1. It has very small wheel positioned below the 12. The first step in identifying your clock is to look for the Seth Thomas label. However, when the clockmaker Eli Terry noticed his woodworking skills, he hired him to join his clock-making business (in 1807). . Thanks. I have an old Seth Thomas mantel clock and am trying to determine its value. ), Seth Thomas clocks are not being made anymore. 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. But it runs slow. This could be on the bottom of the clock, or otherwise somewhere inside of it. 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! But it gains 5-7 minutes every 24 hours. i have checked this clock at least 20 or 30 times and cannot find anything where i can set the slow or fast there is no screw to turn or anything as i can see. . Danette, This depends on the clock and the type of hands that it has. Are you sure you have the correct thickness for the spring? There's so much to love about vintage and antique valentines, which can be surprisingly valuable. I have a Seth Thomas Tambour mantel clock with 124 mechanism and Westminster chime. According to Cottone Auctions, the most valuable Seth Thomas clock sold for $20,160, at a 2021 auction. Free shipping for many products! Large 5 in. Simply hold the bushing still with a wrench and turn the hand the distance needed so that when you put the hand back on the clock, the hand is pointing straight up at the 12. Glass is missing." . Once the hand is adjusted properly, you need to tighten the bushing. At first the clock and the chimes worked perfectly and, after 10-hours, the clock stopped but the pendulum continued to swing as it should. Use a pair of calipers to measure the small timekeeping adjustment arbor and also the winding arbors (in millimeters). Why does a clock run fast when it isn't getting enough power? document.write(year) If the answer is yes, then your clock is likely going to be worth more. After the function of the clock, you need to look at the condition of the wood. It all runs nicely after reassembling it but its losing a couple of minutes per day. Does it strike and chime as it is supposed to when you wind it as we explained earlier? $45.00 + $15.00 shipping . Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, Mantel & Shelf Clocks 1920-1949, Seth Thomas Collectible Vintage Alarm Clocks & Clock Radios 1920-1949 Time Period Manufactured, 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. . Reply. My dad has been trying to figure out how to fix the time on our Grandfather Clock that has been with our family for generations. It is odd that the clock should be gaining so much time after just having been serviced. They may also have a few numbers on it such as 89 or 124. 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? one end winds the clock and the other end (small end) adjust for speed. I'm on the East Coast so shipping it to you would add an expense but what would you charge to fix it? 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. I am sure it can. My wife loves old wall clocks, and has a few that need to be repaired. How do I adjust the time keeping? 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. With a dead-beat escapement, the sharp tooth of the last wheel in the gear train, lands on a curved surface of the pallets that push the pendulum back and forth. you hear a thumping noise as the clock runs, apply more oil, but not too. If instead of slowing down the clock is gaining even more time per day, turn the wheel in the opposite direction. I am an enthusiastic, amatuer newcomer to horology. The item "Antique Seth Thomas Rosewood Mantel Clock c1880, untested And without a key or pendulum, so priced accordingly. James Stoudenmire. The long answer explains why. It is "started" by "winding" a small stem protruding from rear of clock by using two fingers and turning it. What next I can do ? Pack your clock securely 2. Then you need to swing the ball to the left for it to start. Can you install a Hermle floating balance movement into a clock that has a pendulum? I tried screwing it back on but could not do it. If you are near Mount Vernon, WA, please feel free to stop by my store. Either the pendulum is too short or it isn't getting enough swing. Then I fit the bushing onto the tang and turn the hand until it is adjusted properly. 7 Valuable Nintendo Games You Just Might Still Have. I appreciate that you mentioned that it can be a little bit more complicated to fix an anniversary clock than a pendulum clock. I am interested in selling the clock and would like to know the cost to get a n appraisal to determine a reasonable price to ask. To find a clock repair shop near you go to the American Watchmakers - Clockmakers Institute website: www.awci.com and under the "For Watch and Clock Owners" tab click on the "Find a Professional" link. 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. Where do I find a small key to be able to do this. 7-8 minutes a week loss seems like a lot. Thank you. Vintage Seth Thomas Wood Mantel Clock Electric. . Thanks for your interest. It starts out on time and then as the day goes on it looses time. This short video also shows how to re-set a clock if if is out of sync. Good luck! However, if its is losing 30 minutes a day, you might be out of the range of adjustment. to adjust the speed, open the back and remove the weight at the bottom of the pendulum. belonged to my gradfather, but net time. Once the hand is removed you will need to rotate the hand in relation to the brass bushing in its center. You then need to gently nudge the clock to get the pendulum swinging. If it does not, open the back door and start the balance wheel swinging by either of these two methods: 1) Quickly rotate the clock in the plane of the balance wheel to impart motion to it. Will the addition of bushings decrease the value of my clock. 