It's been leveled so that it has a good tick tock, although every once in awhile a tick sounds like a tock, though it's still an even beat. Look over our list of most common questions and answers. Once the nut is removed, carefully rotate the minute hand clockwise until the clock strikes the hour; then gently pull the minute hand away from the clock. I don't know of any new rotors being produced. belonged to my gradfather, but net time. Seth Thomas mantel clocks, which are often misspelled "mantle clocks," are functional and beautiful decorative items for your home. Once the hand is off, use the pliers to move the center bushing of the minute hand to the correct time. Move pendulum to the left or right until the escape wheel escapes from one pallet to the other. How often should I have my clock serviced? If you bushing doesn't have straight side on the back (many are round) you will need to find something to fit into the hole to hold the bushing steady. I think I figured out how to fix the first problem from your answers above, but the second problem has me stumped. 2002-2023 LoveToKnow Media. The Rhythm clocks that I am familiar with are quartz clocks, but quartz clocks generally weren't affordable in the 1960';s and early 1970's. What are the Three Holes on a Seth Thomas Clock? Unfortunately, for how innovative their purpose was, these, What theMost Valuable LEGO Sets Are Worth (Newor Used Condition). Seth Thomas Collectible Clock Replacement Parts & Tools, . Mike. There are several ways clocks can count the hours, but a common strike system is called the rack and snail. Your clock probably needs some professional care. 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. 1. Current Bid: USD 9.99 Bid Online More Replacement Parts & Tools from auctioneer: ANTIQUE ANSONIA KITCHEN SHELF PARLOR CLOCK PENDULUM PARTS REPAIR 1 bids. The Seth Thomas Clock Company was organized as a corporation on May 3, 1853 in Plymouth Hollow, Connecticut (later to become Thomaston) to succeed the earlier clock-making operation of the founder. ca.1921 black paper label - Seth Thomas mantle clock with chime and alarm. 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. Again remember to grasp the hand close to the bushing when making this adjustment. Free shipping . My favorite part of this article is that balance wheels could be an alternative to pendulums, they handle the time of clock. If. Hermle stamps the number of beats per minute on the back of the clock movement right under the pendulum length (the number followed by cm). 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. An avid antiques collector herself, Kate has written about antiques for many years. Like now it is about 10 min on the hour off. Good luck! New . Next, you have the clock face condition. Clocks tell time by counting the swings of the pendulum, and a short swing of the pendulum takes less time than a long swing (pendulums are not perfectly isochronous). Thus, I haven't the slightest idea as to why it won't work. Please cut rubber band with a pair of scissors. Some escapements are dead beat escapements even some cheap bent strap escapements that could be in a cuckoo clock. That explains things. From 1888 onward, they started using both cherry and oak wood in addition to walnut. You have the option of taking it to a clock restorer, who could repair it with antique clock parts. The Seth Thomas clock that sold for the third-highest price (of $17,110) is a tall regulator wall clock, dated around 1900. My clock is so slow that it is1-2 minutes after the hour by the time it gets done bonging! You can do this by peening the bushing with a small hammer, being careful not to damage the hands (super glue will also work by the next repair person to work on you clock will probably curse you. var today = new Date() Includes key, clock was not tested. Re your paragraph on clocks with balance wheels - do you move the lever towards plus if the clock is running slow or vice-versa? All rights reserved. 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. How can I get it to run correctly? ? I have a very old mantle clock that seems to be running too fast. I have made the pendulum as long as possible, but then found on your site the 3rd adjustment key above the 12. We have a Howard Miller Grandfather clock here at home and we have it since 1991. 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. You are gaining over six minutes a day, so you may need to give it several turns. I am not very familiar with metronomes, especially not the electronic type. 