Post Your Gustav Becker Clocks Here

[KurtinSA]

Is there a thread where I can post my Ansonia as well for some info or shall I just post it here?

Click on this link and find the maker's link for other picture threads on other makers.

Post Your (Maker's Name) Clocks

Kurt

 

[Salsagev]

You can post it in general clock discussions or newest clock acquisition.

 

[Royce]

Is there a thread where I can post my Ansonia as well for some info or shall I just post it here?

Yes, go to the forum "General Clock Discussions", then to the sticky thread "Post Your (Maker's Name) Clocks", then Ansonia to post your clock/info.
Royce

Kurt is a faster typer!!

 

[TimWK]

I have 2 Gustav Becker 3 weight wall clocks. Both of these clocks came with weights of different weights. The first one made in 1873has very light weights, both under 3lbs. My newest was made in 1906 and both weights are over 31/2lbs. I have put the lighter weights on the newer clock and it still keeps excellent time,

Is there a general rule of thumb as to how to select the proper weight for the weights?

I hope someone will be able to answer this question.

Best Regards

 

[TimWK]

in the above post it should be I have 2 GB 2 weight, instead of 3 weight. I wish I had even 1 GB 3weight.

 

[Milev]

Hello everyone, I recently opened this forum and I am glad to be able to show my Gustav Becker watch here. I will be happy with everything I learn about it. I apologize for my poor English.

 

[KurtinSA]

Welcome to the message board! Thanks for showing your nice Gustav Becker clock...quite ornate. The serial number dates to the clock to the middle of 1903. The P42 means that the pendulum length is 42 centimeters.

Kurt

 

[Richard Shelton]

Here is a Gustav Becker Grand Soniere I had in from a customer.

 

[DeWe]

hi,
I'm happy to found this forum. In German forum I haven't found so much information about Gustav Becker clock 's like here.
A few days ago I found an old Gustav Becker clock in the trash house. In the darkness the first look was ok and the Key was also available. I like mechanics clocks and so I pick-up them up...There was nothing to loose.




During light I've seen that someone glue a second dial(ring) on the dial plate.....This was the first thing, which I've removed.


Additional there was around the mechanics fiberglass wool *argh* to eliminate the sound (tick tack or the Gong?) Uncomfortable the wool was not secured for a contact of the clockwork and I hope that there is not so much dirt between the wheels

The clockwork has no Serialnummer. It's marked only as a Gustav Becker , P42 and Mod 1915


The clock should be around 1915 and made in Freiburg?
Does someone has more information about the clock? I've read a lot of page's and look a lot of picture from search results, but didn't find any specific information.

Now I'm waiting of a new dial (buyer on Ebay) to give the clock a better look. Uncomfortable the correct pendel (same motive as in the middle of the dial) was not available

 

[KurtinSA]

Welcome to the message board! Nice that you can save this from the dumpster!! As far as dating goes, have you see this post by John Hubby:

Post Your Gustav Becker Clocks Here | NAWCC Forums

Things get a little harder to date when there's no serial number. But based upon the logo on the back plate, I think it most closely matches that for Freiburg 1923-1932. I can't figure out what the "Mod 1915" means...there are no common numbers with the P42 which is pendulum length so hard to tell, but the 1915 doesn't have the same format in my eyes, so maybe added later? But it does suggest a date, not sure what it means though.

Kurt

 

[DeWe]

there are some issue, where I'm struggling too about the age. I've look all 66 pages of this thread. Newer clock boxes have one the left and right side glas...this box has textile . It's broken on both this...but it doesn't matter


the clockwork is also fixed on a woodplate and can adjust left and right with 2 screw from the button


also on some print from the catalog I couldn't found the grafic from the pendulumand added
in the internal circle of the dial) Maybe this could be help to identify this from the catalog. Uncomfortable I couldn't found a copy in the internet. On the pages 400day (where is a reference in this thread)... there is nothing anymore

 

[Sergio Vasquez]

Hi DeWe

This is the first time I've seen a Silesia P42 movement with a Mod1915 legend.

Those movements haven't series number, that can be related to the year when there have been built or any of the cities where GB Clocks were made or assembled (Freiburg or Braunau).

My clock is a Silesia P42 as well and based on the logos, it belong to a period of years, but not precise.

Let's wait for the experts if they can add more detailed information.

Sergio

 

[Steven Thornberry]

I can't figure out what the "Mod 1915" means.