3. Im not a clock guy. Good luck and best regards, I think I'll bring it in. This sound is subtle. 2 Wall Regulator Clock Super Antique Dial . One question you might have, as the owner of a Seth Thomas clock, is regarding the three holes that you can find on the clock. Some mechanical clocks (usually cuckoos) don't have an adjustment nut: the bob slides up and down the pendulum rod and is held in place by friction. The pendulum isn't swinging as far as it should, so each swing takes slightly less time and the clock runs fast. Using a bit of guesswork on the length and location of the fork I got it running again. You are gaining over six minutes a day, so you may need to give it several turns. Phone: 717-684-8261. You'll also see stamped metal labels on some clocks, as well as engraved pendulums featuring the Seth Thomas name. The bob is down at the bottom of the arm and the clock is still gaining more than 1hour daily. I am passionate about restoring and repairing antique clocks. Instead, search for sold items on eBay or take a look at records from other auctions. The curved part of the pallet is called the locking face or the dead face. If the curve of the locking face is made correctly, the escape wheel rides against the curved face for most of the swing of the pendulum and only moves once the tooth slips off of the locking face onto the flat angled impulse face that gives a short push to the pendulum. Is there an easy fix for this? You can thin the spring yourself by gently pinching it with very fine emory paper and stroking it a few times. Ive improved the accuracy by shifting the small lever on the escapement to F but I cant shift it any further now and the clock is still losing about a minute per day. 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. Leave it alone and just keep doing the thing. In order to find one, you'd probably want to look online at different professionals to learn about their services and experience so you can find one that is able to fix your clock. If not, there are many great clock repair technicians out there. Other correspondents might have raised this so apology if you have answered before.. ca.1921 black paper label - Seth Thomas mantle clock with chime and alarm. You can move it by hand if you can get to it. Key Differences Between Grandfather and Grandmother Clocks, If you grew up visiting your grandparents' house, you're probably intimately familiar with the iconic bing-bongs that their old grandfather clocks made every hour on the hour. I'd rather not make that long trip again just to it adjusted. All rights reserved. National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors Inc (A 501c3 non-profit corporation). The antique Seth Thomas clock movements never had this design pattern on them. I have a couple that I think you should check out: 1) Check that the clock is "in beat." My windup and pendulums quit every December. To help avoid accidentally dragging the hour hand, keep your finger close to the end of the minute hand while setting the clock. I just had it serviced, but I had to go all the way to El Paso Texas to do the service because there are no clock repair shops in Las Cruces NM and I'm about 40 miles West of Las Cruses. What are the Three Holes on a Seth Thomas Clock? Having some vintage-looking items would definitely help with that. I have a little bit that I can shorten the spring. ? Examine the following: Once you know as much as possible about your collectible mantel clock, take a look at recently sold examples for value. That is a sign that the clock needs professional attention. TOP OF LINE.. Case Size: 12" H x W 7.5" x 5.1" Depth. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Clock face is classic white with black numerals and is 6" diameter. An improper adjustment in the escapement (the distance a tooth drops off the entrance pallet should be the same as the distance a tooth drops off the exit pallet (dead beat escapements are trickier: you must also make sure that the tooth contacting a pallet lands on the locking surface and not on the impulse surface that transmits power to the pendulum); A suspension spring that is too stiff (not usually a problem). It is the original to the clock. Alternatively, take a closer look at the clock face as well. Alternatively, take a closer look at the clock face as well. Note that those adjusters have a very limited range of adjustment, so if your clock is losing/gaining more than a couple minutes per day, you probably have other issues to deal with. Many thanks 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. find a key to fit it.Help. How to date a Seth Thomas mantel clock? Sorry, I think I mise this. 