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. Both of them were in mostly original condition, presenting impressive nostalgic elements. I've adjusted the nut below the bob, even shortening it/raising the bob as much as possible. The item "Antique Seth Thomas Rosewood Mantel Clock c1880, untested And without a key or pendulum, so priced accordingly. How do I adjust the time keeping? Large 5 in. Refer to the View A and View B in the illustration above and follow the steps below to put the clock in beat. $7.69 . The snail cam rotates once every twelve hours. How to synchronize the striking on a Seth Thomas tambour mantel clock from the 1920's. This clock strikes the hour and half-hour on a cathedral gong. I even removed the pendulum to try to put the adjustment nut back but still could not do it. What is the value of a Seth Thomas mantel clock? If it really is that old and has a battery, it probably has a balance wheel like a wind up watch. The tang of a small file works well. 3 Listen for a sound like a spring unwinding. I have an old coocoo clock and h have moved the leaf but it either goes 15 fast or 14 slow what can I do the owner says I had correct weights, Thanks Mike, This coo-coo clock belonged to my deceased sister Julie, has been hanging on my wall for several years now.. i'm glad i found you, thought it would be a really complicated problem, followed your inst. It will have ST with a circle around it for a logo. 9 "Empire". Then I fit the bushing onto the tang and turn the hand until it is adjusted properly. If you are near Mount Vernon, WA, please feel free to stop by my store. You should call the service center and see what suggestions they make. 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. Fortunately, they are relatively cheap. Turn over the clock carefully and look for a metal plate that identifies the clock as a Seth Thomas clock. oil will be distributed within the springs as the clock runs and strikes. Seth Thomas used different materials at different times in the clock maker's history. A new movement is usually the cure for a problem with a battery or electric movement. Shorter pendulums swing faster than longer ones do. Some of the clocks Thomas built had his name on them, right above the number 6 on the dial. If it is battery powered or electric, the pendulum is probably decorative and does not need to be adjusted. The first is that there is nothing wrong and the clock is doing just what it is supposed to do. Would the repairs to get the hour strike and time regulated be a costly endeavor? 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. To speed up a clock you must make the effective length of the pendulum shorter; to slow down the clock, the pendulum length must be longer. You can find the label on the inside, back, or bottom of the clock case. Someone also applied an excessive amount of oil to the clocks works. Hi all, Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, Mantel & Shelf Clocks 1920-1949, French Clock . I am an enthusiastic, amatuer newcomer to horology. They also tend to have an English type lever escapement with sharply pointed escape wheel teeth. i'VE BEEN LOOKING SIDE OF THE BALANCE WHEEL AND ALL AROUND THE WHEEL AND i SEE NOTHING WHERE i CAN ADJUST THE MOVEMENT tHANKS FOR ANY HELP. It has very small wheel positioned below the 12. If you can set the number of beats per minute, and if you know how many beats per minute your clock does, you are set. Sorry for the late reply. The final element of the date is the letter that comes after the numbers. There isn't a uniform rule about the direction you turn to adjust the time keeping. How do you set an antique Seth Thomas mantle clock? To regulate your clock, hold the pendulum disc and turn the rating nut located under the disk to the left to make the clock run slower and to the right to make the clock run faster. If you clock is running fast, lower the bob. In addition to what's already been mentioned, here are a few other things that can make a balance wheel clock run too fast; This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Just an old man that is working on my second clock. These clocks usually only have one winding arbor or weight. I will move the minute hand to be on time, but it chimes when the minute hand points two minutes before the actual time. This is probably your problem. After the function of the clock, you need to look at the condition of the wood. My clock is running fast/slow. the bird sounds like a rooster with a cold, can this be remedied???? TimeSavers offers several books on clock repair that can help. . 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. 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. 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. If the clock has a pendulum, use the nut on the bottom of the pendulum to adjust the clock. At first, as a carpenter/joiner apprentice, Thomas work consisted of building houses and barns. I have a 1920s Seth Thomas 8" ships clock. A short swing takes less time, so the clock speeds up. 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. Using an internal chip is particularly beneficial to customers who have difficulty using traditional radio-controlled atomic clocks due to interference caused by televisions, computers and many common building materials. You will need to pay attention to a few factors for this: The first thing you need to do to check if you have a genuine Seth Thomas clock is to look for a label. Best regards, 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. much since it will drip in the case. My recently purchased grandfather clock is delaying even after I did rotate the pendulum nut to the maximum. Clock Type: Seth Thomas Crystal Regulator Model No. :) The most important factor other than the date is the condition of the clock. Always try to grasp the hands close the the brass bushing, and try to avoid bending the hands. And yes, it was designed by Seth Thomas himself. I'll share this with him so he can finally adjust it. I use an Atomic Clock to check all my clocks time keeping. This was an office calendar, whose creation date was noted as circa 1900. There is no lever as described above but I do have two nuts labelled s and f either side of the balance wheel. 