Tag: normandy chime

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

Tick-Talk Tuesday
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 even me, I consult within my clock circles for the best possible answer
Double-ended keys
Double-ended keys

TD says,

“Hi Ron,  I’m TD.  I purchased a Gilbert Clock from an antique store in xxxxxxx, Wis.  It’s a Gilbert Tambour style mantel clock model 2041. It’s marked “Normandy Chime 2041.”  The question I have is what is the keyhole under number 12 for?  The clock sat in the store for a long time, that is till it found ME.  I have a thing for old clocks. I feel they’re a living thing and it’s a shame if they’re not ticking away as long as they’re able to. Just like Us!”

Gilbert mantel clock 1925, small arbour below the 12 is for regulating the clock
Gilbert movement
Gilbert movement, the top centre is the regulating mechanism

My response,

Hi TD,

I have a Gilbert tambour 2038 with Normandy Chime which is similar in some ways. Look at the key that came with your clock. It should be doubled ended one like this one.

The small end fits into an arbor just below the “12”. This is for regulating the speed of your clock. You might see an “S” and an  ”F” above the 12. Turning the key clockwise speeds up the clock and counterclockwise slows it down. If you have only a single-ended key, it is the wrong type for your clock although it will wind it up.

I also have a thing for old clocks. Be careful it is addictive.

Hope this helps.”

Whoops! Should have been published on Tuesday. My wife caught the error this morning.

Gilbert 2038 tambour clock with Normandy Chime – servicing the movement

Gilbert time and strike 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 130 years.

Gilbert tambour style clock model 2038

This is the model 2038 with a bim-bam strike or what Gilbert in its marketing called a Normandy Chime. 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 within clock circles, calling it a “Chime” certainly adds to the confusion as this would be considered a striking clock rather than a chiming one.

Servicing the movement

Continue reading “Gilbert 2038 tambour clock with Normandy Chime – servicing the movement” →

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.

Gilbert mantel clock 1925

“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 paid more? Not likely. However, it is a handsome “Napoleon hat” styled clock but they were plentiful and cheap at the time and not particularly valuable or desirable today despite the fact that it is almost 100 years old.

Continue reading “Gilbert model 2038 8-day mantel clock with Normandy Chime” →

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