How do you recognize a Gilbert?

Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 12:07 pm     Post subject: How do you recognize a Gilbert?

Hi,

I am very interested in buying an antique clock from someone. I've seen the clock and offered a price. This person however claims it's a genuine Gilbert but I couldn't find stamps or any of the usual Gilbert things.

1. Is it true that Gilbert has a stamp regardless? Or where they sold without stamp as well.

2. What other specific things would show that we are dealing with a Gilbert?

I am clock collector and have general knowlegde. I checked a lot of things out on the internet already but just like to hear the opinion of some of you.

Thanks for now! Enjoy your day!

Leanne

PS this is the clock:

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Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 1:21 pm     Post subject:

To the best of my knowledge, all Gilbert clocks should have some sort of label or company marking. Whether W.L. Gilbert and Company, Gilbert Manufacturing Company, or any of the other company names throughout the years, all should have the common name of "Gilbert".

I am not certain what other means you could use for identification purposes. If it was labeled, hopefully this label was not lost (as it is the most certain way for confirmation).

All this being said, I humbly admit that I am no expert in the realm of antique clocks. Keep checking back for other posts from forum members. Perhaps they might have further suggestions or further insight.

Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 11:44 pm     Post subject:

The movement should be stamped Gilbert, many clockmakers did not always mark the dial.

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2011 11:25 am     Post subject:

Thanks guys.
Should I be able to see the stamp when I open up the clock (in the back) right away or should I take out the movement. I'm sure the seller wouldn't want me to do that ?

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2011 4:48 pm     Post subject:

it could be stamped on the front or rear plate.

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2011 8:07 pm     Post subject:

You may have to take measures to remove the movement to verify for certain. Keep in mind, however, that many antique clock assemblies may not have the original movement within.

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 2:17 pm     Post subject:

All right just for my understanding:

I was under the understanding that the movement should have the stamp but can it also be somewhere else?

Coming to this I have a second question: I have purchased brand name clocks in the past but not for an awful lot of money (think about $60 or even $40 per clock). How would I be able to determine a good value?

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 4:17 pm     Post subject:

Looking at the clock I would say it is not worth much, typically one in nice condition would be around $80. Something about it does not look right!

It looks similar to the Gilbert Jamaica.

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 7:10 pm     Post subject:

Yeah you are right, it is not a Gilbert (no stamps or any marking on the movement, or dial or anywhere. The lady argued that it said so on the receipt back from 1973, she showed it to me but in the remaining 38 years a lot could have happened of course). I purchased it anyway because I liked it, offered her $40. She was in shock but she sold anyway.

I found however that on the top some sort of sticker had been removed, probably with ethynyl alcohol. That took of the shine. The clock is on display now and you don't really see it but is there a way to get that shine back again?

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 1:53 pm     Post subject:

If alcohol removed the shine, then (chances are) the clock was finished with shellac. You would need to verify this by testing in an inconspicuous area with denatured alcohol (which is a solvent to shellac). If it appears to remove the finish in this hidden area, then you can confirm that the finish is shellac. From that point, you could look into re-coating.

Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2011 11:10 am     Post subject:

Thanks Chris!