John Hubby has put forth the the following suggestion in this thread:

The "Mod. 1915" has been found on different movement designs, not only this one. It appears to have reference to changes introduced in 1915, no other information has been found as yet. It doesn't refer to the actual year made, the serial numbers provide that information.

Following that suggestion, "Mod." would seem to be an abbreviation for Modifikation, Modifizierung, or the like.

 

[KurtinSA]

The only thing that I'm familiar with regarding 1915 and Becker is the introduction of their 4-ball pendulum for torsion clocks in 1915. JUF had the patent on them and it ran out in 1915. Obviously not directly related to swinging pendulum clocks.

Kurt

 

[AlexandreVienna]

Hi all,

I recently bought two GB, all produced in Braunau, the first around 1892 (90960) which is weight driven. The second one was in an case I bought (407237) from 1908? has a spring. The older one has a pendulum, which was not original, the guide for the pendulum was wrong, 3mm wide... The pendulum was marked A61 and about 63cm long, the bob 14,5 cm.

The second is missing a pendulum all along. At that time there was no stamp on the back suggesting the length of the pendulum required. What could it be? The wheel are stamped with a 7 if this gives a clue.

Regarding the older one Was there a differnet length longer than P27 like P29. I counted the teeth and came to the conclution this clock may not run longer than 5 days. Is that possible?
Regards
Alexander

 

[KurtinSA]

Welcome to the message board! The dates on the clocks are a little different...the 90XXX is from first part of 1893 while the 407XXX is from the first half of 1907. Others can help with the pendulum questions.

Kurt

 

[DeWe]

The newer one, around 1907, could be a running time of 7 day's. It's simular as our clock at home.

( If I received another pendulum (Messing) color in gold) during the next days, could I post here a picture of a smooth Restauration with another dial face, or must/should I open another thread?)

 

[AlexandreVienna]

I know Kurt, I am aware of the wonderful work John did on Gustav Becker with the help of our Polnish friends . Unfortunatly here in Austria and Germany is a GB Comunitywhich is ignorant to the fact that Braunau has a different serial number system. I frequently see clocks claimed to be from the 1880 with a bar gong...
I am very happy to be here!
Thanks

 

[AlexandreVienna]

The newer one, around 1907, could be a running time of 7 day's. It's simular as our clock at home.

( If I received another pendulum (Messing) color in gold) during the next days, could I post here a picture of a smooth Restauration with another dial face, or must/should I open another thread?)

what length is the pendulum of yours?
I know the spring driven will be a week or more, I just changed the spring which was bent. Alas maybe allready 70 years ago and than forgotten.

 

[DeWe]

The mechanism is a P42.
Please keep in mind, that this is the length in total. The size is up from the pendulum spring till the end of the pendulum. This means you must add to the length of the pendulum the length of the holder of the pendulum. It should be in your case also round about 10cm.

 

[LVGB]

Hello lovely people! I have just found this website about Gustav Becker clocks. It's really interesting material to read and search.
I was wondering, I have Gustav Becker clock but it doesn't have serial number and from logo it looks like from 1909-1933 year.
Could You please help me solve from which year it could be and maybe You see what has been changed over the years from original version of the clock?

 

[Royce]

LVGB
First and foremost, welcome to the Forum!!
Based on the research by John Hubby (Last edit Jan 8, 2019), the trademark on your movement would date the clock from 1914 - 1934. However, since there is no serial number, this might imply that it is from the period 1926 - 1932 based on "It appears that from 1926 until the Freiburg factory was closed at the end of 1932, the Braunau factory was used to assemble non-serial numbered clocks for GB." Your clock is referred to as a German Box Clock which was very popular in this timeframe.

Again, welcome!

Royce

 

[b09dan]

Hello everyone,

Just got the chance to buy a Gustav Becker clock, and I would need your help with identifying the model, if it's possible from the pictures I have. From the previous posts, I have managed to identify the period using the GB logo (it's 1919-1925), but I would like to know any more info for the model. I also believe it's missing it's top centerpiece. Below are the photos. Thank you in advance.

 

[DeWe]

you are right... I've fnd in a German forum a simular watch

German Watchforum

On your movement there is the char "K". I didn't know exactly which year this one was used... Maybe another one can give you more details.
On other hand, I didn't belive that the dial and pendulum is the original of this chassis. The figure from the chassis is also as a middle of a dial and in the pendulum available... But maybe this was also a valid variant.

