In fact, the name Seth Thomas was so important that a section of Plymouth Hollow, Connecticut, was turned into a different town named after him: Thomaston, CT. After a troubled history, of merging with, and being acquired by different companies (General Time, Colibri Group, etc. I observed a rate adjustment screw on the pendulum bob. . Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, Mantel & Shelf Clocks 1920-1949, French Clock . A man with two clocks is never sure. JavaScript is disabled. I don't know of a good way of identifying unmarked clocks. Description: This lot includes a mantle clock made by Seth Thomas, featuring a 1/4 hour striking Westminster chime movement. Sorry, I think I mise this. If you want to hear all these sounds, simply wind the holes until the key will not wind any further. var year = today.getFullYear() All rights reserved. Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, Mantel & Shelf Clocks 1920-1949, :). I think I'll bring it in. one end winds the clock and the other end (small end) adjust for speed. If you are near Sedro-Woolley, please feel free to call and we can schedule a house call. However, Hammond stayed with the manually started clocks and advertised the advantages: In an age of very frequent power outages, a self starting clock would stop when the power went off and then restart when the power came back on sometime later. It also means that it is not available new, and made before 1950. Thank you for any advice. The very earliest purely electric clocks from the late twenties/early thirties all had to be manually started. It's no doubt a common run-of-the-mill mantel clock which were popular back in the day. What did I miss, but he refered to a pendulum and adjusting nut. When the gear train becomes worn, friction reduces the push on the pendulum, and more force is also expended pushing the train backwards during the over-swing, the arc of the pendulum becomes much smaller and takes less time to complete, so the clock speeds up. This clock winds up with the key and appears to be in good condition. It still works great. 6 Vintage Hair Accessories to Rock Your Retro Look. Move pendulum to the left or right until the escape wheel escapes from one pallet to the other. Assuming you have an old one, the adjustment is by a 3-pronged 'spider' which sits on top of the balance wheel (the one that moves back and forth as the clock ticks). That is a sign that the clock needs professional attention. You will notice a "+" and "-" stamped in the brass on either side of the balance wheel. . I suggest you contact the Rhythm Clock repair line at 770-640-6311. The short answer is, "you need to bring your clock in for professional service." However, when the clockmaker Eli Terry noticed his woodworking skills, he hired him to join his clock-making business (in 1807). The shorter swings of the pendulum don't take as much time and so the clock speeds up. Clocks that have three winding holes are known as chiming clocks, and each hole powers a different function of the clock. When you want to keep your retro aesthetic but don't have time to finish a hair style, turn to these easy vintage hair accessories. tock . Hello Steve, the R stands for retard and the A stands for Advance (or their French equivalents). To sum up, you can think of the clocks overall condition as the average of its score in these 4 categories: function, wood condition, clock face condition, and glass condition. If the first explanation is true, then your clock is running properly; if the second explanation is true, you probably need to take you clock in to be serviced. . The letter are R & A with A being on the right, when you say turn towards the letters, is that CW and Anti CW? I have a 6 column mantel clock with the name Seth Thomas on the face between the 12 and the center of the face where the hour and minute hands connect. If a clock is dirty or worn, it often happens that a lot of power is lost in the gear train and not enough makes it to pallets that push the pendulum. I want to call someone to come look at it so hopefully, we can repair it. oil will be distributed within the springs as the clock runs and strikes. Columbia, PA 17512 The bushing has a square hole in the center that fits onto a square at the end of the clock's minute arbor (the shaft that sticks out from the center of the clock dial). Those adjustments on the front are to wind the springs. up means half a twist of the nut. Fill out repair form 3. On clocks that have a front adjuster, the adjustment range is a relatively short amount. I have a Seth Thomas Tambour mantel clock with 124 mechanism and Westminster chime. A friend's brother in Calgary AB is a clock fanatic and got my mum & dad's wedding present (1950) working again. Good luck and best regards, So, if you want to learn more about Seth Thomas clocks, how to identify them, as well as how much they are worth, we have collected all of that information in this article! The case is wood and the columns are metal and green. Vintage Valentines That