77.              $600

Wm. Gilbert Clock Co. “Sharon” calendar wall clock, ca. 1901.  One of four hanging clocks made by Gilbert in the twentieth century that used McCabe’s Patent calendar mechanism, possibly the most difficult calendar to get working properly.  I have previously described this calendar mechanism, and so will not do so here.  Note that the instructions on the back wall of the clock are faded and not legible; the additional instructions on the back of the door (this calendar requires two pages of instructions) are faint but readable.  On the positive side, this clock is running and striking on the hours and half-hours on a cathedral gong; I can advance the calendar day and date by lifting the rod but advancing the hands doesn’t do it.  I have yet to find one of these calendar clocks that works without human intervention. The 38-inch oak case is clean as a whistle with all the ornaments, carved side pieces, twisted decorative bars, top and bottom. Only the two drop finials at the bottom appear to be replacements, and do not quite match the catalog illustration (Ly, Gilbert Clocks, page 81).  The 8-day, time and half-hour strike movement is signed; the dial is old paper with stains, the hands are correct; note the inner ring with a small arrow that indicates AM and PM, I believe.  There is a Gilbert pendulum, and a label on the back.  This example looks great and runs, just don’t rely on it for the day and date – use your smart phone for that.  I have not sold a Sharon before and could not find any sales on LiveAuctioneers; there is one sale on the Antique Clocks Identification and Price Guide, for $920 in 2009 by RO Schmitt.  Shelf clock examples seem to be more common, and sell for $700-$900; see, for example, 22-4.  $600-$1200.