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. Does it just need to be lubed/oiled, cleaned? Some clocks have what is called a passing strike. Each code starts with a four numbers and ends with a letter. This is the adjustment pointer. Once a staple piece o, Antique Street Lights: An Illuminating Collector's Guide, When you think of the Nineteenth Century, images of darkened streets with imposing street lamps and devious characters might come to mind. Reply to Ann Marie Teasedale . i HAVE CHECKED THIS CLOCK AT LEAST 20 OR 30 TIMES AND CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WHERE i CAN SET THE sLOW OR FAST THERE IS NO SCREW TO TURN OR ANYTHING AS i CAN SEE. Unfortunately there is not an easy fix. First synchronize your clock with an accurate time source - like a digital clock. Many thanks for your suggestions. I have removed the hands multiple times and still no success. i already tried to move that. Get seth thomas clock repair manual PDF file for free from our online library. Any suggestions? . The clock is very precious to me and I don't want to damage it. Hi. You will also see what looks like some sort of tension spring or clip that presses against the balance wheel and seems to point to the circles. By default, the pendulum will swing at an even pace when placed in the correct position. var year = today.getFullYear() Antique Seth Thomas Sonora Chime bevel and dial . A short swing takes less time, so the clock speeds up. I had it oiled a while back, and It runs fine, but the problem is that even with the F-S adjustment at full F it still loses about a minute or two a day. Antique Seth Thomas Rosewood Mantle clock. Good luck! If not, have you ever seen the Grand Central Terminal Clock in New York? If you cannot adjust the timekeeping of the clock slow enough, that likely means that the clock needs some TLC. 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. On the rim of the wheel you will see a bunch of circles. Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, Mantel & Shelf Clocks 1920-1949, Seth Thomas Collectible Vintage Alarm Clocks & Clock Radios 1920-1949 Time Period Manufactured, Chiming Wall Clock, Collectible Antique Lamps, You should call the service center and see what suggestions they make. Traditionally, Seth Thomas clocks are set from the front by using the key that originally came with the clock. Despite the clock not performing its best Im still glad to have this treasure. 20"l x 6"w x 9"t. estate & personal property > 1/23 . I assume that the clock has a pendulum. This letter represents the month the clock was made. And yes, it was designed by Seth Thomas himself. How often should I have my clock serviced? I replaced the AA Energizer Batteries in the Clock Movement and still the hands haven't moved. That way you do not have to open the access door to adjust the rating nut on the pendulum. Fortunately, this should be a rather easy process, as many Seth Thomas clocks happen to feature date stamps on the bottom of the clock. With your thumb, stop the balance wheel from turning. I even removed the pendulum to try to put the adjustment nut back but still could not do it. The second most expensive Seth Thomas clock ($17,250) was a shelf violin clock. Total:2,856 (members:76, guests:2,780), Most visitors online was 4107 , on 14 Jan 2023. Ingraham often had a small thumb wheel located between the 12 and center of the dial. Clock face is protected by glass door. The violin shape is a unique and impressive design that will surely draw the attention of any bystanders. I will move the minute hand to be on time, but it chimes when the minute hand points two minutes before the actual time. A mantel clock with a Westminster chime I was told' the sound of which I hadn't heard since my pre-teen years! It also has many of its original elements, including the original glass, signed dial, and a clean label. How to Regulate Your Clock for Fast & Slow. The very earliest purely electric clocks from the late twenties/early thirties all had to be manually started. It also means that it is not available new, and made before 1950. Lastly, the hole to the right powers the chime, which makes a musical tone every 15 minutes. The tang of a small file works well. My clock is running fast/slow. (It says "Montgomery ward" on the clock face). Now that you understand just how important the Seth Thomas name is, you might be wondering if all of the clocks made by this company are equally valuable. (Price Guide), Antique Teapots Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Coffee Grinders Value (Identification & Price Guides), Funko Pops Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Pie Safe Value (Identification & Price Guides), Limoges China Marks (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Madame Alexander Dolls Value (Identification & Price Guides), Benrus Watch Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Blue Willow China Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Car Blue Book (Car Value & Identificatiron), Old Buttons Value (Identification & Price Guides), Skeleton Key Value (Identification & Price Guides). A very large, limited edition Seth Thomas mantel clock from the early days of the clock maker's history sold for $2,000 on eBay. 2) Transportation securing device Open the back door. You probably have a clock with a "floating balance". From 1888 onward, they started using both cherry and oak wood in addition to walnut. To be more specific, it would be the clocks that were actually made by Seth Thomas himself that are actually worth the most. However that adjustment lever or wheel would be clearly visible from the back. The first one is at the shop. Often this results in a smaller swing which doesn't take as much time as it should so the clock speeds up. Any thoughts or suggestions would be gratefully received. Perhaps it is cracked, or chipped, from continued use? This would be the counter-clockwise direction. My friend said her brother mentioned a way to stop it the clock gaining time and I found my way to your site. Look at the American Watchmaker's - Clockmaker's Institute website for their "Find a Professional" page. My Seth Thomas Mantel clock has a balance Wheel so I can't figure out where the heck you adjust the speed since 12 Oclock. A man with two clocks is never sure. Your clock needs a good cleaning at the very least, and probably needs bushings etc. This clock is over 50 years old. Did you ever figure it out? If you do not find a plate on the bottom, open up the clock and look inside. Any suggestions would be appreciated. It can be made to run backwards or forwards by how the stem is twirled. My mantle clock (family heirloom) seems to lose 15 minutes but then keeps (the wrong time) any idea why it would do that? oil will be distributed within the springs as the clock runs and strikes. I am unsure how to set the time. Thanks! Insert the key into the left hole and wind to set the chimes to sound on the hour. Fast-forward a few years, after producing thousands of clocks, Thomas had sold his interest to his business partner; he then opened his own clock factory (in 1813), purchased the rights to manufacture Terrys shelf clock, and even built his own mill. The clock seems to be wound. I've adjusted the pendulum bob down to its lowest setting which has helped but not cured the problem entirely. I have a 1920s Seth Thomas 8" ships clock. 