Posted 11 years ago
hawkinau
(1 item)
I have just acquired this clock it has no markings on the outside and has WmL Glibert Clock Co Winsted Conn U.S.A stamped on the movement inside and the #1911, also a diamond with the letter G inside,
I have found one with exactly the same case but different face on eBay that one is a Sessions antique clock 1890s. with Made by the Sessions Clock Co Forestville Conn U.S.A printed on the bottom of the clock face
Maybe the one I have is a Gilbert movement in a Sessions case or Sessions and Gilbert are the same company I dont know, can any one shed any light on the origin and age of this clock please.
I have just found stamped on the part that holds the Pendulum rod and suspension spring that says it was Pat. April 28, 1896.
Sessions and Gilbert were two completely separate American clock manufacturing companies. Sessions did make a clock case like yours. It was their "American No X" line of cabinet mantel clocks with "X" representing 1, 2 or 3. The "columns" on either side of the clock dial are what differentiated one model number from the other two. It looks like your could be the "American No. 1" from circa 1921. The cases from this line were made from Oak or Mahogany and measured 9 1/2" high, 11" wide with 5 inch dials. I don't have any Gilbert references. It could be that Gilbert manufactured a very similar model, or as you suggest, you clock may be a so-called marriage of Gilbert and Sessions.
Here are a couple of Sessions American No 2 clocks: http://www.antiqueclockspriceguide.com/clockdetails.php?clockid=34153
http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/6098146
Hope this helps a little. Perhaps someone who is familiar with Gilbert Clocks will weigh in.
Regards
Thanks for your input Bruce yes both sessions cases look the same as mine however mine doesn't have columns on the side like the clock in the first link the clock in the second link looks exactly the same even down to the movement which is identical except that mine has WmL Glibert Clock Co Winsted Conn U.S.A stamped on it.
I did some more research on both companies and your right they are both separate companies, Gilbert starting in Winsted Conn in 1871 and Sessions starting in Forestville Conn in 1903, strange that they both started in the same state 30 years apart, I guess that's why there are clocks from both companies with the same case, a little industrial espionage went on even back then lol, its also coincidental that they both fell into decline in the mid 1950's and ceased operations as clock makers in the mid 1960's
Fascinating stuff, thanks again for your input
Cheers