Gilbert Mantle Clock circa 1903

Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2011 11:24 pm     Post subject: Gilbert Mantle Clock circa 1903

I purchased this clock from a gentleman at a garage sale. He really didn't know anything about it other than it had been in his family for as long as he could remember. I don't know anything about clocks but for some reason this one caught my eye and is very appealing so I had to have it. For what it's worth I paid $20 for the clock.

The ID marks that I can see are:

On the back of the movement it says:

1903
WML Gilbert Clock Co
Winsted Conn USA

On the paper label at the bottom is says:

Made in United States of America by WML Gilbert Clock Co., Winsted, Conn.

There's also an orange service label on the back which reads:

N. H. Speedometer & Clock
6542 'A' Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91606
Phone 213-761-0621
Date: 02/20/73

Doing a quick search on Google, it appears that North Hollywood Speedometer & Clock Co. is still in business and they are still located on Lankershim Blvd (although a different street number). I guess I can try to contact them but I doubt they'll have records from '73 for a repair order.

Other than that, I really don't know anything else about this clock. If anyone can share any details regarding this clock it would be greatly appreciated. Do I have a significant valuable time piece or a giant beautiful paper weight? Any information would be appreciated.

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 1:43 pm     Post subject:

What you have picked up is a "Curfew" model Italian-marble-finish Black mantel clock. A book called "Warman's American Clocks Field Guide" (ISBN 0-87349-707-4) lists a model from 1910 (with photo). The one picturd in Warman's has a different (more simple) clock face, but the design and manufacturer (W.L. Gilbert) are the same. My guide was printed in 2003. At that time, the clock was valued at about $375. Your new clock appears to be in a pretty complete and original condition (including the original movement). You have definately found a "gem" for $20!!!

Contacting the original servicer would be a good idea. Before you start the clock up, you will want to look into when it was last serviced. It might need a bit of a cleaning and oiling before it can run (especially if the previous owner had not had anything done in quite some time).