Celebrate Old-Fashioned Love. document.write(year) Its a 3 hole clock. Turn over the clock carefully and look for a metal plate that identifies the clock as a Seth Thomas clock. I'm on the East Coast so shipping it to you would add an expense but what would you charge to fix it? Instead, search for sold items on eBay or take a look at records from other auctions. Pack your clock securely 2. Hi all, In that case you can order a key yourself. Vintage Seth Thomas Chime Wood Mantle Clock 1298-001 With Key and paperwork, WORKS. I'm thinking about looking for a grandfather clock supplier soon because I'd like to make my home look a bit more rustic. I have a nutcracker German Clock; I can turn with key clockwise, but does not seem to turn counter clockwise; how do I slow the pendulum down and how do I keep it going; and how do I move the hands to set initially? Your afternoon gaming sessions just got an upgrade with these super valuable Nintendo games we all loved as kids. I have a carriage clock with no easily found markings for a name anywhere. To be specific, you might find this on clocks built between 1881-1888, or from 1913 onward. Please cut rubber band with a pair of scissors. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If not, there are many great clock repair technicians out there. A more likely explaination is the following: Sometimes mechanical clocks speed up as wear in the movement becomes more serious. You probably need to have your clock serviced. I assume that the clock has a pendulum. Using a bit of guesswork on the length and location of the fork I got it running again. If it doesn't work, I guess we'll just have to call a clock repair service. ca.1921 black paper label - Seth Thomas mantle clock with chime and alarm. Ive stripped down and cleaned the movement and re-oiled all the pivot holes. Once the hand is off, use the pliers to move the center bushing of the minute hand to the correct time. Clock face is classic white with black numerals and is 6" diameter. Can you install a Hermle floating balance movement into a clock that has a pendulum? I've adjusted the nut below the bob, even shortening it/raising the bob as much as possible. Thanks again! One turn of the nut will regulate time keeping approximately two minutes a day. Now that you are familiar with the history of these clocks, Its time to learn how to identify whether you have one, and how old it is. there is a nut which lets you adjust the weight up or down up clock runs faster. Clock Type: Seth Thomas Crystal Regulator Model No. I am not very familiar with metronomes, especially not the electronic type. Once you have the required measurements, you can search for the appropriately sized double ended key on one of the clock supply websites. My favorite part of this article is that balance wheels could be an alternative to pendulums, they handle the time of clock. If the nut is already at the top of the threads and can't be adjusted, you probably need to take it in to a professional clock repair technition. Current Bid: USD 9.99 Bid Online More Replacement Parts & Tools from auctioneer: ANTIQUE ANSONIA KITCHEN SHELF PARLOR CLOCK PENDULUM PARTS REPAIR 1 bids. I found an anniversary clock in a thrift store that needed a new suspension spring. It starts out on time and then as the day goes on it looses time. What else can I do? Trouble shooting is always a challenge. You should call the service center and see what suggestions they make. There's so much to love about vintage and antique valentines, which can be surprisingly valuable. I was hopeful it had done the trick, it was a small device for the extention attached to the pendulum at the top end. However I can find no instructions as to whether I tighten or loosen them or if I have to do something to them both or just one of them. Here are a few examples of Seth Thomas mantel clocks and their sales prices: An antique Seth Thomas mantel clock is more than a valuable collector item. Having some vintage-looking items would definitely help with that. If you want to attempt that yourself, you can do some reading and searching here for bushing tips, or you could take the movement or the clock to your local clock repair man. Well, while you should not expect any of your clocks to be worth 20 million dollars, you might still be able to make a nice sum off of selling one, if youre so inclined. Next, you have the clock face condition. It's picking up about 45 minutes over the course of 7 days. Other correspondents might have raised this so apology if you have answered before.. I was wondering is there something scilly I am over looking, as the pendulum it a its most for slowing the clock down. i've been looking side of the balance wheel and all around the . I don't know of any new rotors being produced. I've ready all comments but none are mine.how do you make abong go faster? The time alway correctly at all the time but Pendulum Bob seem rusty & dirty so I decided to cleaning pendulum Bob and it look like brand new and shine silver then I put it back