Refurbishing Movement and Case of Gilbert Admiral Calendar Clock
The origin of the name "schoolhouse clock" for the Gilbert Admiral model is not well-documented, but the term was later coined by collectors. This particular clock, a No. 3027 Gilbert, also known as the Admiral, was recently traded for another clock.
The new owner, a connoisseur of wall clocks, found the Gilbert Admiral clock hanging in a local antique shop with no price tag. Upon closer inspection, it was evident that the clock needed some TLC. The movement was dirty and had not seen servicing in a while, while the clock's case needed a good clean.
The cleaning process began with the case finish, which was cleaned with Murphy's Soap and several coats of shellac were applied. The clock's tarnished brass bezel shone once more, and the factory paper dial with the maker's name painted out on the bottom regained its original charm.
However, the most challenging aspect of the restoration was addressing a cracked centre pinion in the movement. The search results did not contain specific information or methods for repairing a cracked centre pinion in a Gilbert Admiral clock. Based on general horological repair principles and common clock repair practice, here are the typical steps for addressing a cracked centre pinion:
- Assessment: Remove the centre pinion carefully from the clock mechanism and inspect the crack's extent under magnification to determine if repair or replacement is possible.
- Repair Options:
- Soldering/Brazing: If the crack is small and the material is brass or steel, precision soldering or brazing with appropriate flux and minimal heat can fuse the crack without distorting the pinion.
- Pinning or Riveting: For added strength, very fine pins or rivets can be installed across the crack, if the geometry allows, to stabilize the pinion.
- Filing and Refinishing: After repair, filing the tooth profiles lightly and refinishing the pinion may be necessary to ensure smooth operation.
- Alternative: If the crack is severe, fabricating a new centre pinion matching the specifications or sourcing a replacement part from specialist horological suppliers may be required.
- Reassembly and Testing: After repair, carefully reinstall the pinion and test the clock movement for proper function and alignment, making any fine adjustments as needed.
Because the Gilbert Admiral clock is a vintage or specialized clock, detailed repair may require horological expertise and possibly custom parts. Consulting with a professional clockmaker experienced in historic or railway clocks would be advisable to avoid damaging the mechanism.
Despite the challenges, the restoration was a success. The clock now runs as an 8-day time-only octagonal short drop circa 1901 model 3027, also known as a schoolhouse clock with calendar. The original pendulum bob and what might be the winding key that came with the clock were preserved, and the Maltese hands, though stripped of bluing and the calendar hand stripped of red paint, add a unique patina to the clock's character.
For those embarking on similar restoration projects, it is essential to approach each step with patience and careful attention to detail. And for more specific instructions or parts, reaching out to dedicated clock repair forums, horological societies, or professional clock repair shops would be beneficial.
In the process of restoring the vintage Gilbert Admiral clock, the owner discovered a cracked center pinion in the movement, a common issue for such antique wall clocks. To address this challenge, the owner considered several repair options, such as soldering or brazing, pinning or riveting, and filing and refinishing, depending on the severity of the crack. If the crack proved to be severe, fabricating a new center pinion or sourcing a replacement part from a specialist horological supplier might be necessary.