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. Thank you. Ideas? This letter represents the month the clock was made. Thanks. How to date a Seth Thomas mantel clock? I have a gorgeous 1880's Ansonia clock which runs well and chimes well. 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. . The rate adjustment is on the front of the clock and the smaller end of a double-sided key is used to speed and slow down the clock. 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. 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. We hope this article helped you better understand the history, value, and method of identifying and dating your clock. It's no doubt a common run-of-the-mill mantel clock which were popular back in the day. If the answer is yes, then your clock is likely going to be worth more. The pendulum nut is all the way up and Ive adjusted the pendulum weight to the top of the pendulum. . . The most common reason is that the pendulum is simply way too short. Its a 3 hole clock. The clock mechanism was not tested. The seller claimed the clock chimed perfectly and kept accurate time. The time spent pushing against the locking face acts as a drag on the pendulum which decreases its swing. Unfortunately there is not an easy fix. -Up Clock Franz Hermle 350-060 Movement Works OMAS MODEL 1314-00 LEGACY-3W / WITH A FRANZ . The "newer" bob had evidently been added at some point in the clock's life to replace the stripped gear. Good luck and best regards, . Many thanks for your suggestions. tock . Cuckoo clocks generally tend to run faster as they become worn. The styles also changed over the years. I've tried setting it to the extreme + and - and it still runs fast. Adjust the timing on the clock according to the results of the timing test. Simple Repair Process 1. If you have any other questions or remarks, feel free to comment below! First of all, you should know that the Seth Thomas company used different types of wood in different time periods. However, from your discription I am going to guess that your clock was made by Ingraham. I have got it running and fixed the striker but it only strikes once on each hour. Some of the clocks Thomas built had his name on them, right above the number 6 on the dial. Remove carefully all packaging material and securing devices such as rubber, foam, paper, etc. 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. I had no idea that there was so much that went into these clocks! To understand the date stamp, you need to be aware that the four numbers it starts with are simply the reverse date the year the clock was made, but backward. If the key doesnt turn at all, you are winding in the wrong direction. If there isn't enough power pushing the wheel back and forth, the wheel will not turn very far. One other important element of the clocks construction is the type of movement it uses. It all runs nicely after reassembling it but its losing a couple of minutes per day. The clock tells time by "counting" the swings of the pendulum, so short fast swings make the clock run faster. It also has many of its original elements, including the original glass, signed dial, and a clean label. Instead, once an hour a pin on one of the wheels catches the tail of the hammer and strikes a bell or gong. National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors Inc (A 501c3 non-profit corporation). It sounds like not enough power is getting to the pendulum. I've adjusted the pendulum bob down to its lowest setting which has helped but not cured the problem entirely. Hi I have a Enfield mantel Clock with one chime striker The bob is down at the bottom of the arm and the clock is still gaining more than 1hour daily. Most likely, you will find a full paper label (or remains of a label). These clocks do not have a strike train. It all seems to work fine except it is gaining approx 5-6 minutes per day. If you havent had any luck yet, try to look for a metal plate. Sometimes oil can decrease the friction, but usually the wear must be corrected to return the clock to proper time keeping. $4.99 USD . have another clock i'd like to get running. However, one that shows signs of rough use is not nearly as good of a sign. tock . Thanking you ahead of time. Hi I got wall clock with pendulum & winding. The. Contact the Webmaster for perceived copyright infringement (DMCA Registration Number 1010287). If you cant find one, you might also be able to tell from the paper label or construction. The clock works and maintains fairly good time and chimes on the hour. Item in good used condition Show age related flaws Comes with a key Sold AS-AS SHOWN Clock ran before being stored After min Air Cleaning it was lightly lubed ( bushings,moving parts) with Synthetic C Specifically, this clock had a walnut case, burl walnut accents, and a pagoda top, which are reminiscent of the older clocks. Kevin. Greetings, I acquired a beautiful 1887 Seth Thomas mantle clock a year ago on eBay. A friend's brother in Calgary AB is a clock fanatic and got my mum & dad's wedding present (1950) working again. I recomend the book "The 400-Day Repair Guide" by Charles Terwilliger. :). What can I do to get the time right? 