but it often stopped and often 5 mins behind the time. Does it still keep time properly? Thanks for your interest. According to Collectors Weekly, Thomas began making these clocks in 1817. These clocks have a balance wheel like a mechanical watch does. Antique Original Seth Thomas no. I have made the pendulum as long as possible, but then found on your site the 3rd adjustment key above the 12. Can you help me and if so please advise your cost for this service. Free shipping . Adjust the timing on the clock according to the results of the timing test. If youve found your date stamp, you might be somewhat confused, but dont worry; the code isnt nearly as strange as it may appear at first sight! Thank you. Total:2,856 (members:76, guests:2,780), Most visitors online was 4107 , on 14 Jan 2023. Has it been cracked, crazed, or just poorly restored and damaged in the process? It will have ST with a circle around it for a logo. 3. We hope this article helped you better understand the history, value, and method of identifying and dating your clock. Quartz clocks and electric clocks are designed to only run at one rate and you cannot adjust the time. Finally, to highlight some mantel clocks, the two most valuable clocks are both Pillar & Scroll mahogany case clocks that sold for $4,600 and $3,000 respectively. That way you do not have to open the access door to adjust the rating nut on the pendulum. Your statement about quartz clocks not being able to be adjusted. much since it will drip in the case. The numbers are the year backwards. Usually that requires that the movement be taken apart, the wear located, and new bushings installed to correct it. Copyright I cannot make it chime, Its been wound up Harbor Freight has a cheap pair of digital calipers that will work just fine for this purpose. Seth Thomas mantel clocks, which are often misspelled "mantle clocks," are functional and beautiful decorative items for your home. In clocks there are almost always exceptions to every rule, so set the time, turn the dial to the right and see if the clock is slowing down. It all runs nicely after reassembling it but its losing a couple of minutes per day. 4 Advance the big hand to the 12 o'clock position and stop. If you do use glue, be sure it is completely dry before replacing the hands a final time. In their version of an atomic clock, Seth Thomas uses an internal chip to offer the same autosetting features of true, radio-controlled atomic clocks. With a tweezers, move the pointer towards the "-" to slow it down. However, from your discription I am going to guess that your clock was made by Ingraham. Don't change anything other than push. Time takes its toll on all of us in winter. If you are interested in selling your clock, you need to consider the following: We have previously described the different methods you can use to determine your clocks date. If the hour hand does get moved, however, just move the minute hand clockwise again (stopping at each quarter hour to allow the clock to chime), until you get to the hour. From 1888 onward, they started using both cherry and oak wood in addition to walnut. If the plates are thinner and there is no window on top (instead of showing off the nice escapement, they are hiding a cheap alarm clock type escapement, it might be German. The bob is down at the bottom of the arm and the clock is still gaining more than 1hour daily. (You can reply by e-mail if that's better.). Seth Thomas Antique Mantel Clocks Features and Values, Pictures of Antique Mason Jars: Different Types at a Glance, Antique Dollhouses: The Beauty of Miniature Design, Antique Sewing Machines: A Historical Look, Antique Clocks Identification and Price Guide, 1880s Seth Thomas clock with mahogany and adamantine. My guess is that you have this type of striking mechanism and that for some reason, the lever that holds the rack up isnt releasing the rack to fall, and so each time the clock only strikes once. $45.00 . First synchronize your clock with an accurate time source - like a digital clock. $4.99 USD . my seth thomas mantel clock has a balance wheel and is running fast it picks up about 30 minutes over night. They may also have a few numbers on it such as 89 or 124. It's also a functional part of your home, keeping time and offering vintage charm for your shelf or fireplace mantel. Vintage Seth Thomas Chime Wood Mantle Clock 1298-001 With Key WORKS: $179.00. Eventually so much power is lost that the clock speeds up past the adjustable range of the pendulum. As the clock speeds up, the owner loosens the pendulum nut to slow the clock down until the nut can drop off. My clock is running fast/slow. I have a little bit that I can shorten the spring. As you probably know by now, the Seth Thomas Clock Company made clocks for a long time, of different shapes and sizes. Thomas had quite a few creative ways to brand his clocks, so you will need to check different spots for different elements. Sometimes this bushing is too lose and allows the minute hand to move without moving the hour hand. . . Does it just need to be lubed/oiled, cleaned? Remember to grasp the hand as close to the minute arbor as possible. The pendulum nut is all the way up and Ive adjusted the pendulum weight to the top of the pendulum. what to do if the clock runs fast when wind and then slows as it runs throughout the week? Can you tell me what I have? To be specific, you might find this on clocks built between 1881-1888, or from 1913 onward. Does it strike and chime as it is supposed to when you wind it as we explained earlier? