Gilbert model 1807?

[egll]

Hi All,
I recently acquired a Gilbert 1807 mantel chiming clock. The clock does not work and while I am certainly no repairman, I am mechanically inclined. As such, I am about to undertake some research on clock repair and purchase some manuals.
I am seeking any info that anyone may have regarding this type of movement and if it can be replaced as a whole, or needs repaired by individual parts.
Also, any help in identifying the age would be greatly appreciated. The dial is marked Gilbert 1807, made by Gilbert at Winsted, Conn., USA
Thanks,
Bob

[al_taka]

Welcome to our asylum, very nice clock. its a Striking Clock and not a Chiming clock. ex: Westminster Chime

Clocks this old are not replaceable, and only need someone to care for them.

I recommend the Conover Basic Clock Repair and Striking Clocks books. Here's the link:
http://www.clockmakersnewsletter.com/books.html

From the basics book you'll see what you need to get started and learn all the lingo and the Striking Book has a Chapter on Gilbert Clocks. Then you'll talk like us so its easy to help you with the first half a million questions.

Welcome

[egll]

Thanks for the info Al, I will certainly purchase those books, as I have become fascinated with these old clocks, and do intend to keep up my pursuit.
Do you know how I can attain parts for his clock? The dial seems to be of metal, perhaps silver plated. Is there something special to use for cleaning this dial?
Thanks again for the help,
Bob

[Vernon]

Hi Bob. Clocks are an addiction weather your interest is repair or collecting. You are right on about needing to study up before you dive in so that things don't get damaged and you don't get hurt. The springs are very powerful and need to be let down safely into a clamp before repairs can begin. Timesavers (http://timesavers.com/) site has books and supplies to get you started and naturally were here too.

Some speak highly of Balcombs books: First Reader and Repair Primer, as well as the Conover books mentioned. I don't own any of these yet but have learned from others. Have fun with it. Vernon

[Vernon]

Your dial is in pretty nice shape relatively speaking. The plating is very thin and any aggressive cleaning will ware it more. Dust it off is all I would do.

Vernon

[TEACLOCKS]

I worked on the same movement in a differant clock 11/07.
And talked about it on the Message Board then.

[al_taka]

Bob,
You can try David LaBounty for parts at:

http://www.abouttime-clockmaking.com/contact.shtml

[Steven Thornberry]

FWIW, the 1807 does not designate the model number. In the 1920's, the Gilbert Co. began caliming that year as the date their company was formed. In fact, it was the year Samuel Hoadley & Co. was established on the future site of the Gilbert Co. (This from Tran Duy Ly's Gilbert book). Your clock appears similar to the "Prewar" model, which is shown by Tran for the year 1925 and listed as having single-rod strike rather than a coil gong.

[shutterbug]

Bob,
You can try David LaBounty for parts at:

http://www.abouttime-clockmaking.com/contact.shtml

I'd highly recommend his DVD series too. Start with the basics. Click on 'clock class' on site.

[egll]

Thanks to all for the input and advice, it is very much appreciated. I'm still trying to determine the age of this clock. I have seen many that appear the same, however have seen none with the same type of striking mechanisim. Would the type of striker be useful in ID?
Thanks to all,
Bob

[Steven Thornberry]

Tambours such as this one became popular in the 1920's and 30's, although we find some from a bit earlier. It may not be possible to narrow down the date too precisely.

[Thyme]

FWIW, the 1807 does not designate the model number. In the 1920's, the Gilbert Co. began caliming that year as the date their company was formed. In fact, it was the year Samuel Hoadley & Co. was established on the future site of the Gilbert Co. (This from Tran Duy Ly's Gilbert book). Your clock appears similar to the "Prewar" model, which is shown by Tran for the year 1925 and listed as having single-rod strike rather than a coil gong.

I recall reading somewhere that 1807 was the year of the birth of Mr. Gilbert.

It was a clever bit of marketing, for as time went by, many people began to think that their clock might date back to 1807...

[Steven Thornberry]

Interesting bit of info, Thyme. :clap: Per Tran, Gilbert was born December 3, 1806, 4 weeks and one day shy of 1807, but with a bit of a fudge, what's a year among friends?;)

[Len Lataille]

Bob

You asked if there was something special to clean the dial?

Yes, there is. It's called "nothing". Leave it as is unless you like disasters, regretting what you did and want the value of the clock to drop.