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Question
QUESTION: I have a Delano mantle clock made by Wm.L.Gilbert of Winstead in the USA. I do not Know anything about it> I would like to know how old it is and any back ground information
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ANSWER: Murray, I have done some research on your clock and have run into a conflict of model names. First, you have a Gilbert Mission Style clock. I found one that showed the model being a "Normandy", but in looking up Normandy, I find a tambour or "camel back" mantel clock. I also found a description of a clock with Normandy chimes which they say is a "bim bam" sound, or two notes on the strike. I believe yours has that. I subscribe to a Website called "Antique Clock Identification and Price Guide. I can get descriptions and values. I believe you can Google the site which shows just the photos. If you will access that site and enter Gilbert Mission Clock, it should show you 4 or more models, one being yours. Let me know if you find it. In the meantime I will continue to see if I can find anything more. Do you need history of the Gilbert Company?
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
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QUESTION: Do you know the age of this clock ?
ANSWER: Murray, from what I have read, the Gilbert Mission clocks of this type were made around 1910.
John Newman
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks John, I looked up that site and found the photo of the clock which is the same. My one does have the two notes on the strike. I have looked up the history of Gilbert Clocks thanks. I was just wandering if it was worth keeping. The clock is still in very good working condition.
Interesting question, Murray. People look at clocks differently as in a lot of old items. I had a friend that laughed at the way people collected antiques. He said he didn't want anything old, when he could buy something better that was new. People look at clocks that are real collector's items and think they are junk. Mission clocks are very collectable, and I have never seen the one you have. It is interesting in the fact that it has the "slag" glass on the sides. I would definitely keep it. But then your home decor might be modern and it wouldn't fit in. It is up to you. Hope this helps.
John Newman
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Answers by Expert:
John Newman
Expertise
As much as I would like to offer values of clocks, I am not a certified appraiser and will not venture into giving an unresearched guess. There is very little published information on what I consider to be the value of "modern production clocks". Considerations are what the clock originally sold for, the condition of the case and movement, and particularly the area in which you live, the demand and the economy. ALSO, WATCHES ARE NOT MY FIELD. However, I can advise the clock owner on proper maintenance of a clock to keep it running, small corrections and adjustments and how to move a clock without damaging it. I can also advise on obtaining parts for clocks. It helps if you can send any information on the clock movement which is usually found on the back plate of the movement. I have been a clockmaker for about 35 years and was plant engineer in the mid 90's and later operations and engineering consultant at Emperor Clock Company in Fairhope, Alabama. I now have my own clock shop.
Experience
One of my greatest accomplishments was traveling to China to assist a clock factory in building clocks to the standards which we required. With the proper specifications and quality control, some beautiful clock cases were built. The factory people from the wood carvers to the plant manager were very congenial, friendly and I left a lot of wonderful friends when I returned from my trips.
Organizations
Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Committee
Publications
Horological Times, a publication of the American Watch and Clockmakers Instute. Collaberated column author, with Photos and ideas for clock movement conversion article.
Education/Credentials
Associate of Science Mechanical Engineering Technology
Emperor Introductory Clock Repair (Eventually taught a portion of the class after becoming employee)
Awards and Honors
Small Business of the Quarter (Prattville, Alabama)
Leadership Class of 2009 (Autauga County, Alabama)
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