 

[AlexandreVienna]

On the Internet is this beauty.
Next to the Serialnumber is a Text : PRIMA
Has anybody seen something like that?
Btw Yesterday I saw a Becker where the two emblems were milled away, was weight driven with a nimber 257x.xxx or 258x.xxx

 

[Tatyana]

On the Internet is this beauty.
Next to the Serialnumber is a Text : PRIMA
Has anybody seen something like that?
Btw Yesterday I saw a Becker where the two emblems were milled away, was weight driven with a nimber 257x.xxx or 258x.xxx

View attachment 636256 View attachment 636257

There is another movement PRIMA with a close serial number:



BR, Tatyana

 

[Royce]

Based on the latest information I have from John Hubby's research and chart (Last edit Jan 8, 2019), both serial numbers (92388 & 923x8) would indicate a manufacturing date of 1875 (1875: 0089301 1876: 0109001). However, the Trademark indicates a time frame of 1877 - 1925. There appears to be a bit of a disconnect. John may need to review and revise his info accordingly.

Royce

 

[AlexandreVienna]

Based on the latest information I have from John Hubby's research and chart (Last edit Jan 8, 2019), both serial numbers (92388 & 923x8) would indicate a manufacturing date of 1875 (1875: 0089301 1876: 0109001). However, the Trademark indicates a time frame of 1877 - 1925. There appears to be a bit of a disconnect. John may need to review and revise his info accordingly.

Royce

Hi Royce.

Sorry this is incorrect. It is the Braunau factory, 1893 is the correct date.
Regards
Alex

 

[Royce]

Hi Royce.

Sorry this is incorrect. It is the Braunau factory, 1893 is the correct date.
Regards
Alex

I couldn't see the medallion very well but after I blew it up, you are right. I stand corrected!!

 

[AlexandreVienna]

I couldn't see the medallion very well but after I blew it up, you are right.

Dear Royce,
after following John and all of you for 66 pages I am happy to shape my understanding of GB a bit. Thanks of that research it not only shed light on his production and variaties but also offers insight of other manufatureres at that time. We have to thank Gustav for providing us with a very systematic and good structured production which was a standard for many to achive. At least up to the late 1890s ...
It is a pity I can not find these standards for the old Austrian Clockmakers which worked 40 years earlier.
And lets not forget the reason he went back was that at that time Schlesien was a poor area, where the cost of production was much less than in Vienna or Switzerland. But also it lacked skilled workers. He and other startet to build this "new" industry in an backward area and that gave it a great push, which resulted in prestige in his homeland and fast growth of wealth.

Alex

 

[AlexandreVienna]

Again there is a GB for sale here in Austria. It is not mine, unfortunatel. Very lovely clock from Braunau in 1898. Intresting Pendulum leader. I have one from 1908 where it uses the type of Willman, which was generally used by GB then.

 

[AlexandreVienna]

I got a 2 weight GB with the Serial Number 371435 from Braunau. Should be around 1905. The case is broken.

Alexander

 

[chimeclockfan]

My new arrival and most favorite mantel clock so far. This dual chime No. 410 plays Westminster/Whittington chimes and is a strong runner. Still needs adjustment to the chime train before it's video time, but the chimes sound great. Here are photos of the clock as arrived alongside its 'older sibling'. Both clocks were bought from Gaius Coleman, a friend and fellow collector who's posted on here before.

The serial number space is hidden by a hammer rack. The rack and other features suggest a late production date of 1932 or thereabouts.
Ongoing studies revolving around the dual chime clocks are still a work in progress. They weren't documented in much detail but they're great clocks. Quality is astounding, one interesting aspect is the entire base removes for maintenance access.

 

[Salsagev]

My new arrival and most favorite mantel clock so far. This dual chime No. 410 plays Westminster/Whittington chimes and is a strong runner. Still needs adjustment to the chime train before it's video time, but the chimes sound great. Here are photos of the clock as arrived alongside its 'older sibling'. Both clocks were bought from Gaius Coleman, a friend and fellow collector who's posted on here before.

The serial number space is hidden by a hammer rack. The rack and other features suggest a late production date of 1932 or thereabouts.
Ongoing studies revolving around the dual chime clocks are still a work in progress. They weren't documented in much detail but they're great clocks. Quality is astounding, one interesting aspect is the entire base removes for maintenance access.