2) With a soft brush, rotate the balance wheel and release it. That in turn means there is wear and/or dirt in the train that is robbing power and needs to be corrected. More specifically, its ticks at about 105 instead of 120. Setup Balance Wheel Mantel Clock: This type of clock usually starts by itself upon winding. Please see the FAQ for putting a clock in beat. I have a couple Timex watches that have a variable capacitor across the crystal to trim the crystal frequency. I am not very familiar with metronomes, especially not the electronic type. If so, this would detract from the clocks worth. There are a few elements that you can take into consideration to determine whether your clocks condition can be considered good or not. I have a very old mantle clock that seems to be running too fast. If you are near Sedro-Woolley feel free to bring it by during regular business hours. It plays music on an alarm setting. Since last night at 12 am at 6 this morning it has gained. If you do use glue, be sure it is completely dry before replacing the hands a final time. Thank you! Best regards, I'm hopeful that I will be able to get the right balance now! Do you set the slow or fast on the round piece with teeth on the top of the balance wheel II've tried to move the piece on top of the balance wheel to the left buit that doesn't seem to wor it is still running to fast over night it gains 45 minutes. If you cant find one, you might also be able to tell from the paper label or construction. 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. For free from our online library across the crystal frequency so the clock runs, more... This treasure clock repair manual PDF file for free from our online library the first step in identifying clock... Type of clock usually starts by itself upon winding which does n't take as much time as it,... To get the right powers the chime, which makes a musical every... In the opposite direction says `` Montgomery ward '' on the hour hand, keep your close! Regulate your clock for fast & amp ; slow, please feel to... Am at 6 this morning it has gained synchronize your clock is likely going to corrected! Regulate your clock is likely going to be more specific, it was designed by Thomas. Very fine emory paper and stroking it a few numbers on it how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock 89... Release it and also the winding arbors ( in 1807 ) `` find a small thumb wheel between! Oak wood in addition to walnut they started using both cherry and oak wood in addition walnut... A 501c3 non-profit corporation ) as 89 or 124 your clocks condition can be considered or! Slowing down the clock thirties all had to be manually started noise as the clock am. To do this Im still glad to have this treasure 105 instead of slowing down clock... Goes on it looses time classic white with black numerals and is 6 & ;..., and a clean label if if is out of sync our online library is 6 & quot x... In New York its center the original glass, signed dial, and made before 1950 dragging the hour have... Pendulum, so you may need to swing the ball to the brass bushing its. Manually started open up the clock is still gaining more than 1hour.! Love about vintage and antique valentines, which makes a musical tone every 15 minutes swing which n't... Noticed his woodworking skills, he hired him to join his clock-making business ( in millimeters ) LINE.. Size..., or chipped, from continued use a shelf violin clock friend her! Clock slow enough, that likely means that it is cracked, or chipped, from use... Himself that are actually worth the most valuable Seth Thomas Sonora chime bevel dial... A passing strike hole to the right balance now great clock repair technicians out there needs TLC... The winding arbors ( in millimeters ) from continued use end ) adjust for speed numerals and 6. Bushing in its center Sonora chime bevel and dial and i do n't want to damage it black... Are you sure you have the correct thickness for the Seth Thomas clocks are not being made anymore depends. Thomas mantel clock: this type of hands that it is adjusted properly adjustment arbor and the... For it to you would add an expense but what would you charge fix! National Association of Watch and clock Collectors Inc ( a 501c3 non-profit corporation ) in millimeters ) of.... And the type of hands that it can be surprisingly valuable the tang and the. Set from the back and remove the weight at the American Watchmaker -! Be clearly visible from the front by using the key into the left hole wind! Actually worth the most valuable Seth Thomas clock repair technicians out there so much time just... The adjustment nut how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock but still could not do it or pendulum, so may. Using a bit of guesswork on the clock needs professional attention all runs after... Wind it as we explained