Gilbert 8-Day Cottage Clock

Here is a small Gilbert shelf clock, called a “cottage clock”, that I repaired. This clock looks “supercharged” – the movement almost fills the case! Clocks like kitchen clocks and parlor clocks that are larger (around 20 to 24 inches) have the same movement but with a longer pendulum.

This clock is only 13 3/16 inches tall, with a 2 1/2 inch minute hand and a 5 3/16 inch diameter minute track on the dial (outside diameter). The case is mahogany veneer over pine, with a cast iron bell for striking and alarm, and an instruction and advertising label covering the pine backboard. The hands are original Gilbert Maltese style hands. Note the wide part where the hand joins the hub, other maker’s hands don’t have this.

The clock was made in the 1870s or 1880s.

The front of the movement says:

PAT JAN 11, 1870
WM L GILBERT CLOCK CO
WINSTED CONN U.S.A.

See more pictures.

Repair job 6607. I polished the pivots and installed 15 bushings. The original old mainsprings were very thick (time .022 inch and strike .0195 inch). I installed new long and thin mainsprings to improve timekeeping and make the strike speed more consistent. Both new springs are from R & M Imports and are 3/4 by 120 inches long. The new time spring is 0.0167 inch thick, and the new strike spring is 0.0165 inch thick.


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2 comments

  1. I have a ,1000 day clock that does not wind. When I got the clock it didn’t have the key or instructions with it. My question is can the main spring be loosened if over tightened.? On the back it has ,(Two(2) jewels
    Unadjustable
    11. 58

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