Post Your Gustav Becker Clocks Here

[Kbarntho]

Welcome to the forum.

Your clock is not a Gloria clock.

Gloria is a trademark of Gustav Becker and is the name of the gong contained in your clock.

Your clock is most likely a Gustav Becker. Pictures of the back of the movement will be of great help to confirm and also to date the clock.

Regards.

Thanks - and sorry for the sloppy wording. I agree that it's likely a Gustav Becker clock from the GB symbol with anchor and crown I saw on the back of the case. I was just indicating that it seems to have the "Gloria" gong, but I wasn't very clear. I will find some time to have a look at the movement and will post for input.

 

[Kbarntho]

Updated post with more details - those that I probably should have included originally. I opened the case this morning and found it has a "Silesia" movement, and above the pendulum marking "42P" there is another letter "P". No serial number. String inside the case releases the strike train - seems useful for synching strike with hands.

When I received the clock the chime did not work and that turned out to be because the hammer and gong were intertwined. I carefully moved things back to an alignment that made sense to me and it now strikes nicely on the hour and half. Case back has a GB anchor symbol with elongated G and B that appears to be from the 1894-1903 years based on info that I've seen posted here....plus some other mystery markings that I could not make out but maybe someone here can.

Any general insights would be appreciated. I'm working my way through the 67 other pages here and am enjoying it. Thank you!

 

[JTD]

it has a "Silesia" movement,

Silesia is not the name of the movement, Silesia was then an area of Germany.

Gustav Becker Co. was in Freiburg in Silesia (Freiburg is now Swiebodzice in Poland) and that part of Silesia is now Polish Slask.

JTD

 

[KurtinSA]

Not sure where the 1894-1903 date range comes from for this logo. John Hubby has dated the logo to 1906-1925 for a clock made in Freiburg.

Kurt

 

[Kbarntho]

Not sure where the 1894-1903 date range comes from for this logo. John Hubby has dated the logo to 1906-1925 for a clock made in Freiburg.

Kurt

Hi Kurt, Yes agreed on the range John Hubby provided for the movement. My confusion is on the logo printed on the case that seems to match an earlier logo described by John Hubby.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

 

[JTD]

I think the apparent 'elongation' is due to the fact that the stamp, probably a rubber stamp, was being pressed onto a rather uneven wooden surface. This would need greater pressure than normal and could result in the elongated appearance of the image.

Just my thought - may not be right.

JTD

 

[tarant]

Clocks with "Silesia" series movements appeared in the year 1906. This clock was presented first time in the catalog for the year 1912.

 

[Kbarntho]

Piotr,

Thank you very much for this - I greatly appreciate it!

 

[Derby]

Interested if anyone can share more details about my GB clock. Can't find a serial number. It's marked P112 and has the letter "M" stamped on the back plate as well. Also "Regina Gong" and GB on that part. Attaching photos. Thanks!

 

[KurtinSA]

Welcome to the message board! Based upon the logo, it would date the clock to range of 1914-1934. The GB company was sold to Junghans in 1930 or so but there were clocks and parts ready to be used and were continued for a bit of time. The purpose of the letter "M" has not determined that I know of. "P112" is the length of the pendulum in centimeters. I've read here on the forum that the Regina gong was not shown in the 1928 and 1932 catalogs, so possibly the clock is of an earlier date.

Kurt

 

[dcjens]

Here's one.
What can you tell me about this Gus
Thank you in advance
Darin J

 

[KurtinSA]

The clock was built during the first few months of 1920. Do you have more pictures of the clock case, movement, dial, and back?

Kurt

 

[dcjens]

Case Approx 38×13"
Very nice beveled glass in the door
1/4 hr chime Westminster

 

[String Ha]

Excuse me Gustav Becker "S" has anything to do with Silesia? Serial number 2270882 with P48. Thank you for your help!

 

[Steven Thornberry]

Excuse me Gustav Becker "S" has anything to do with Silesia? Serial number 2270882 with P48. Thank you for your help!
View attachment 693418

The "S" stands for Schlagwerk (Striking movement).

 

[KurtinSA]

The clock was built in the first half of 1913.

Kurt

 

[TylerC]

Picked up a GB clock a few months ago. Havent been able to date it or even find anything close to it. Closest date that was given to me was between 1910-1920 based on the logo stamp. I could not find a serial number on the movement at all other than P18

 

[Steven Thornberry]

I could not find a serial number on the movement at all other than P18

The P18, of course, is not a serial number. It indicates that the pendulum length is 18 cm.

 

[KurtinSA]

That logo was given a date range for Freiburg production as being from 1906 to 1925.