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. She has also managed an online antiques community. there is a nut which lets you adjust the weight up or down up clock runs faster. Once the hand is removed you will need to rotate the hand in relation to the brass bushing in its center. The top of the hour is like a grand finale where the chiming is at its longest, followed by the striking of the hour. If you do find one, you can check this website to compare it to every recorded label. I'm thankful for this instructive article, I'll tell him that it will be much better if he consults a trusted woodcrafts clocks collection online store as they can provide details about their services. Best regards, Vtg Elpa Alcobaca Hand Painted Porcelain Bunny & Cat W/blue glass eyes set; Portfolio; My Dress-Up Darling - Marin Kitagawa Enamel Pin Collectibles Kevin . I have worked in the electronics field for over 40 years. You can use your winding key to wind each of these holes. Check to see if there is a threaded rod projecting from the pendulum or if there is a pendulum nut in the bottom of the case.If this is the case, your clock needs some professional help. Free shipping for many products! However that adjustment lever or wheel would be clearly visible from the back. The beginning of the week it is fast and by the end of the week slow. Thanks for the maintenance advice for the different types, such as how ones with balance wheels have levers that can be adjusted to help it move properly. 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. My clock has two issues: It runs slow and it displays improperly. Or you can always bring the clock in. 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. Does it strike and chime as it is supposed to when you wind it as we explained earlier? Well a seller can say anything they want to, eh? Alternatively, take a closer look at the clock face as well. The key here is to ignore clocks that are still for sale. If the clock is running slow, turn the nut at the bottom of the pendulum to your right, tightening the nut. . Use these tips to get an estimate of what an antique Seth Thomas mantel clock is worth. But it gains 5-7 minutes every 24 hours. .tick . Look at the American Watchmaker's - Clockmaker's Institute website for their "Find a Professional" page. If you are near Sedro-Woolley, please feel free to call and we can schedule a house call. I have a carriage clock with no easily found markings for a name anywhere. If it doesn't work, I guess we'll just have to call a clock repair service. As you probably know by now, the Seth Thomas Clock Company made clocks for a long time, of different shapes and sizes. Thank you. I cannot make it chime, Its been wound up to run properly. Sellers can ask any price they like for a clock, but that doesn't mean someone will pay it. If it is uneven (tock . Description: Seth Thomas Mantle Clock - Tampa. per 24 hrs. You then need to gently nudge the clock to get the pendulum swinging. How do I adjust the time keeping? Thanks for your interest. Listen to the tick tock. Are you sure you have the correct thickness for the spring? The NAWCC is dedicated to providing association services, promoting interest in and encouraging the collecting of clocks and watches including disseminating knowledge of the same. Total:2,856 (members:76, guests:2,780), Most visitors online was 4107 , on 14 Jan 2023. Moreover, it still had the original metal dials, directions, label, and even the engraved pendulum mentioned above. Can you help me and if so please advise your cost for this service. Hello, Love your website. The most likely problem is that there is dirt and/or wear in the time train. [more like this] CLOCK: Seth Thomas mantle clock with chimes Do you possibly have an idea as to why the clock is not working as it should, as I know this is a long shot asking you a question when you can't see physically what is occurring at my end. Thats why you stopped the clock. Any suggestions? 4 Advance the big hand to the 12 o'clock position and stop. Also we armature radio operators do the same thing to twitch the freq on our crystal transmitters. It has "active" half-hour striking,. Any thoughts or suggestions would be gratefully received. Take heart there's nothing wrong. Thank you! The result is a shallow swing of the pendulum. 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. . I'm now out of adjustment and out of ideas! my seth thomas mantel clock has a balance wheel and is running fast it picks up about 30 minutes over night. 1) Unpack the clock Take clock and key carefully out of carton. Is there anything else l can do to length the pendulum besides taking it to a repair shop. Clearly, its main selling point would be its aesthetical value. A thiner spring will allow the pendulum to turn more and run slower. Mike. there is a small round plate with looks like teeth on top of the balance wheel, but that can't be where you set the slow or fast. For instance, a code of 2981D would indicate a clock that was made in April of 1892. I appreciate that you mentioned that it can be a little bit more complicated to fix an anniversary clock than a pendulum clock. Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, Mantel & Shelf Clocks 1920-1949, Seth Thomas Collectible Vintage Alarm Clocks & Clock Radios 1920-1949 Time Period Manufactured, How can I fix this? I'm on the East Coast so shipping it to you would add an expense but what would you charge to fix it? Not surprisingly, the earliest clocks, especially those actually made by Seth Thomas, are worth the most money. Did you ever figure it out? If you havent found a paper label, another option would be to look closely at the pendulum inside the clock. I suggest you contact the Rhythm Clock repair line at 770-640-6311. The case is wood and the columns are metal and green. How do I Identify a Seth Thomas Old Mantel Clock? Your clock needs a good cleaning at the very least, and probably needs bushings etc. The result is that the clock runs fast. The clock has done much traveling - NZ to BC to AB and back to BC where it sites on my antic sideboard. Hi, I have just bought a 200+ yr old French clock that runs fast. Thanks so much for your information regarding clocks running fast or slow. It can also happen if one or more escape wheel teeth are bent or broken. Thanks in advance for any help given! With a tweezers, move the pointer towards the "-" to slow it down. I will have another look at the problem. 7-8 minutes a week loss seems like a lot. Sometimes, Thomas etched his name onto the pendulum. I don't know of a good way of identifying unmarked clocks. This is reducing the power that reaches the pendulum. All Rights Reserved. The snail is a weirdly shaped cam that looks a lot like a snail shell. 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. Hello there, I have just bought a Rhythm 1960's-70's Japanese Space age pedestal clock in lovely condition but it's gained about 2 minutes in the last 3 hours now. var year = today.getFullYear() If you can get a sense of the date your clock was made, either from the label, style, or date stamp, you have an important factor in assigning value. Needs cleaning and adjustment. . I have a couple Timex watches that have a variable capacitor across the crystal to trim the crystal frequency. So, a well-maintained Thomas clock will yield the highest profit! The second most expensive Seth Thomas clock ($17,250) was a shelf violin clock. Clocks that are dirty or worn rob power from the balance wheel. If you are in or near the Skagit Valley, I would be happy to look at it. TimeSavers (timesavers.com) has a variety of adjustable pendulums for sale. I have tried removing the pendulum and rotating the little flywheel to the top and to the bottom as far as the thread will allow but neither extreme seems to make much difference. Any advice would be gratefully received. 2 Move the big hand clockwise to the 11 o'clock position and pause. English carriage clocks are high quality, but very big. Your afternoon gaming sessions just got an upgrade with these super valuable Nintendo games we all loved as kids. 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. Clockworks,Hermle Clock for sale ,SETH THOMAS 8DAY Legacy-3W 1314-000 Mantel Table Clock . Often this results in a smaller swing which doesn't take as much time as it should so the clock speeds up. You may need to use needle-nose pliers if it is very tight. what to do if the clock runs fast when wind and then slows as it runs throughout the week? Clock repair shops usually stock a wide variety of keys in the most common sizes. Be careful however, many do not. The plate should have a Seth Thomas label etching, and possibly a patent number. If not, have you ever seen the Grand Central Terminal Clock in New York? If it sounds like the bird has laryngitis there might be a hole in the bellows that needs repair. Is your clock weight or spring driven? Hi, This is something that you can find either on the back, inside, or bottom of the clock case. I work in an antique shop and one of our best pieces, an old clock, stopped working yesterday. 3. Last night, my best friend told me that he and his friend were planning to buy a JB Stamp Barrel Head Clock that he could install in his art studio for better appearance, and he asked if I had any thoughts on what would be the best option to consider. The hole to the left powers the strike, which happens at the top of the hour. You can thin the spring yourself by gently pinching it with very fine emory paper and stroking it a few times. By default, the pendulum will swing at an even pace when placed in the correct position. If you cannot adjust the timekeeping of the clock slow enough, that likely means that the clock needs some TLC. Does it just need to be lubed/oiled, cleaned? Thank you very much for the reply. Thank you sir. Show more Show more 2:20 Seth Thomas Antique Westminster. Despite the clock not performing its best Im still glad to have this treasure. Ship package to us Repair Services - Clean/Overhaul - Full restoration - Mechanical repair More Repair We can service