Posted 8 years ago
Rbbhoneycutt
(1 item)
I purchased this clock recently from a restore. It runs great. I need a new top glass and a piece of crown molding on the right side. The glass is cracked and molding was missing when I got it. Does anyone know where I might find these . Any information will be appreciated. I have searched the web but no luck.
Hello Rbbhoneycutt. Welcome to Collectors Weekly. Nice pick. Thanks for sharing your Gilbert Wall Clock with us. You may try this Clock Supply House for your glass: http://timesavers.com/i-8947714-14-x-16-store-regulator-glass-srg-200.html
It all depends on the size of the glass of course, but they will custom cut your glass for an addition charge if the size they normally stock doesn't match your clock's case. Getting the new glass back into the door without breaking it can be tricky. Take your time with it. You may also be able to find a local glass vendor who can cut a piece to your measurements. Getting the black painting would be the challenge with that approach. You might take the old piece to a local printer and have them fabricate a decal for the new piece of glass. The glass from Timesavers shouldn't be that much more expensive though and could save your a lot of time.
Regarding the molding, you're probably not going to find anything pre-fabricated that will match the remaining pieces. If you can't find a derelict "donor clock case", you could contact a local carpenter's union to find someone willing to make a replacement piece for you. Expect it to be expensive if he or she has to fabricate tooling to properly shape the piece. You should also talk to the carpenter about finishing the new piece to blend in with the rest of the case. It's usually not as easy as simply applying some stain. This is an antique clock with an acquired patina. You can probably get close with the appropriate color of stain but a good match in a variety of lighting situations will require attention to detail.
It's hard to tell for sure without more photos and measurements but it looks like you may have a model that Gilbert called their "University" from circa 1913. If that is what you have your clock should measure 34 inches tall by 17 /2 inches wide with a 12 inch dial. It came in a Mahogany Finish. Gilbert offered this case with either a Time Only Movement (which is called a Time Piece"), or a Time and Strike. You appear to have a Time Only movement which originally listed for $7.00 which would be about $170 today. Here's another example like yours which auctioned for $200 in 2014:
https://new.liveauctioneers.com/item/26270928_gilbert-university-store-regulator-clock
They don't make them like this anymore. These were made to last. Too many modern clocks are made as throwaways.
Smartphones provide time to many in the younger generations (who don't even see a need for watches). Old mechanical clocks are historic sentinels of our transition from an agrarian to an industrial economy. Even so, many antique clocks in good condition do a fair job of holding a significant amount of their initial value. At least they do when we're in a healthy economy as there are quite a few collectors of antique clocks still ticking away.
Hope that helps a little. Again, welcome and good luck with your restoration.
P.S., don't forget that like any mechanical device, these types of clocks require periodic lubrication and maintenance. They obviously run 24/7/365 so it doesn't take long for dirt and dust to cause a lot of wear.