78.      $800

Wm. L Gilbert & Co. “Regulator No. 1”, 1851-1866.  This is not the regulator that you see in Ly’s book on Gilbert clocks on page 130.  As described by Carroll Horton in his 2003 auction, this clock was made prior to the formation of the Gilbert Clock Co.  The most obvious indication of this is the well-preserved label on the weight shield, “Wm. L. Gilbert & Co.”, which was in operation from 1851-1866 and under the guidance of S.B. Terry after 1860 – and who likely influenced the design of this clock.   Note also that the clock winds between the 3 and 4; the clock shown in the 1875 catalog winds at the 2.  The 35-inch case (the 1875 case is 33.5 inches long) is veneered in rosewood with just a chip or two on the lower right outer part of the bezel.  Both glasses are new and I think the dial is a replacement, repainted in the not-too-distant past; the hands appear to be Sessions or Welch design.  The tablet is a Seth Thomas pattern; Gilbert tablets had red accents. The 8-day time-only movement is unsigned, has a large escape wheel (S.B. Terry influence?) and is driven by a flat weight.  It is running and keeping time.  As noted above, there is an excellent label noting its dead-beat escapement, retaining power, and a “very Perfect Pendulum”.  The only fault Mr. Horton could find with this clock was “the silver paint around the lower glass” and suggested that it “would look heaps better painted gold”.  It now is.  This clock sold for $1870 in 2003; Schmitt’s sold a similar example in 2004 for $1750.  About half that would suit us today.  $900-$1500.