Kurt

 

[MtnMann]

Greetings,

New to the forum…
Was just given this GB dual chime clock. Is it correct to call it a hall clock? Or grandfather clock? Or?

It has the Freiburg logo and the Medaille D'or logo
P. 112
Serial: 2393044 (I assume 1925?)

Looking for any more information on it (model number, catalog pic, etc.)
It seems like it may have originally had feet at each corner as there are holes on the bottom at the corners. It has the Whittington/Silent/Westminster switch at the top.
I’m still figuring it out and have a couple basic questions I’d appreciate some help with.
Is it OK to adjust time by simply moving the minute hand?
When I moved it from where I got it (only about 2 miles away), I removed the weights but didn’t take note of which went where (oops). Is the heaviest for the Chime? Is that on the right? Would the time weight be the lightest?

Thanks in advance!

 

[new2clocks]

Is it correct to call it a hall clock? Or grandfather clock? Or?

Welcome to the forum.

The traditional English language name for these types of clocks is 'tall clock' or 'long case clock', depending on which side of the Atlantic Ocean you reside.

The term grandfather clock came later, about the late 1800s, based on a song "My Grandfather's Clock".

Since this is a German clock, you could call it a 'Hall Clock', as this is a loose translation of the term Germans would use for this type of clock - Hausuhren.

Welcome to the world of clocks, where there seems to be three terms for the same thing .

Regards.

 

[MtnMann]

Welcome to the forum.

The traditional English language name for these types of clocks is 'tall clock' or 'long case clock', depending on which side of the Atlantic Ocean you reside.

The term grandfather clock came later, about the late 1800s, based on a song "My Grandfather's Clock".

Since this is a German clock, you could call it a 'Hall Clock', as this is a loose translation of the term Germans would use for this type of clock - Hausuhren.

Welcome to the world of clocks, where there seems to be three terms for the same thing .

Regards.

Thanks for the info!

 

[KurtinSA]

The serial number puts the date closer to the first month or so of 1921.

Kurt

 

[JTD]

Is it OK to adjust time by simply moving the minute hand?

Yes, but allow the strike/chime to happen each time the hand passes the appropriate spot (unless you have it on 'silent'), don't just turn it round quickly to reach the desired time.

JTD

 

[MtnMann]

Thanks JTD. I assumed that was the case but didn't want to make a rookie mistake...

Kurt, where do you get 1921 from that serial? I see the serial list posted several places with 2,244,868 as the starting serial for 1926. Then I saw elsewhere that mid 1925 was the end of production for the Freiburg clocks? Just a bit confused on that...

 

[KurtinSA]

MtMann -

I suspect you were looking at the data by Kochmann which has seen been shown to be not so good after 1900. John Hubby did extensive research to tighten up the dating...he used as much as he could find from publications, clocks with pedigrees and sales receipts, clocks presented as gifts, etc. John's post documenting this is here:

Post Your Gustav Becker Clocks Here | NAWCC Forums

Kurt

 

[MtnMann]

MtMann -

I suspect you were looking at the data by Kochmann which has seen been shown to be not so good after 1900. John Hubby did extensive research to tighten up the dating...he used as much as he could find from publications, clocks with pedigrees and sales receipts, clocks presented as gifts, etc. John's post documenting this is here:

Post Your Gustav Becker Clocks Here | NAWCC Forums

Kurt

Thanks for clarifying Kurt!

Can anyone clarify regarding the three weights, if Chime=heaviest and Time=lightest? (leaving strike for the middleweight)

 

[steamer471]

Picked this up online locally. Covered up in an inch of dust cotton cleanser did wonders. Bim Bam Strike curious about the gong, looks like a Harfen gong with the letters filled and only the GB visible. Was this done maybe because the clock was sold from a Nuremburg jeweler? . No pics of the movement front till I take it down.

 

[CCInet]

Hello everyone. This Gustav Becker black forest had already been published but outside of this thread. I am attaching here some photos in case any Gustav Becker enthusiast wants to take a look at it.
Greetings.

 

[JTD]

curious about the gong, looks like a Harfen gong with the letters filled and only the GB visible. Was this done maybe because the clock was sold from a Nuremburg jeweler?

Not sure I understand....what would the retailer's address have to do with removal of the letters?

But perhaps I am missing something.

JTD

 

[steamer471]

Just a guess on my part. i know sometimes retailers want to make products appear to be theirs but with the big GB at the bottom I guess this wouldn't be so. Another guess would be it's a Harfen gong base but not a Harfen gong. Maybe the patent ran out?