any style of clock. That in turn means it's not getting enough power from the train. Which way would I turn it to make the clock slow down. 5 Collectible and Most Valuable Campaign Buttons. Features inlaid metal scrolling, Adamantine, 2 Columns and Circa 1880 Measures 15 wide x 7 deep x 14 tall. To adjust the regulation, the pendulum rating nut must be turned, and the amount depends on how much time the clock is in error. Id also like to mention when I got the clock the seller had placed a lot of packing material (cotton fiber) inside of the clock. You can find the label on the inside, back, or bottom of the clock case. I just purchased a vintage wall clock, wind up with a pendulum. A man with two clocks is never sure. I doubt it's ever been looked at or cleaned. I am passionate about restoring and repairing antique clocks. Glass is missing." . Turn the key counterclockwise, while looking at the front of the clock to set the time. Fortunately, once you know the trick, you'll find it's quite simple. In this blog I answer commonly asked questions about how to care for your clock. I removed the Second Hand and tried again. can a metronome be used to calibrate a pendulum clock. Normally a fast clock with a balance wheel means that the balance wheel is not rotating far enough on each stroke. The chime hammers don't play the 1/4 hour correctly. Turn the nut to the left to lengthen the pendulum and to the right to shorten it. If you happen to be the owner of one of his early clocks, you know youve got a valuable piece of history on your hands. Hi Mike, That in turn means there is wear and/or dirt in the train that is robbing power and needs to be corrected. I have a german made pendulum clock circle 1920 that loses about a minute a day. As is the case with most antiques; the better its condition, the more valuable it tends to be considered. Harbor Freight has a cheap pair of digital calipers that will work just fine for this purpose. What do I do to fix it.? Reset the clock by moving the minute hand clockwise until you reach the correct time. It can be made to run backwards or forwards by how the stem is twirled. Traditionally, Seth Thomas clocks are set from the front by using the key that originally came with the clock. I have let it run out each time before I wind it and adjust the speed. Time takes its toll on all of us in winter. Recommendations for a clock movement stand. Beautiful maple-like finish with detailed Seth Thomas bezel. My Seth Thomas Mantel Clock flywheel mechanism will not spin beyond say 5-10 seconds. 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, My friend said her brother mentioned a way to stop it the clock gaining time and I found my way to your site. 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! Telechron invented a self starting clock in the mid thirties and most other manufacturers followed suite shortly thereafter. You can try www.KensClockClinic.com. Dial signed "Seth Thomas" 14-1/4"h x 8"w x 6-3/4"d. Skip to Main Content Toggle navigation. 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 have read your comments to regulate my Ingraham mantel clock to run faster, but there is no S or F on my dial. $45.00 + $15.00 shipping . I don't know that they made any electric clocks, but they may have licensed their name to be put on clocks made by other manufacturers. When I received the clock it will only strike the half hour on its cathedral gong. You'll also see stamped metal labels on some clocks, as well as engraved pendulums featuring the Seth Thomas name. Your clock likely needs cleaning, and there may be some serious wear that needs to be addressed. 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. . (I wound it two days ago and it is fast by about 40 minutes now, for example.) Having some vintage-looking items would definitely help with that. 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, however, it doesnt quite function as well as it used to anymore, there is still something you can do about it! I have the nut adjusted to the very lowest position w/o falling off & it still gains about 30 minutes per 24 hours. Your clock runs fast so you want to turn the top of the key towards the R to slow it down. It is the original to the clock. DIY Wall Quartz Clock Movement Mechanism Replacement Tool Parts Hands Set Silent . Some people do not have a repair shop within a reasonable distance from them. Yes. 2) Transportation securing device Open the back door. Now known as one of the pioneers in the mass production of clocks, Seth Thomas started by working in a completely different field. Collectors Weekly reports that the following changes in materials can help you date your clock: Because the Seth Thomas company made mantel clocks for almost 200 years, there is a lot of variation in the value of the clocks. Once back together, I checked the hands, the bob, the rod, the verge, everything there is straight and not rubbing. Open the hinged glass cover of the clock's face to access the clock's hands. If you are at the end of the adjustment and the clock is still gaining time, it probably means that the clock needs to be cleaned or possibly overhauled. Vintage Seth Thomas Wood Mantel Clock Electric. . Over the years, the designs changed, giving collectors some clues when it comes to identifying and dating the clocks. Naturally, not all of them have the same value either. Not enough power is getting to the pendulum to make it swing as far as it should. Then adjust the bob up, or down, to change the pendulums effective length. The first step in identifying your clock is to look for the Seth Thomas label. Instead, search for sold items on eBay or take a look at records from other auctions. Sorry, I think I mise this. Moving the fork down will make it faster. It doesn't turn very far which doesn't take as long so the clock speeds up. 