Refurbishing Movement and Updating Case for Gilbert Admiral Timepiece
In a local antique shop, a hidden gem was discovered - a Gilbert Admiral schoolhouse clock, model 3027, also known as a short drop octagonal clock. The clock, circa 1901, was found with no price tag, and its new owner, a connoisseur of wall clocks, acquired it in exchange for another clock.
Upon closer inspection, the clock was found to be in a state of disrepair. The centre pinion of the movement was cracked and had dropped down the shaft. Despite this, the owner was drawn to its unique charm, and the clock's original pendulum bob and winding key added to its allure.
The clock, initially thought to be a Gilbert or Sessions clock, did not have a label or a maker's name on the dial. However, further research revealed that the clock was indeed a Gilbert Admiral schoolhouse clock. The maker's name, painted out on the bottom of the dial, confirmed this.
The brass bezel of the clock was very tarnished, but the oak grain of the case was visible after cleaning. The mainspring of the movement was in very good condition and had plenty of life left. The clock also boasted a calendar function, a feature that added to its practicality and appeal.
The clock's Maltese hands were stripped of bluing, and the calendar hand was stripped of red paint. The clock's dial, however, was unsigned, a common trait in antique clocks of the era.
To address the cracked centre pinion, the owner turned to horological repair practices. The Permatex permanent thread-locker was used to fix the cracked centre pinion in place. While the search results did not contain specific information about repair methods for a cracked centre pinion in a No. 3027 Gilbert Admiral clock, standard methods used to address such issues in antique or vintage clock movements include pinion replacement, pinion re-bushing and straightening, pinion welding or brazing, and fabricating a new pinion.
Given the specific historical nature of the No. 3027 Gilbert Admiral, consulting a professional clockmaker familiar with Gilbert clocks is recommended to ensure proper repair. For those with access to clockmaker forums, vintage clock repair manuals, or specialist Gilbert Admiral resources, these may provide exact parts or detailed repair instructions.
In the end, the clock was successfully restored, and the owner now proudly displays the final result - a running Gilbert Admiral 8-day time-only octagonal short drop circa 1901 model 3027, also known as a schoolhouse clock with calendar. The clock's unique charm and practicality make it a striking addition to any wall, drawing the eye and telling the time with its original Maltese hands.
The owner, being a collector of not only wall clocks but also vintage clocks, decided to acquire a weather-beaten wall clock to complement his collection. The newly acquired clock, with its sports-like competition between restoration and disrepair, was a unique piece - a vintage clocks schoolhouse clock, sporting a calendar function.