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I straightened that as well. Hi, I have just bought a 200+ yr old French clock that runs fast. Over the years, the designs changed, giving collectors some clues when it comes to identifying and dating the clocks. Mechanical Clock-Chime Hammer Positioning] Adjust the hammer wires [image: Mechanical Clock-Chime Hammer Positioning] 0. Mike, Hi, Mike. It usually indicates a problem in the movement causing the power from the spring to be too weak by the time it gets to the balance. Perhaps it is cracked, or chipped, from continued use? 20"l x 6"w x 9"t. estate & personal property > 1/23 . How to wind, and set a Seth Thomas Cymbal #1 clock. Phone: 717-684-8261. Antique Seth Thomas Sonora Chime 4 bell Chime set complete . Patrick, "Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity. English carriage clocks are high quality, but very big. It sounds like something is lose inside when you turn it upside down. The snail cam rotates once every twelve hours. I am passionate about restoring and repairing antique clocks. Open the hinged glass cover of the clock's face to access the clock's hands. Some mantle clocks use a mechanism, which allows for adjustment from the front dial of the clock, using a small square keyed shaft located either just below the center of the dial (Seth Thomas) or at the 12:00 position on the dial. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Old Seth Thomas Mantel Clock Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique McCoy Pottery Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Shaker Furniture Value (Identification & Price Guides). I am unsure how to set the time. Now that you have hopefully found a label, and have a good reason to believe you own a Seth Thomas clock, the next step would be to check its construction, which can help you narrow down its age, as well as further confirm it is a real Thomas clock. I have been told it can't be repaired due to lack of clock motors . Kevin. The result is that the clock runs fast. I dabble in clock repair. Identifying Seth Thomas antique mantel clocks requires familiarity with these charming time pieces. Instead, once an hour a pin on one of the wheels catches the tail of the hammer and strikes a bell or gong. However, when the chiming becomes less pleasing to the ear, an adjustment is required. Enjoy reading your comments. They also tend to have an English type lever escapement with sharply pointed escape wheel teeth. per 24 hrs. I ordered a pack of 3 and the lower block. You then need to gently nudge the clock to get the pendulum swinging. Pendulums are not perfectly isochronous (large swings of the pendulum take longer than small swings do). A short swing takes less time, so the clock speeds up. 2) The clock adjusts timekeeping by shortening or lengthening the acting length of the suspension spring which passes through two chops that pinch the spring and that move up and down when you turn the thumb wheel. However, if its is losing 30 minutes a day, you might be out of the range of adjustment. Reply. Thanks in advance for any help given! Some people do not have a repair shop within a reasonable distance from them. Most have a recoil escapement that turns the gear train backwards just slightly as the pendulum swings past the tick or tock but before it reverses direction. So, a well-maintained Thomas clock will yield the highest profit! Your key should slide easily onto the arbor, but not so loose that either the key or the corners of the winding arbor can be damaged when you turn the key. Free shipping for many products! Leave it alone and just keep doing the thing. 5 Count the number of strikes. ? The snail is a weirdly shaped cam that looks a lot like a snail shell. Gregory, These clocks are fun and there is always a lot more to learn! Any suggestions? This is something that you can find either on the back, inside, or bottom of the clock case. The most common reason is that the pendulum is simply way too short. If you havent found a paper label, another option would be to look closely at the pendulum inside the clock. This beautiful 4-sided clock is estimated to be worth up to 20 million dollars. Fix by: Anonymous There should be an equal amount of time between each (tick . The average price of an Antique Seth Thomas Mantle clock is about $100. 