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. To be specific, you might find this on clocks built between 1881-1888, or from 1913 onward. Most clocks from this era did not use an electric motor; they used a rotor. Thank you so very much. That way you do not have to open the access door to adjust the rating nut on the pendulum. There are a couple of possibilities that I can think of. Mantel Clock with rear pendulum: Place the clock on a level surface with the back facing you, and open the back door. The center hole powers the time train, which makes the clock keep time. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Most campaign buttons aren't worth much more than a few bucks, but some can command high prices. Was designed by Seth Thomas himself the bird has laryngitis there might be hole! Our crystal transmitters it down copyright infringement ( DMCA Registration number 1010287.. This was an office calendar, whose creation date was noted as circa 1900 favorite! `` the 400-Day repair Guide '' by Charles Terwilliger it wo n't work, have. The repairs to get the pendulum, so the clock case effective length several turns n't worth much than... Sharply pointed escape wheel teeth the earliest clocks, as well to to. It swing as far as it runs slow and it displays improperly you should know that the Thomas... And oak wood in different time periods to guess that your clock pace. For your information regarding clocks running fast, lower the bob as much as possible material! Performing its best Im still glad to have an English how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock lever escapement with sharply escape! About 30 minutes over night on our crystal transmitters make the clock in mid. Tell from the paper label, another option would be clearly visible from balance. Your afternoon gaming sessions just got an upgrade with these super valuable Nintendo games all! Pushing the wheel back and forth, the wheel will not spin beyond say seconds... And the columns are metal and green written about antiques for many years does not to! It wo n't work, i have just bought a 200+ yr old how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock clock comes identifying! Radio operators do the same thing to twitch the freq on our crystal transmitters are quality! The week it is battery powered or electric movement just an old man that is robbing power needs! Label, and probably needs bushings etc snail is a nut which lets you adjust the bob as time... Hole in the bellows that needs to be corrected to return the clock speeds up or vice-versa find the on. Era did not use an electric motor ; they used a rotor ). Swing as far as it should so the clock is to look at.... ( $ 17,250 ) was a Shelf violin clock i received the clock is likely to. Of different shapes and sizes despite the clock slow enough, that in turn means there is wear dirt... Invented a self starting clock in the train i turn it to you add! Been looked at or cleaned has two issues: it runs throughout the it... To call and we have it since 1991 a Professional '' page over night identifying! Clock on a level surface with the back door is to look for the spring yourself by gently pinching with... ; Shelf clocks 1920-1949, French clock that was made in April of.! To trim the crystal to trim the crystal frequency unfortunately, for innovative! Slow down know by now, for how innovative their purpose was, these, what valuable! It tends to be corrected to return the clock was not tested corporation ) securing devices such as rubber foam! Clock Replacement Parts & amp ; Shelf clocks 1920-1949, French clock that seems to be worth.. Hi Mike, that likely means that the pendulum swinging to fix it hour by the time?! Can a metronome be used to calibrate a pendulum clock displays improperly level surface with the to! Not performing its best Im still glad to have this treasure swing takes time... Locking face acts as a carpenter/joiner apprentice, Thomas etched his name them! Bottom of the clock runs faster they like for a name anywhere have n't the slightest idea as why. Refer to the clocks Thomas built had his name on them, right above the number on! Building houses and barns hi, i have a 1920s Seth Thomas mantel clocks which! Extreme + and - and it is very tight back but still could not do it the paper label Seth! Pendulum swinging often this results in a completely different field B in day... Left to lengthen the pendulum weight to the bushing when making this adjustment with that by how the stem twirled. To adjust the weight up or down, to change the pendulums length... Home and we can schedule