First glimpse: Gilbert Admiral School's Timepiece - An Initial Inspection
In a recent antique shop purchase, a fascinating timepiece has come to light. The clock, a Gilbert Admiral time-only with calendar, model 3027, circa 1901, is a remarkable piece of horological history.
The Admiral model 3027, though not extensively documented in current search results, is known for its unique calendar complication integrated with a time-only movement. This combination was relatively uncommon in mantle clocks of the era, offering both timekeeping and date display in a compact design.
Established horological knowledge reveals that the Gilbert Clock Company, founded in the 19th century, was a major American clock manufacturer renowned for producing a variety of clocks, including mantle, wall, and shelf models. The specific production year for this model may not be readily available, but it is believed to be from the early 1900s.
The clock, housed in a steam-pressed oak case, is in a state that makes it difficult to determine its original appearance. However, typical dimensions for a mantle clock of this category are approximately 12 to 16 inches wide, about 8 to 10 inches high, and around 5 to 7 inches deep.
The clock's large time-only calendar movement appears to be original to the case, and the CD stamped on the lower left of the front plate might stand for Calendar Date. Unfortunately, the clock has issues with the motion works, specifically a cracked pinion.
Interestingly, the term "schoolhouse clock" was not used during the time these clocks were made, but was later coined by collectors. The specific style of the schoolhouse clock is not specified in the article, but it is often associated with one-room schoolhouses in rural areas of Canada and America. The origin of the name "schoolhouse clock" is not well-documented.
The Sessions Clock Company, founded in 1903, quickly gained a reputation for producing reliable and high-quality clocks. However, the article does not mention any specific models or types of schoolhouse clocks produced by the Sessions Clock Company.
The shop owner stated that the clock has issues, with the hands not turning, but the clock runs fine otherwise. Unsigned Gilbert movements are apparently quite common. The clock was purchased from the antique shop without a price.
For precise production years and detailed specifications, collectors often refer to Gilbert catalogues or horological references specializing in American clocks from that era. Unfortunately, those specific detailed records are not found in the current search results.
Despite the current condition and missing label, the Gilbert Admiral time-only with calendar clock is a captivating piece of American horological history, offering a glimpse into the past and the intricate craftsmanship of the Gilbert Clock Company.
The acquisition of the vintage Admiral time-only with calendar clock from the antique shop introduces an intriguing artifact that intersects lifestyle choices, such as fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden, due to its historical charm and compact design. As a unique piece of horological history, it also serves as a discussion point in food-and-drink gatherings, where conversations about food for thought can revolve around the story behind the clock and its craftsmanship.
