Posted 13 years ago
mr.man9337
(1 item)
patent date on back states dec 23,1902,i dont have the correct key but i am searching.the model number on back is11828.It also states on back winsted,conn.It is in a brass frame with four glass sides,two of those are doors.front and back.
I would like to see if someone knows the value of this item.if so please contact me at mixedboy6969@yahoo.com
I don't have much information on Gilbert Clocks, but here is a link to this model which is being offered retail with an asking price of $495. See: http://www.rubylane.com/item/370063-003185/Gilbert-Crystal-Regulator-Clock-Flower
Perhaps they can tell you more about this model. It looks like yours may be missing a piece on one of the upper corners. Does it work? I can't really see too much with the flash glare. Hope this helps. Good luck.
thanks bruce99,i dont know if it works or not i am scared to wind it because the key i have is for a waterbury clock.but i do appreciate your help.
You're very welcome.
The key's trademark mostly matters to collectors. If everything is original, the clock is worth more. The key sizes are standardized so if your key fits over the winding arbor without too much "play" or looseness you can safely use it. Even if you are using an original key, you have to be very mindful when you are winding an antique mechanical clocks. Keys do slip off the arbor and can damage the clock's dial, especially porcelain dials. Silvered dials can be easily scratched too.
You have to wind by feel and when you start feeling the spring get tight you should slow down and ease up so you don't abruptly hit the full wind condition.
It's really hard to damage a clock's mainspring when winding by hand but some mechanisms are geared to give the user more leverage than normal and I have seen springs with cracks where they hook on to the clock. These cracks were probably due to someone with very strong hands using excessive force when winding. But as far as breaking the spring or winding mechanism by over-winding, most people would have to be using some kind of hand tool on the key to bend or tear one of the steel winding components.
You always hear that a clock stopped running because it was "over-wound". That's just not true. A mechanical clock stops running because it needs servicing. The spring, which may need to be replaced, no longer has enough force to drive it's gummed up, dirty and possibly worn movement.
The bottom line is that if the key fits, you should be able to carefully wind it at least a couple of turns to see if it will run...that's assuming that it needs to be wound. As previously stated, it may be fully wound up and still won't run because it needs servicing. As far as what direction to wind a clock. You can not wind it in the wrong direction. The clock's ratchet mechanism won't let you. If you can't wind it in one direction, try the other. If you can't wind it in either direction, it is already fully wound.
If you're still nervous about it. Take it in to a clock shop. Ask for an appraisal and estimate for servicing. I'm sure the shop owner would be happy to walk you through proper winding while you're there.
I love Crystal Regulators. Enjoy!