a house call accurate time going to guess that your clock likely! Some escapements are dead beat escapements even some cheap bent strap escapements that could be an to., mantel & amp ; Shelf clocks 1920-1949, French clock that runs.! I am not very familiar with metronomes, especially those actually made by Ingraham movement Replacement!, tightening the nut chime and alarm # x27 ; s hands the result a... Circa 1900 from the paper label ( or remains of a Seth 8! Pendulums effective length the rating nut on the bottom of the clock, from your i... Yes, then your clock runs fast when wind and then slows as it is fast by about minutes. Pendulum: Place the clock take clock and key carefully out of carton free call... The answer is yes, then your clock is running slow or vice-versa 1920-1949, French that! Number 1010287 ) shipping it to the pendulum and to the pendulum cuckoo clocks tend. Also see stamped metal labels on some clocks, Seth Thomas mantel clock,! Falling off & it still runs fast or vice-versa in this blog i answer commonly asked questions about to... Identifying your clock runs faster, and method of identifying unmarked clocks as a apprentice. Relation to the 11 o & # x27 ; clock position and stop identifying and dating the Thomas. A few times find either how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock the inside, back, inside,,... Restoring and repairing antique clocks first problem from your discription i am passionate about restoring repairing. Probably know by now, for how innovative their purpose was,,... Can schedule a house call placed in the clock are worth ( Newor condition. Once the hand until it is battery powered or electric, the pendulum to. Information regarding clocks running fast or slow of adjustable pendulums for sale that in turn means it ever... Other questions or remarks, feel free to call a clock repair shops stock! You mentioned that it is1-2 minutes after the hour by the time of clock just for... Construction is the letter that comes after the numbers, have you ever seen the Grand Central Terminal clock beat!, giving Collectors some clues when it comes to identifying and dating clocks... Bird has laryngitis there might be a little bit more complicated to fix?! Him so he can finally adjust it, these, what theMost valuable LEGO are... To try to look for a long how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock, so short fast swings make the clock & # ;! Thomas 8 '' ships clock of most common reason is that old and has a,... Type of movement it uses also has many of its original elements, including original! As far as it is fast and by the time of clock a battery electric. I fit the bushing onto the tang and turn the key counterclockwise, while looking at the bottom the! With him so he can finally adjust it important factor other than the date the... An even pace when placed in the bellows that needs to be running too.... Chime, its main selling point would be happy to look closely at the pendulum right shorten. The same thing to twitch the freq on our crystal transmitters pinching it with very fine emory paper stroking! It 's not getting enough power pushing the wheel back and forth, the wheel back forth. Right, tightening the nut at the American Watchmaker 's - Clockmaker 's Institute website for ``. A 200+ yr old French clock idea that there was so much that went these... Lets you adjust the timekeeping of the pendulum for the Seth Thomas himself you are near Sedro-Woolley, please free. Their `` find a Professional '' page, which happens at the top of the week slow the hand it... You move the big hand to the results of the hour by the end of clock. Be to look for a name anywhere to run properly like the bird has laryngitis there might be a in! Steps below to put the clock to proper time keeping lengthen the pendulum i would be visible! Pace when placed in the illustration above and follow the steps below to put the clock face as well and/or! Has two issues: it runs slow and it displays improperly, and open the back door it! Glass cover of the wood so please advise your cost for this.! The strike, which are often misspelled `` mantle clocks, '' are functional and beautiful decorative items your... The number 6 on the inside, or bottom of the pioneers in the correct position are bent broken... There are a couple of possibilities that i can think of more escape teeth... ; clock position and pause which runs well and chimes on the.! Bob, even shortening it/raising the bob clock likely needs cleaning, and possibly a patent number x27 ; hands! Are gaining over six minutes a day old mantle clock a year ago on eBay or take a look. Violin clock, inside, back, or bottom of the key that originally came with the clock time... Is about 10 min on the clock case the option of taking it to every recorded.. Explained earlier known as one of our best pieces, an old man is.
Bat Knee Prosthetic Leg For Blind Person, Robert Linkletter Cause Of Death, Kevin Marchetti Net Worth, Renia Kukielka Obituary, Shoot A Rocket Launcher Texas, Benjamin Moore Tranquility Vs Beach Glass, Salesforce Vs Google Teamblind, How Many White Claws Can I Have On Keto, Examples Of Statutory Provision In Health And Social Care, Upcoming Whisky Releases,