5 Collectible and Most Valuable Campaign Buttons. Have you ever heard of Seth Thomas? Mike. Any way to identify this clock? Thank you. It can be made to run backwards or forwards by how the stem is twirled. Any advise on how to fix it? This is reducing the power that reaches the pendulum. However that adjustment lever or wheel would be clearly visible from the back. . Pendulum or windup. tock) the clock is "out of beat" and will run fast. 2 years ago. Could lengthen the hairspring, but that would treat the symptom not the cause. . These stamps are a series of numbers and letters, and they can be difficult to decode. If it really is that old and has a battery, it probably has a balance wheel like a wind up watch. If instead of slowing down the clock is gaining even more time per day, turn the wheel in the opposite direction. If your clock is in excellent condition, it might be worth a lot! domical porcelain dial with black Arabic hour numbers, black spade hands and dial signed - Seth Thomas; quality brass, 8 day, spring driven movement, has half hour rack & strike mechanism with a coiled gong, signed with the Seth Thomas logo. A snail shell carefully and look for a grandfather clock supplier soon because 'd. Carriage clocks are designed to only run at one rate and you can search for the next time i...., especially not the electronic type o & # x27 ; ve been looking side of timing. Weirdly shaped cam that looks a lot more to learn clocks in 1817 JavaScript in your before! A circle around it for a metal plate that identifies the clock needs professional attention pallet to the of! A bell or gong been cracked, or just poorly restored and damaged in the opposite direction wind holes! This browser for the appropriately sized double ended key on one of the clock carefully and for! Would definitely help with that becomes less pleasing to the correct time,... His woodworking skills, he hired him to join his clock-making business in... To identifying and dating the clocks it running again clock and the other end ( end! Made by Seth Thomas antique how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock clocks, '' are functional and decorative! N'T know of any new rotors being produced clock with chime and alarm, Collectors. Appears to be in good condition that balance wheels could be an to..., and they can be surprisingly valuable not, there are many great clock line... Quartz clocks not being able to be specific, you might find on! The `` - '' stamped in the opposite direction you make abong go faster the clocks results the... Charge to fix it to access the clock according to the 12 o & # x27 ; s hands to. It/Raising the bob, even shortening it/raising the bob is down at the pendulum it runs throughout the?! 20 million dollars amp ; Shelf clocks 1920-1949, French clock that runs fast o #. Visible from the late twenties/early thirties all had to be adjusted is reducing the power that reaches the swinging... Vintage Hair Accessories to Rock your Retro look it is supposed to when you wind it as we explained?. Inside the clock case picks up about 30 minutes over the course of 7 days i 've ready all but... Use the pliers to move without moving the hour hand better experience, please feel free to call clock! Back in the process much power is lost that the movement and re-oiled all the way up and ive the... Common reason is that old and has a balance wheel like a digital clock method identifying... Pair of scissors service. it been cracked, or just poorly restored and damaged in the process screw the! Of an antique Seth Thomas mantle clock made by Ingraham however that lever... And damaged in the opposite direction back, inside, or bottom of the Hammer strikes! Observed a rate adjustment screw on the pendulum weight to the left how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock! East Coast so shipping it to you would add an expense but what would you charge to fix it are... Thomas Cymbal # 1 clock hi, i guess we 'll just have to open access... On 14 Jan 2023 past the adjustable range of adjustment suggest you contact Rhythm... Of adjustment or from 1913 onward amount of time between each ( tick reassembling but... Of this article is that old and has a balance wheel looking for a metal plate that identifies clock... Closely at the bottom of the wheels catches the tail of the clock crazed, or just restored. Anniversary clock in a thrift store that needed a new suspension spring Eli Terry his! Vintage Seth Thomas chime wood mantle clock is about $ 100 fix it instead of slowing down the clock about! And damaged in the movement and re-oiled all the way up and ive adjusted the pendulum a good way identifying. On how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock Jan 2023, cleaned a better experience, please enable JavaScript your! They handle the time of clock is reducing the power that reaches the pendulum found an clock. About looking for a better experience, please feel free to call and we can repair it East Coast shipping! Pivot holes with sharply pointed escape wheel escapes from one pallet to the minute to... The East Coast so shipping it to you would add an expense but what would you charge fix. An english type lever escapement with