors when selling antique clocks (and other items)

As an avid antique shopper, I understand the thrill of finding a unique and valuable item, especially at a reasonable price. However, on my recent visit to a local antique shop, I found items priced far above their actual value, which was a disappointment. I expect antique store prices to be slightly higher to cover … More Tips for Antique Shop Proprietors when selling antique clocks (and other items)

Readers pick for the best clock of 2021

The results are in. By a small margin, your pick for the best clock of the year is the Sawin banjo clock. A great choice and one I would have picked had I not been frustrated with it during the restoration process but at the end of the day, my favorite is the Gilbert Shawville … More Readers pick for the best clock of 2021

Best clock acquisition of 2021

The time has come to determine the best clock acquisition of the past year. As a clock hobbyist, I have had little difficulty locating interesting clocks over the years, and despite the seemingly never-ending pandemic, I have scored a few in 2021 though the past year has been leaner than most. In the early days … More Best clock acquisition of 2021

Gilbert mantel clock movement servicing

Let me say that I am not a huge fan of clocks with steel plates. Although most have brass bushing inserts punched into the steel, I am always fearful that there is not enough brass in the insert to prevent cutting into the steel plate and ruining a cutter. But in this case, my worries … More Gilbert mantel clock movement servicing

Gilbert shelf clock

I am always on the lookout for clocks to add to my collection, and one of the places where bargains can often be found is Facebook Marketplace. While browsing the listings, we came across an intriguing clock from a small village in Quebec. It was my wife who pointed it out, thinking it would make … More Gilbert shelf clock

The Pressed Wood Kitchen Clock

Ah, the kitchen clock! Most clock enthusiasts have at least one kitchen clock in their collection and some collect them exclusively. I am not a huge fan of them but they very popular and considered important clocks because of their relatively low cost and availability. Thousands of inexpensive oak-cased clocks were made by various American … More The Pressed Wood Kitchen Clock

Door catch repair on a Gilbert Model 2038 mantel clock

This is the model 2038 with a bim-bam strike or what Gilbert called a Normandy Chime in its sales catalog. The model number along with the words “Normandy Chime” are stamped on the bottom of the case. The “Normandy Chime” was reminiscent of the old bells of Normandy (Corneville) in France. In terms of nomenclature … More Door catch repair on a Gilbert Model 2038 mantel clock

Tick Talk Tuesday #28 – What’s it for? The double ended key

Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from you, the reader, concerning your clock, issues you might have had, challenges you face or a clock you would like me to profile or my responses to your questions with advice on your particular clock concern. For those comments and questions that stump … More Tick Talk Tuesday #28 – What’s it for? The double ended key

Tick Talk Tuesday #27 – Feet for my Gilbert mantel clock

Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from you, the reader, concerning your clock, issues you might have had, challenges you face or a clock you would like me to profile and my responses to your questions with advice on your particular clock concern. For those comments and questions that stump … More Tick Talk Tuesday #27 – Feet for my Gilbert mantel clock

Dealing with antique stores – a rant

Let me begin by saying that I love antique stores and I spend a considerable amount of time in them. While I don’t always buy, if I  see something I try to get a fair price. Browsing through the aisles looking for that unique, one of a kind item can be a very satisfying experience. … More Dealing with antique stores – a rant

Gilbert Admiral calendar clock – servicing the movement and refreshing the case

When I bought this clock I was not sure what I had. There is no label, no makers name on the dial and an unsigned movement. I thought, Gilbert or perhaps a Sessions? It did not take me long to find out that the clock is a No. 3027 Gilbert, otherwise known as the Admiral.

Gilbert Admiral schoolhouse clock – first look

When I bought this clock I was not sure what I had. There is no label, no makers name on the dial and an unsigned movement. I thought, Gilbert, Sessions? This clock was hanging on the wall of a local antique shop with no price. When I inquired the shop owner said that he just … More Gilbert Admiral schoolhouse clock – first look

Gilbert 6 column mantel clock

I have worked on several Gilbert clocks in the past few months which is unusual for me. Certain makes of clocks seem to come in bunches. This clock is a 6 column time and strike antique Gilbert mantel clock made in 1913, and reflects a period when every American maker had a similar style. Some … More Gilbert 6 column mantel clock

Gilbert 2038 tambour clock with Normandy Chime – servicing the movement

I have worked on Gilbert movements previously and each one has slight differences. This one has a rod gong with two striking hammers. Disassembly was routine but required the removal of some parts to separate the plates. The Gilbert Clock Company began making clocks in December of 1828 and produced clocks over a span of … More Gilbert 2038 tambour clock with Normandy Chime – servicing the movement

How long has my clock been running?

Has my 90 year old Gilbert clock been running continuously since it was first purchased? Not likely. Okay, you’ve made the plunge. For whatever reason you bought that mechanical clock you always wanted. Ask yourself; this is a 100 year old clock and it has been running all this time so what more do I … More How long has my clock been running?

Gilbert model 2038 8-day mantel clock with Normandy Chime

My wife was going through the online catalogue of an estate auction recently and found an attractive vintage Gilbert tambour style clock. “Are you interested?” she said. “Sure”, I said, “put a maximum bid of $35”. We won the bid at $25 + tax and buyer’s premium, so, still under $35 CDN. Would I have … More Gilbert model 2038 8-day mantel clock with Normandy Chime

At least orient the clock photo!

For sale Gilbert antique mantel clock If you are going to sell a clock tell me more about it and why is it sideways? It does not take much to orient a photo! Very annoying. Is it mechanical or electric? Looks like it is key wound from the rear.  

Gilbert tambour clock with Normandy Chime – movement servicing

This Gilbert tambour style mantel clock is model 2038 with a bim-bam strike or what Gilbert called a Normandy chime. The model number along with the words “Normandy Chime” are stamped on the bottom of the case. Gilbert called this the “Normandy Chime” as it was reminiscent of the old bells of Normandy (Corneville) in … More Gilbert tambour clock with Normandy Chime – movement servicing

The ultrasonic cleaner – an essential cleaning tool for clock repair

The ultrasonic cleaner is an essential tool for clock repair. Yes, you can get along just fine without one but if you have some spare cash you will not be disappointed. Ultrasonic cleaning machines are used by a wide variety of professionals where cleanliness is of paramount concern. They are used in many industries including … More The ultrasonic cleaner – an essential cleaning tool for clock repair

Gilbert time and strike – why I am putting the movement aside for now

While antiquing some time ago I came across boxes of clock movements in a shop. Some were fairly new though I found a Gilbert time and strike date stamped 1906 which piqued my interest. In the box was the key, the coil gong, clock hands, pendulum and movement mounting screws. A movement without a case. … More Gilbert time and strike – why I am putting the movement aside for now

Tick Talk Tuesday #11 – clocks of Cuba

Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from you, the reader, concerning your clocks, issues you might have had and challenges you face and my responses to your questions with advice on your  particular clock concern(s) and of course, general comments. For those comments and questions that stump even me, I … More Tick Talk Tuesday #11 – clocks of Cuba