Wm. L. Gilbert Estate find

[Melungeon1]

I happened across this at an estate sale. Actually bought it by accident. I know nothing of old clocks. Can you tell me what I have if anything? Thanks.

 

[Joe Gargery]

Was it an "accident"?
Or the hand of fate?

 

[JTD]

Can you tell me what I have if anything? Thanks.

Not quite sure what you're asking when you say 'if anything'; anyway, you have a Gilbert clock in the style commonly known as a box clock, probably mid 1920s, but hard to know for sure as this style was produced for many years.

Others may be able to give a more exact date. Is there anything (holes or slots) that might suggest there was once a top piece?

Others may know more.

JTD

 

[Steven Thornberry]

The Supplement to Tran Duy Ly's book on Gilbert clocks shows catalogue illustrations of several wall clocks in this same general style. They are all from the 1920 catalogue and are, in fact a fair bit longer than yours. I did not find this one in Trans book. So, not much help on identification, I'm afraid.

The number 17 on the front plate of the movement indicates the movement was made in 1917. It appears to be a steel-plated movement. During WWI brass was conserved for the war effort, and we often see steel-plated movements from that era.

 

[Richard.W]

I happened across this at an estate sale. Actually bought it by accident.

Apologies, I couldn't resist.

 

[Melungeon1]

Not quite sure what you're asking when you say 'if anything'; anyway, you have a Gilbert clock in the style commonly known as a box clock, probably mid 1920s, but hard to know for sure as this style was produced for many years.

Others may be able to give a more exact date. Is there anything (holes or slots) that might suggest there was once a top piece?

Others may know more.

JTD

No there is only a hook for hanging the clock on the top.

No there is only a hook for hanging the clock on the top.

 

[Joe Gargery]

It looks as though it does have a slot for a top crown.

Common for them to go missing through the years. Of course there were many different styles. From simple to quite elaborate. Many styles are available on eBay.

 

[Melungeon1]

I see. Thank you. Any idea it’s worth?

 

[Joe Gargery]

If you go to eBay and type in German Box Clock, you can get a pretty good idea of asking prices. They can be all across the board. But check the "Sold Listings" to see what they actually bring.
You have a very nice looking clock there. Pictures seem to show the pendulum moving, so is the clock in working order?
I purchased a clock a while ago that was missing its crown. Found a catalog picture of what it looked like and a fellow on eBay reproduced it for about $40 (it was fairly elaborate) which I thought was very fair. Hunt around there and see what you find. They look pretty sharp with the crown in place as intended.
Cheers, Joe

 

[JTD]

No there is only a hook for hanging the clock on the top.

I see a slot for a missing crown.

. Any idea it’s worth?

These clocks are not generally very valuable. See sold items on Ebay as suggested above.

JTD

 

[Richard.W]

These clocks are not generally very valuable. See sold items on Ebay as suggested above.

In my area selling price is based mostly on condition, maker, and if it runs or not.

IMHO your clock has a "leg up" on most of the competition because of the case style. Most box clocks are of German origin made around 1900 and are far too gaudy for modern interiors. Yours, being from a later period, is of the Mission style and has much cleaner lines.

 

[JTD]

Most box clocks are of German origin made around 1900 and are far too gaudy for modern interiors.

I was very surprised to read this opinion - I have never considered a typical German 'box clock' to be in any way gaudy, most were very plain. I consider the OP's clock to be a very typical box clock.

I would be interested to hear other thoughts.

 

[Armando Alcaraz]

I believe that as long as YOU are happy, please or over the moon with your find, clocks all need a good home and you sir, are doing just that. Happy hunting on you next magical find!!