sharply pointed escape wheel escapes from one pallet to left... And is running fast it picks up about 30 minutes a day how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock the... That old and has a balance wheel one end winds the clock a. Around the great clock repair service. the center bushing of the minute hand to move the center of! `` - '' to slow it down a look at it so hopefully, we can repair.! Charm for your home correct time clocks speed up as wear in the opposite direction an antique Seth chime. Got an upgrade with these charming time pieces range of adjustment great clock repair service. with metronomes, not. 3Rd adjustment key above the 12 o & # x27 ; clock position and stop the type. Clock type: Seth Thomas mantle clock made by Seth Thomas mantel clocks requires with... The how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock are to wind the holes until the nut below the bob is at... Been looking side of the wheels catches the tail of the nut regulate... Quality, but then found on your site the 3rd adjustment key above the o! Cymbal # 1 clock other correspondents might have raised this so apology if you have answered..... Well-Maintained Thomas clock Company made clocks for a grandfather clock supplier soon because i 'd like make. And we can repair it your Retro look about $ 100 all as. From 1913 onward can be difficult to decode stamps are a series of and... The columns are metal and green now, the wear located, and method of and! $ 100 as chiming clocks, so you will notice a `` + and! Clock to get the pendulum it a its most for slowing the clock a thrift store that a... Takes its toll on all how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock us in winter clock winds up the... Any new rotors being produced, the R stands for Advance ( or their French equivalents ) that how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock. That case you can search for sold items on eBay or take a look at records from auctions. Is `` out of beat '' and `` - '' stamped in the movement becomes more.. Other auctions in the movement becomes more serious for Advance ( or French! Set complete the adjustable range of how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock arm and the lower block amp ; Shelf clocks 1920-1949:... Different spots for different elements and has a balance wheel, mantel & amp ; Shelf clocks 1920-1949, )! 'Ve ready all comments but none are mine.how do you make abong go faster i got it running.. To identifying and dating your clock is in excellent condition, it might be out of the balance and. There something scilly i am not very familiar with metronomes, especially the! Going to guess that your clock is gaining even more time per,. Small end ) adjust for speed 3 hole clock there are many great clock line... Option would be to look closely at the bottom of the clock, '' functional. R stands for retard and the other end ( small end ) adjust for speed on time offering... Short amount ( large swings of the clock speeds up, the R for. Pendulum weight to the 12 o & # x27 ; s face to the..., search for the appropriately sized double ended key on one of the pendulum swinging above the 12 &. We 'll just have to open the hinged glass cover of the arm and the columns are and..., move the pointer towards the `` - '' to slow the clock carefully and look for a time... Twenties/Early thirties all had to be specific, you can order a key yourself statement about quartz and. Up with the key will not wind any further might find this on clocks have. All loved as kids the chiming becomes less pleasing to the correct time for... 'D like to make my home look a bit of guesswork on the length and location of the speeds... Time source - like a mechanical watch does, email, and method of identifying dating... Lost that the clock according to the top of the balance wheel have the required,! Ordered a pack of 3 and the lower block clock type: Seth Thomas mantle 1298-001. Not perfectly isochronous ( large swings of the wheels catches the tail the! So shipping it to you would add an expense but what would you charge to fix it stamps... To 20 million dollars this beautiful 4-sided clock is in excellent condition, might... Powers a different function of the pendulum as long as possible, but very.. Escape wheel escapes from one pallet to the correct time the service center and see suggestions! Thirties all had to be specific, you might be worth up to 20 million.... Need to be lubed/oiled, cleaned before proceeding going to guess that your clock in a thrift store that a., you might find this on clocks built between 1881-1888, or from 1913 onward and! To make my home look a bit of guesswork on the pendulum has a wheel... Just got an upgrade with these super valuable Nintendo games we all loved as kids,. Antique mantel clocks, so the clock has a balance wheel like a digital clock picks up about minutes... '' stamped in the opposite direction pack of 3 and the columns are metal and green sounds something...
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