Difference between a long case movement and a mantel clock movement

[Joseph Coppersmith]

Is there a difference between a long case movement and say a mantel clock movement? If so, how does one tell the difference between the two movements.

Also, I have two (2) Gilbert Columbia clocks. I suspect one of the two is a reproduction. Each clock has a different gong base. How can one determine what type of gong base was in the original (not reproduction) case? One gong base is aluminum and round shaped liked a miniature hockey puck whereas, the other gong base is iron and black commonly found in many clocks.

I thank you for your anticipated reply’s.

 

[zedric]

Is there a difference between a long case movement and say a mantel clock movement? If so, how does one tell the difference between the two movements.

Generally, longcase movements are weight driven while mantel clocks are spring driven, although there are always exceptions

 

[JTD]

Also, I have two (2) Gilbert Columbia clocks. I suspect one of the two is a reproduction. Each clock has a different gong base. How can one determine what type of gong base was in the original (not reproduction) case? One gong base is aluminum and round shaped liked a miniature hockey puck whereas, the other gong base is iron and black commonly found in many clocks.

It would be so helpful to see some pictures.

JTD

 

[Joseph Coppersmith]

It would be so helpful to see some pictures.

JTD

Here are two pictures showing two direct gong bases. Question is, which of the two is original to a Gilbert Columbia?

 

[Steven Thornberry]

The black gong base (on the right) appears to be a common Asian-made gong. The inside backboard also does not impress me as being as old as I would expect. Did both come with Gilbert movements?

 

[Steven Thornberry]

I wonder whether the gong shown in the lefthand picture might be covered under the following Geroge Owen patent?

US248206

 

[Joseph Coppersmith]

I wonder whether the gong shown in the lefthand picture might be covered under the following Geroge Owen patent?

US248206

Thank you Steve and JTD for your prompt replies.

The pictured clock on the left (round gong base) does, in fact, have G.B. Owen inscribed on it. Also, it has a Gilbert movement.

The clock on the right does have, I believe, and, as JTD pointed out an Asian gong base. The marking on the movement has a circle with a triangle inside of of the circle which makes me believe as JTD that the movement is Asian.

According to my books the clock on the right looks to be original and the clock left appears to be a reproduction.

So, would you put the Gilbert movement into the original case and put the Asian movement into the reproduction?

I thank you for you input and look forward to your reply(s).

 

[wow]

Yes.

 

[gvasale]

Pendulum length is an important clue. No mantle clocks use a tall clock length pendulum except there are some that do. Spring wound, for example, Ithica, used spring wound with a long pendulum. I can't tell you whose movements they used at this time. But there's one in my cellar. Spring wound movements were probably used by others for a cheap tall clock.

 

[gvasale]

As you can see, this is your typical CT movement pattern. This is what was in the Ithica tall clock. And no doubt, there are probably others too. I seem to remember that the ST 113 movement found its way into some tall clocks