 

[new2clocks]

Just a guess on my part. i know sometimes retailers want to make products appear to be theirs but with the big GB at the bottom I guess this wouldn't be so. Another guess would be it's a Harfen gong base but not a Harfen gong. Maybe the patent ran out?

The Harfen Gong was patented technology, so I suspect the retailer would want to emphasize the quality of the wares rather than hide it as you suggest. And expiration of a patent does not require markings that reference the patent to be eliminated.

The reason your gong bracket looks like it does remains a mystery.

For the record, the Harfen gong bracket should look like this:

Regards.

 

[steamer471]

Yes. I scanned through this whole thread and saw two other gongs like mine. The only thing all three had in common was a retailers tag on the inside door. None were the same retailer but I thought it was a bit odd. They looked filled in and DRP tag on the top is gone. Just curious as to see if anyone knew why.

 

[new2clocks]

I scanned through this whole thread and saw two other gongs like mine. The only thing all three had in common was a retailers tag on the inside door. None were the same retailer but I thought it was a bit odd.

This is an interesting observation!

Regards.

 

[MichaelC]

Hi, I'm new to this forum. I bought a house in 2020 and the owners left me a GB wall clock. I'm hoping someone can shed some light on the clock for me.

I got it running but seem to have an issue where the minute hand will stop at 55 min. But the pendulum is still going. Anyways here is some pics below.

 

[KurtinSA]

Welcome to the message board! The clock serial number dates it to mid 1920. Not sure why it won't go past 0:55 but sounds like something is binding or there's not enough power to raise the hand. Usually if it's weak on power it will stop at 0:45 because that is the spot where the weight of the hand is the most. K.C. Co Germany on the dial refers to the Kuehl Clock Company from Chicago. I read here on the forum that they were an American importer but they had strong connections to Germany.

Kurt

 

[MichaelC]

Welcome to the message board! The clock serial number dates it to mid 1920. Not sure why it won't go past 0:55 but sounds like something is binding or there's not enough power to raise the hand. Usually if it's weak on power it will stop at 0:45 because that is the spot where the weight of the hand is the most. K.C. Co Germany on the dial refers to the Kuehl Clock Company from Chicago. I read here on the forum that they were an American importer but they had strong connections to Germany.

Kurt

Hi Kurt, thanks for the quick reply.

I will mention that the minute hand feels very loose. It can wobble towards and away from the clockface, as well as some wobble clockwise and counter clockwise. Could that be apart of the issue?

 

[J. A. Olson]

The Harfen Gong was patented technology, so I suspect the retailer would want to emphasize the quality of the wares rather than hide it as you suggest. And expiration of a patent does not require markings that reference the patent to be eliminated.

The reason your gong bracket looks like it does remains a mystery.

For the record, the Harfen gong bracket should look like this:

View attachment 697362

Regards.

Late response but the later VFU/Gustav Becker gong units were devoid of ornamentation that defined the older patterns.
German gong ornamentation fell out of favor during the late 1920's and as older gong designs came in for periodic re-patterning, out went the ornamentation, The 'unmarked' Trio Gong used the same basic shape as the unmarked Quartett and Harfen Gongs, not unusual at all.



MichaelC When my own Gustav Becker clock had the same problem as your clock, I had to replace the minute hand's taper pin and washer so they kept the minute hand tight enough to clutch. Try replacing the tapered pin and washer with new ones that keep the minute hand tighter. It is a balancing act, tight enough so the hand clutches onto its shaft but not too tight or else it may stall.

 

[MichaelC]

Late response but the later VFU/Gustav Becker gong units were devoid of ornamentation that defined the older patterns.
German gong ornamentation fell out of favor during the late 1920's and as older gong designs came in for periodic re-patterning, out went the ornamentation, The 'unmarked' Trio Gong used the same basic shape as the unmarked Quartett and Harfen Gongs, not unusual at all.

View attachment 701724

MichaelC When my own Gustav Becker clock had the same problem as your clock, I had to replace the minute hand's taper pin and washer so they kept the minute hand tight enough to clutch. Try replacing the tapered pin and washer with new ones that keep the minute hand tighter. It is a balancing act, tight enough so the hand clutches onto its shaft but not too tight or else it may stall.

Ok, good info. Is there any good place to buy those parts? New to the clock world.

 

[J. A. Olson]

I will send you some links through a direct message (PM).

 

[String Ha]

Hi, I'm new to this forum. I bought a house in 2020 and the owners left me a GB wall clock. I'm hoping someone can shed some light on the clock for me.

