175. $150
Wm. L. Gilbert Clock Co. “National”, ca. 1875. Gilbert
made a number of similar models, in some cases just changing the name on the glass, and sold them to secondary retailers, such as
found here – The National Clock Co. These models are not shown in existing Gilbert catalogs; there is little information on
the NCC, located in Brooklyn NY (not to be confused with the National Clock & Mfg. Co). Miller & Miller show this model
on page 138 of Survey of American Clock: Calendar Clocks with one notable difference – the orientation of the grooved wood panel in
the crest is vertical rather than horizontal, as found here. This same model is shown as the “Lincoln” in Ly’s Gilbert Clocks,
page 95, again with a vertical rather than horizontal ribbing in the crest. There are no sales records on LiveAuctioneers or
the Antique Clocks Identification and Price Guide for this model. I suspect that the crest has been replaced or modified here. The oak case is 27.5 inches tall and has been refinished, stained, and given a glossy overcoat. Note the brass banding on the
columns and the sealed barometer on the left, and the thermometer on the right. The thermometer is broken, and I don’t see how
the barometer works, as it is a sealed tube of liquid; the only thing it could be sensitive to is temperature. The door glass
is modern, but with a typical Gilbert gold stencil. The paper dial is signed at the bottom and shows some staining; the hands
are appropriate. The 8-day, time and half-hour strike movement is signed and running, striking on a cathedral gong, with a fancy
Gilbert pendulum. The black label inside is difficult to read but shows the maker as the NCC. This clock may have some
issues, but it is a rare model. $150–$300.
Antique American Clocks January 2026