View attachment 642800 View attachment 642801 View attachment 642805 View attachment 642802 View attachment 642803 View attachment 642804

Those are beautiful! I definitely see quality within this model since the dial is nicely silvered dial along with the excess material in the chiming “accessories”. It also looks to have a Geneva stop which is fancy.
May I ask what you mean when you say “removable base”?

 

[Royce]

My new arrival and most favorite mantel clock so far. This dual chime No. 410 plays Westminster/Whittington chimes and is a strong runner. Still needs adjustment to the chime train before it's video time, but the chimes sound great. Here are photos of the clock as arrived alongside its 'older sibling'. Both clocks were bought from Gaius Coleman, a friend and fellow collector who's posted on here before.

The serial number space is hidden by a hammer rack. The rack and other features suggest a late production date of 1932 or thereabouts.
Ongoing studies revolving around the dual chime clocks are still a work in progress. They weren't documented in much detail but they're great clocks. Quality is astounding, one interesting aspect is the entire base removes for maintenance access.

I'm extremely jealous!!! Great find; beautiful clock!
Royce

 

[chimeclockfan]

When I find some new wood screws I'll take more photos showing how that base comes apart. These clocks follow a very particular disassembly procedure that must be followed to avoid damaging anything. The dual chime mantel clocks were a late introduction in 1926 and usually turn up in Britain.

 

[onisama]

Hello everyone, this's latest GB clock add to my collection.
Westminster chime, Porcelain dial with Sr.No. 2469364 stamped on movement plate.

Yot

 

[KurtinSA]

The movement was built in late 1923.

Kurt

 

[chimeclockfan]

Video of the dual chime mantel clock playing Whittington. Planning on doing a separate article on these clocks later on. Serial number is 4930.

The case just glows after getting the shellac treatment:

 

[nameeman]

 

[nameeman]

I don't know what year this is but I bought it thrifting for $12.50 as non-working. The pendulum was in a soft cloth in the bottom and there was no key. I figured out how to correctly hang the pendulum, polished the brass, wound it up and it works fine.

 

[Salsagev]

Nice find!

 

[Sergio Vasquez]

I can see from the pics that your clock hasn't the pendulum hanger (I don't know the exact word in English).

First you need to confirm the right length. The wall clocks seems to have only one size, but I don't know in this type of clocks. There are these pendulum hangers available in the web, I've seen a couple of them.

Keys are available as well. Used and news. You have to check the size of it, because they have very tiny variations between them.

Let's wait for experts reply.

BR

Sergio

 

[Royce]

First and foremost, welcome to the forum. I'm not one of the experts referenced above but, based on the trademark, I believe your clock was manufactured between 1914 - 1934 based on the research of John Hubby. Is there a serial number on the back of the movement? If so, the date may can be narrowed down.

Royce

 

[nameeman]

I can see from the pics that your clock hasn't the pendulum hanger (I don't know the exact word in English).

First you need to confirm the right length. The wall clocks seems to have only one size, but I don't know in this type of clocks. There are these pendulum hangers available in the web, I've seen a couple of them.

Keys are available as well. Used and news. You have to check the size of it, because they have very tiny variations between them.

Let's wait for experts reply.

BR

Sergio

Sorry, everything was there except the key but I have one from another clock I used.
The key seemed to fit perfectly? I didn't know there were different sizes.
I mean the hanger and weight were included and the clock works perfectly.
They just didn't have it attached when they "tested" it.

 

[nameeman]

First and foremost, welcome to the forum. I'm not one of the experts referenced above but, based on the trademark, I believe your clock was manufactured between 1914 - 1934 based on the research of John Hubby. Is there a serial number on the back of the movement? If so, the date may can be narrowed down.

Royce

Thank you. I didn't see a serial # just H and P18.

 

[nameeman]

Nice find!

Thank you. I was very excited to find it worked!

 

[nameeman]

Thank you. I didn't see a serial # just H and P18.

Show me anything manufactured these days that will last close to 100 years and still function flawlessly.
It's amazing the workmanship that goes into these.

 

[roughbarked]

I worked on exactly the same clock a couple of years ago. Everything including the window in the front for the pendulum to be visible is exactly the same. The owner of that clock also gave me a GB 400 day clock to work on. The 400 day clock was dated at 1925 for manufacture and I'd say, knowing how good and bad years flow for dry area farmers in Australia and in particular my region I'd say they purchased both clocks in the period between 1930 and 1935.

 

[KurtinSA]

I didn't see a serial # just H and P18.

The "H" means lantern pinions and the P18 means the pendulum length is 18cm.

Kurt