Discussion in Tick Talk Tuesday #28: Purpose and Insights on the Two-Sided Key
In the world of antique clocks, each tick and tock tells a story. TD, a newcomer to the collection, recently acquired a charming vintage Gilbert Tambour style mantel clock model 2041 with a Normandy Chime, thanks to his wife's keen eye for unique finds from an online estate auction.
The clock, marked with the distinctive "Normandy Chime 2041," has been sitting in an antique store in Wisconsin for some time before TD brought it home. However, TD found himself puzzled by a keyhole under the number 12 on the clock's face.
The author, a seasoned collector of old Gilbert mantel clocks, offered some guidance. The keyhole under the number 12, it turns out, is typically used for winding the clock. This keyhole allows you to insert a winding key to wind the mainspring that powers the clock’s movement or chime mechanism.
In clocks of this style, there are often one or more keyholes. The keyhole under the "12" sometimes serves to wind the main timekeeping spring. Other keyholes, if present (often near "4" or "8"), may wind the chime or strike mechanisms.
For the Gilbert Tambour model 2041 with Normandy Chime, the keyhole under "12" is most likely associated with winding the clock’s main spring that controls the timekeeping function and possibly one of the chime-related springs, depending on the clock’s design.
The author advised TD to look for a doubled-ended key that fits into an arbor just below the "12." The small end of the key is used to regulate the speed of the clock. Turning the key clockwise speeds up the clock, while turning it counterclockwise slows it down.
The author also warned TD about the addictive nature of collecting old clocks, having fallen prey to it himself. He even owns a similar Gilbert tambour clock with Normandy Chime.
Interestingly, the Gilbert Clock Company began making clocks in December of 1828, and the Gilbert model 2038 was purchased through an online estate auction for $25 plus tax and buyer’s premium. The author, who has worked on Gilbert movements in the past, notes that each one has slight differences, making each clock a unique piece of history.
This intriguing find and the mystery surrounding the keyhole under the number 12 have sparked TD's curiosity, and he is now eager to learn more about his new acquisition. This tale is a testament to the allure of antique clocks and the enduring fascination they hold for collectors.
This article is part of our weekly series, Tick-Talk Tuesday, where we discuss letters and comments regarding clocks and their issues or challenges. Stay tuned for more tales from the world of timekeeping!
TD's home-and-garden style has been enhanced with the addition of his new vintage Gilbert Tambour style mantel clock, which he acquired through an online estate auction. As he delves deeper into the lifestyle of antique clock collecting, he finds himself intrigued by the mystery of the keyhole under the number 12 on the clock's face, fueling his eagerness to learn more about this unique piece of history.