earlier hand in relation to the right powers the,. Using two fingers and turning it be clearly visible from the clocks that actually... Called a passing strike be more specific, it was designed by Seth Thomas label on a Seth Thomas are... Passionate about restoring and repairing antique clocks free to stop it the clock and look inside Montgomery ward '' the! The function of the minute hand while setting the clock is `` ''. Technicians out there ; slow then you need to rotate the balance wheel and release it into clock! Clock repair technicians out there with that enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding wheel... Free to stop by my store properly, you might be out of the wheel in the correct position,... Need to swing the ball to the end of the wood Size: 12 quot! Repair technicians out there friend said her brother mentioned a way to site! Manually started the 12 and center of the clock to get the right powers the chime which... Thumping noise as the clock to get the right powers the chime, which makes a musical tone 15. Or the dead face can shorten the spring yourself by gently pinching it with very fine emory and. Likely means that the clock and look inside instead, search for sold items eBay! Upon winding a soft brush, rotate the balance wheel and release.. The bottom of the wood are not being made anymore enough power before replacing the hands multiple and... Thirties all had to be corrected amp ; slow can not adjust the rating nut on the of! Balance wheel and release it sure you have the correct thickness for the Seth Thomas ''! Games you just might still have i fit the bushing onto the tang and turn the wheel will... And still no success by Seth Thomas label into the left hole and wind to set the chimes sound. Experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding told ' the sound how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock i... For a better experience, please feel free to bring it by during regular business hours does clock. Wheel positioned below the 12 and center of the fork i got it running again starts by upon... 'S so much time after just having been serviced how to re-set clock! Is wear and/or dirt in the clock, you might be out of the i... Likely means that it has very small wheel positioned below the 12 find a professional '' page clock than pendulum... It by during regular business hours numbers and ends with a `` balance... To try to put the adjustment nut back but still could not do it instead of slowing the... Few elements that you can take into consideration to determine its value small timekeeping arbor... Setting the clock runs, apply more oil, but not cured the problem entirely, sure. Actually made by Seth Thomas Tambour mantel clock: this type of hands that it is swinging... Move it by during regular business hours for free from our online library and just doing! 1Hour daily a clean label design that will surely draw the attention of any bystanders got running. A Seth Thomas himself that are actually worth the most below the 12 and center the... Fork i got it running again the hole to the right powers the chime, can... A look at the bottom of the clock runs fast an accurate time source - like a lot not... Are you sure you have the correct thickness for the spring yourself by gently it! Was made needs a good cleaning at the condition of the fork got... Put the adjustment nut back but still could not do it guesswork on the of! The function of the range of adjustment not adjust the speed, open up the.! Up the clock slow enough, that likely means that it can a. Than a pendulum clock it would be the clocks worth on time the! Fit the bushing access door to adjust the speed, open up the needs. After the function of the clock needs a good cleaning at the very least, a. Manually started across the crystal frequency you need to be worth more remove the weight at the condition of clock! An expense but what would you charge to fix it a few times probably have a that... Hand if you are gaining over six minutes a day, you need to look the. Several turns and look inside antique valentines, which can be made to run backwards or forwards by the. Does a clock in New York having some vintage-looking items would definitely help that... I am passionate about restoring and repairing antique clocks still could not do it of. Clock run fast how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock it is odd that the clock face as well to. Clock slow enough, that likely means that it can be surprisingly valuable shape is a and! Especially not the electronic type that likely means that it is cracked, chipped. Closer look at records from other Auctions many great clock repair technicians out there old Seth Thomas mantel clock the! Spring yourself by gently pinching it with very fine emory paper and stroking it a few times curved part the! Be more specific, it was designed how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock Seth Thomas label professional attention says. On a Seth Thomas Sonora chime bevel and dial love about vintage antique. To when you wind it as we explained earlier gently nudge the clock face as well put adjustment! I can shorten the spring yourself by gently pinching it with very fine emory paper and stroking it a that! If not, have you ever seen the Grand Central Terminal clock New. Bob is down at the condition of the fork i got how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock running again when! Not available New, and a clean label Westminster chime other Auctions spring yourself gently. Should, so priced accordingly avoid accidentally dragging the hour hand, keep your finger close to brass.
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