Gilbert model "Pike"

Antique Gilbert Model "Pike" Clock 

In for repair is an American time & strike kitchen clock made by the Gilbert Clock Company.  Gilbert clocks were designed by the Gilbert Clock Factory starting in 1828. The brand was founded by William Lewis Gilbert who bought a small brick building in Winchester, Connecticut to serve as his factory.

Over time, the company went through various owner changes and visions. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that Gilbert clocks started to boom.   Gilbert clocks have a long and rich history.  Stamped on the mechanism is: Wm. Gilbert Clock Co., Winsted Conn., USA. Patient June 3, 1879.  For more information, click the following -> link. 

According to the label on the back of the clock case, this is the "Pike" model.  I could not find much information on this particular model.  

Initial inspection found that the case was in good condition considering it was over 100 years old.  When the clock was received there was damage to the face.  (Sorry no image was taken before repair). The face was coming away from the bezel.  This needed to be repaired.  

After the mechanism was removed from the case, I needed to see how much pivot hole wear there was.  To do this, the power from the mainsprings were let down.  It was discovered that there were 8 pivot holes that were repaired previously.  The past repairperson crowded the brass to close the worn holes.  This is not a standard that I live by.  I did rebuild those 8 holes plus another 7 that were found to be worn.  To repair this issue, the damaged hole needed to be cut out and new brass reinstalled. Follow this link to see a short video demonstrating the pivot hole wear.  The 2nd image below (with the arrow) demonstrates the punched hole.  This one was the easiest one to see.  Other punched pivot holes were on the inside of the plates. I use Bergeon brass bushings.   After the bushing is installed the hole is then cut to size and finished.  

These worn holes were marked with removable green ink.  The two images below show which holes needed attention.  Notice that most of the wear is on the time side.  The initial report from the clock owner was that the clock would not keep running.  I am not surprised that it stopped after observing the wear.

Front View

Rear View

All pivots were inspected and tested.  There were 4 pivots that had to be polished.  clicks tested, mainspring examined for wear and The clock mechanism was very dirty.  After all the work was completed, the mechanism was cleaned using high-grade clock cleaning solution in an ultrasonic cleaner.  After cleaning the pivot holes were again cleaned with peg wood.  This removed all minuet particles in the pivot holes.

Here is an image after all the work was completed with all the wheels and levers placed in the proper spots and before the top plate was installed.  Unfortunately, this is a very bad picture of the mechanism.  The entire mechanism is very clean compared to it's original condition.

After the clock was assembled it was placed on a test stand.  The mechanism was run for a couple days to make sure all is well.  Further adjustments were made to the strike levers and escapement.  After testing, the mechanism was placed in the case for further testing which included regulation (adjusting speed) and balancing, placed "In Beat" (adjusting the ticking sound so that the verge sits perfectly above the escape wheel making the ticking sound even). 

While the mechanism is being tested, the case was undergoing a general cleaning and a coat of Natchez all natural wood polish to brighten up the wood.

Click the image below to start a short video on the mechanism in action.  The video also shows the hour and 1/2 hour strike in action.  You will notice the pendulum is a little shinier.  It was disassembled and polished. 

After testing the mechanism was placed in the case and tested again.  The crutch was adjusted so that the mechanism is "In Beat" when the case is level.  The hammer was adjusted for the best sound.  Here is an image of the completed clock.  Click the image to see the clock strike the hour.

The clock is completed and ready to be picked up by the customer.
Another successful repair!