I got it running but seem to have an issue where the minute hand will stop at 55 min. But the pendulum is still going. Anyways here is some pics below. View attachment 701709 View attachment 701710 View attachment 701711 View attachment 701713 View attachment 701714 View attachment 701715 View attachment 701716

You squeeze more to hug close to the minute hand axis. No need to replace if it's in good condition!

 

[v1sauk]

Hi. This is the last clock in my collection.

 

[KurtinSA]

Appears to be made in Braunau if I'm reading the one logo right. That would mean that clock was built in early 1904.

Kurt

 

[Hfloyd]

Hello all!
was tasked recently (by my mother) with finding a grandfather clock for her,

don't know how I got this lucky (I'm in Israel), but somehow managed to get this wonderful one,
which is absolutely perfect in every way (size, shape, style, color, age marks great condition etc), as far as she was concerned, and perhaps even more importantly - as far as I am concerned, since I'm planning on inheriting it. no rush.

I am an Industrial designer, know nothing of this world specifically, but trusted that I could make it work from initial inspection.
everything works great, was missing a suspension spring and a pendulum leader which I fabricated until I get my hands on an original (again, Israel- not so easy to get parts)
other minor weird stuff - Regina gong missing the long rod which is not a big deal at all (brass fastener is there). it does seem like the screws are backwards , and missing the rod stopper (of all things)

anyway- after minor cleaning , and re oiling it runs like a champ
so decided not to push my luck..
turns out that the biggest problem by far is the rabbit hole I find myself in right now with researching all about it..

from reading around the forum I assume this c1926-27 (doesn't really matter to me)
and from bumping up the contrast on the back pics, found something like "2680D" (perhaps?)
and something like "WH 6 11" (which is also on the back of the dial face) no other markings, that I could find and no documentation I could find for this model..

and..

the brass plate on the front, never seen anything like it , "1901-1926" with a lot of names that don't make any sense to me.. It feels like someone put it there just to mess with me.. on the other hand- it matches the period so it's gotta have some meaning..- either way I love it! one of my favorite parts of the clock!

Any info would be greatly appreciated!!
and regardless, cheers for all the hard work and information this community is putting in here!

Thank you,
Roy

 

[JTD]

Welcome to the board.

something like "WH 6 11" (which is also on the back of the dial face)

This mark is likely made by a repairer in the past and is of no particular significance.

The PL 112 on the back of the movement is the pendululm length.

the brass plate on the front, never seen anything like it , "1901-1926" with a lot of names that don't make any sense to me.. It feels like someone put it there just to mess with me.

Not quite sure what you mean - do you mean you can't read the names? If so, they are:
H. Palmbach J. Neumann
E. Nagel J. Kauschen
F. Ruttewit H. Fischer
W. Grundul

The plaque is clearly commerating 25 years of something that happened on 18th May, exactly what I suppose we shall never know. As you say, this date would fit in with the approximate date of the clock.

JTD

 

[Steven Thornberry]

The plaque is clearly commerating 25 years of something that happened on 18th May,

Is that a Roman numeral IV under the 18? If so, that would seem to indicate 18th April.

 

[Hfloyd]

hi JTD,
thanks for the quick reply

This mark is likely made by a repairer in the past and is of no particular significance.

oh, ok, any thoughts on the 2680, if that's even right?
and that aside-do you have any idea about model number/ where I could start looking for documentation?

Not quite sure what you mean - do you mean you can't read the names? If so, they are:
H. Palmbach J. Neumann
E. Nagel J. Kauschen
F. Ruttewit H. Fischer
W. Grundul

The plaque is clearly commerating 25 years of something that happened on 18th May, exactly what I suppose we shall never know. As you say, this date would fit in with the approximate date of the clock.

Sorry I didn't present the question clearly. I was able to read it eventually, thought these names / date were perhaps commemorating something that had to do with the manufacturer's side, and if on client's side- if the names perhaps rang a gong to anyone
would be a nice history detail to uncover

exactly what I suppose we shall never know

now why would you say something like that JTD ? )

 

[J. A. Olson]

Regina gong missing the long rod which is not a big deal at all (brass fastener is there). it does seem like the screws are backwards , and missing the rod stopper (of all things)

The screws and washers should secure the gong block from back of case, like these examples:

 

[Hfloyd]

The screws and washers should secure the gong block from back of case, like these examples:

View attachment 708545 View attachment 708546

yup.. that's what I noticed..
My theory is that it was disassembled for shipping, during that time the rod's stabilizer (and pendulum leader) were lost, and upon delivery it was assembled by an non professional, who mounted it wrong and since he was missing the leader, just left it in a non functioning state..
Thanks!

 

[Tatyana]

In the catalog of 1924, this model is 2654.



Regards
Tatyana