W m L Gilbert Clock co

Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 3:22 am     Post subject: W m L Gilbert Clock co

does any one know anything about this type of clock movements
the hourly strike seems to work ok. but there is a stiff wire that is attached to the lever that activates the hourly chime to start. I think it has been broken because i see nowhere that it should attach to. meaning it runs stright down the movement and stops i would send a pic. if i can figure out how to upload it into this forum Any ideas as to how old it may be. it says that it is a WmL Gilbert Clock co
winsted conn usa
thanks a lot

Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:34 am     Post subject: Gilbert clock

Although your description is a little vague I gather that your clock is probably a shelf or kitchen clock which could date it anywhere from the late 1800's through the very early 1900's. Many clocks of this type had count wheel striking which could occasionally get out of sync with the actual time. For that reason some clockmakers provided a release wire which when pulled (or pushed) repeatedly would bring the strike back into sync with the time. If the strike is working properly now I wouldn't be concerned.
Photo(s) would certainly be helpful in identifying and dating your clock.

Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 2:42 am     Post subject: W m L Gilbert Clock co

thanks a lot clkwrx, I believe your right about that release wire. I know the escape wheel is on the outside of the movement which may indicate an Ingram movement this is what I was told. I believe it to be a mantel clock. I want to clean the movement so I have a bottle of ammoniated cleaning solution that I purchased from timesavers, but before I use this, is there something else I can use just to get the biggest part of the grim off of it I will take it apart when I use the ammoniated cleaning solution to really do a good cleaning on it. This is my first attempt to do anything with this old clock, but I figure I better see if it works if it is cleaned up first. It really is dirty as ever..

Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 3:37 pm     Post subject: Gilbert clock

Most ammoniated clock cleaning solutions can be used for manual cleaning as well as electrosonic cleaning. Ideally electrosonic cleaning goes a step further in cleaning, loosening and removing dirt etc that may be missed in manual cleaning. Neverthless either method should do the job. Follow up labor will include thorough rinsing and drying, cleaning and polishing pivots, plates, etc before the movement is reassembled . At the same time it should be examined for any wear and possible rebushing required before reassembly.