Posted 4 years ago
debfourez
(1 item)
Bought 16 yrs ago, from a local person that deals in clocks. I was told that is was made in the 1800’s. Love the spider web with the spider in the middle and some kind bug caught in the web cattails along the sides and scroll onthe sides up to clock face. Roman numerals on the face and 2 winding ports in the face, one for time and the other for chime. I was fold it’s a 7 day mantle clock but this is all I know about it.
Hello Deb,
Welcome to Collectors Weekly, Clocks and thank you for sharing your Gilbert "Merl" Ebonized*, eight-day time and strike Mantel Clock with us. It is from around circa 1885, and the Spider Web glass pattern is original to Gilbert. I think it's really intricate and beautifully done. Very often, these patterns get "cleaned off" by well meaning owners. I would advise you not to use any type of glass cleaners on the inside of your pattern, but you've had it for 16 years already so you obviously know how to take good care of it. :)
Collectors Weekly has a very good, concise article on the Gilbert Clock Company here: https://www.collectorsweekly.com/clocks/gilbert
Here's another example of the "Merl" on the web: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/56694533_a-wm-gilbert-merl-gessoed-and-ebonised-clock. That clock auctioned for about $140 in 2017 which was a pretty good "As Is" price for this type of clock.
*Here's a link which explains how the Ebonized finish differs from Staining.
You had some good information already. We hope that solves your Mystery and fills in some of the missing pieces. If not, let us know what other questions you may have.
Regards,
Bruce
Here's that Ebonized link that I forgot to include above: https://www.popularwoodworking.com/techniques/ebonizing_wood/
Is that all you need Deb?
If your mystery is solved, could you please indicate "Mystery Solved" in your posting?
Thanks,
Bruce