What do you think of this GF clock

[RJSoftware]

Please tell me your impression of this clock.

I almost won it, and later after auction convinced seller to sell me it for $500. But shipping became too expensive, so I cancelled.

Later it was bought up by a local.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=019&item=290006517609

Just curious what you think.
RJ

 

[RJSoftware]

Please tell me your impression of this clock.

I almost won it, and later after auction convinced seller to sell me it for $500. But shipping became too expensive, so I cancelled.

Later it was bought up by a local.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=019&item=290006517609

Just curious what you think.
RJ

 

[Chris Radano]

The clock is in Tran Duy Ly's Gilbert book. The model is called "No. 51 Chapel", ca. 1929. The ladder chain movement is nifty. Designed to be an affordable clock. The quality of this clock should be OK. IMHO Gilbert clocks were pretty good quality for large USA factory manufacturers. Compare this clock to the Ithaca tall case clocks, only this model is probably not as readily found.

 

[Scottie-TX]

I believe the seller is overly optimistic about the value of the clock. I believe ( in ignorance ) that the value is probably approximately near that of his high bidder - little more.

 

[tymfxr]

RJ, I'm with Scottie on the value. Also, I think you dodged one here. Did you notice the homemade rathburn on the strike side? Who knows what else was done to the movement!

 

[Chris Radano]

Better listen to those guys. I didn't look at the movement good enough. I would not look at the clock anyway. My opinion was for a good example.

 

[tymfxr]

Chris, I agree with your opinion of the movement. I have worked on many and sold some Ithacas with that type of Gilbert movement. The Normandy Chime ones are very unique. Unfortunately this one was repaired poorly.

 

[RJSoftware]

Hey all; Thanks for info.

I was just hunting for a quick fix for my b-day. I bought a new used one (I know I know) from local junk shop.

I got it reasonably cheap. It's a 'Sterling & Sons Ltd' westminster weight driven grandfather clock with moon dial.

Not even sure what date, probably 70s. Looks it. Has some phillips head screws. Even 2 drywall screws.

I paid $200 but it has some issues. First of all I need 3 weights and pendulum. It also has one of the small movement view panels missing.

It has a hermle movement and it is sweet. 4 rods to ring the hour and 4 rods for the westminster melody.

It has a seconds hand and a silencer switch to stop westminster.

I shopped arround on ebay and the only near comparible had the spring wind up with fake weights (Arrrghhhhh gives me willies). That and the shipping price on top of that...

On the back is some numbers I think I can use to get pendulum size. One number over top of other number like a fraction

Also thinking I would like to buy one of the fancy pendulums with the harp looking rods. (forget name now). Don't want to be too fancy like a comatose type.

I guess I could even go with a hermle wood rod stick and bob. Just to get things going.

Not sure how large a bob to get diametor wise. Or what size weights to get. I need 3 of them.

Speaking of which, I see timesavers sells weight shells. Anyone see any way to use them. I don't think I could find the lead to fill them with. And sure would not melt any. Wonder if I could use sand

I'll post pics. Maybe in seperate thread.

Thanks again.
RJ

 

[RJSoftware]

Surfing the web I finally found another Sterling V Sons GF clock owner. But in email I directed owner to the wrong thread.

Below is the correct link I was reffering to.

https://mb.nawcc.org/showthread.php?t=23947&highlight=Grandfather

Hope to hear from you.

RJ

 

[Mike Phelan]

RJ, what was the question?
Pendulum bob size and weight don't really matter much. Just try a makeshift one to get BPM. Is there a seconds hand, so you can guess by looking at the nomber of teeth on the 'scape wheel.

PS: That picpuppy name keeps me thinking of something you have to wipe up off the floor!

 

[RJSoftware]

Hey Mike.

This is an old post, the GF is already running fine. I was/am trying to provide contact leads to more info about the clock. Finally found somebody else with simular clock, hoping they write back.

... picpuppy. Yeah, guess you gotta pic up after the puppy.

You know what kills me. Where my Ma lives she's gotta take a plastic bag and pick up the poo.

Makes ya wonder don't it.
RJ

 

[Mike Phelan]

You have to do that here, RJ. Local council fine folk who leave dog mess on the pavement, and there are special litter bins attached to lampposts for it.

I think I have discovered where MuckDonalds supply their burger meat from ...