1880s Gilbert clock survives the test of time
Q. This is a photo of an old clock I own. I think it's called a mantle clock. It still keeps the time. It is 19 inches tall and 10 inches wide. On the back is a label with the words "Jet - Manufactured by Wm. L. Gilbert Clock Co. - Winsted - Conn." The wood case is black and has decorative carving.
Do you have any idea when it was made, what it originally cost and what its current value is?
A. William Lewis Gilbert started his clock factory in 1866 in Winsted, Connecticut. The Gilbert Clock Co produced high-quality clocks for the average consumer. It made banjo, wall, steeple and mantel clock models. The designs reflected the art nouveau arts and crafts movement. Your clock has the "Jet" design - of which there were several patterns - and was made with ebonized wood case. It has a brass movement, strikes on the hour and is eight-day wind. The glass door design is etched. The carving on the wood case shows your clock style is the Eastlake period of design. Gilbert Clock Co. survived the Great Depression, and during World War II it made inexpensive alarm clocks. The company closed its operations in the 1960s.
Your clock was made around 1885. Originally it cost about $10; today it could be seen for sale online for $250 to $399.
Q. This mark is on the bottom of a mug. Also included with the mark is the name "Friar Tuck." It was in a box of miscellaneous items I bought at an antiques auction. The mug is shaped like a monk and stands over 5 inches tall.
I am curious if it is a Hummel. Could you tell me about its history and value?
A. Your mug was made by Goebel Porzellanfabrik in Roedental, Germany. Although Goebel produced the Hummel line of figures, yours is not one. Hummel figures were the work of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel and were always marked with the bee mark and the words "I. Hummel." Goebel also produced a variety of series wares. Your mug is an example of the "Friar Tuck" series that included mugs, salt and pepper shakers, tankards, banks and beer steins. According to the legend of Robin Hood, Friar Tuck was one of his Merry Men. He was a jovial man who enjoyed life, food and drink.
Your mug was made around 1950 and might sell for around $50.
• Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Items of a general interest will be answered in this column. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters.
© 2016, Creators Syndicate