162.             $500

Wm L Gilbert Clock Co. “Office Drop Calendar”, ca. 1881.  A second example of this model, this one with a twist:  There is a remote strike mechanism, rather than being part of the standard movement.  This strike movement is mounted below and to the left of the time movement and is connected to it by a wire lift rod.  It strikes on a cathedral gong.  Gilbert made this clock with a standard time-and-strike movement, so it is not clear why it was also made this way; perhaps the strike was an option the buyer could add on at the retailer/jeweler outlet.  I can find no other examples of this model with this remote strike movement.  The 30-inch walnut case has a very old, possibly original finish with some roughness.  There is considerable wear to the ebonized trim rings and minor separation of the dial bezel, and notably, the crest trim-piece is missing.  Both glasses are old, the dial glass original, but the lower door silver stencil is not typical.  The hands, including the unusual calendar hand, are as shown in the catalog illustration (Ly, Gilbert Clocks, page 85).  The three-layer paper calendar dials are likely original and in reasonable condition.  The 8-day movement is unsigned, but found in one other example – without a remote strike.  It is running without problem.  There is a good black and gold label inside.  A bit of clean-up/refinishing would not be unwarranted.  $500–$1000.