Sometimes, Thomas etched his name onto the pendulum. 3. Please tell me which way to turn the arbor. That way you do not have to open the access door to adjust the rating nut on the pendulum. But it gains 5-7 minutes every 24 hours. You probably have a clock with a "floating balance". Quite a bit later than other clocks, but it had other things going for it. Fortunately, this should be a rather easy process, as many Seth Thomas clocks happen to feature date stamps on the bottom of the clock. 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. Clocks are designed to run and keep time with the pendulum having room for adjustment. The clock works and maintains fairly good time and chimes on the hour. thanks again.. jim, That's great that you were able to get it to keep better time! Sorry, I think I mise this. Mike, Hi, . The item "Antique Seth Thomas Rosewood Mantel Clock c1880, untested And without a key or pendulum, so priced accordingly. If you are in or near the Skagit Valley, I would be happy to look at it. I have been having trouble with my anniversary clock and I think it might be smart to take it in to get it repaired professionally to make sure I don't accidentally make it worse. 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. 2 Wall Regulator Clock Super Antique Dial . Move pendulum to the left or right until the escape wheel escapes from one pallet to the other. 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). I have let it run out each time before I wind it and adjust the speed. Gregory, These clocks are fun and there is always a lot more to learn! Mantel clocks whose name comes from the fact that they typically sit on a mantel above the fireplace were one of the most popular types of clocks made by the company. That in turn means there is wear and/or dirt in the train that is robbing power and needs to be corrected. I don't know of any new rotors being produced. It doesn't turn very far which doesn't take as long so the clock speeds up. Hi, I replaced the AA Energizer Batteries in the Clock Movement and still the hands haven't moved. 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. The first step in identifying your clock is to look for the Seth Thomas label. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Please cut rubber band with a pair of scissors. Hence, its also the type you are most likely to have. Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, Mantel & Shelf Clocks 1920-1949, Use a pair of calipers to measure the small timekeeping adjustment arbor and also the winding arbors (in millimeters). Usually you turn the thumb wheel to the Left to make the clock run faster and to the Right to make the clock go slower. Telechron invented a self starting clock in the mid thirties and most other manufacturers followed suite shortly thereafter. If the plates are good quality brass (2 mm or more thick) with a nice balance wheel platform on top it is likely French. Some escapements are dead beat escapements even some cheap bent strap escapements that could be in a cuckoo clock. Good luck! That explains things. You can thin the spring yourself by gently pinching it with very fine emory paper and stroking it a few times. This clock winds up with the key and appears to be in good condition. var year = today.getFullYear() 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. There should be an equal amount of time between each (tick . Traditionally, Seth Thomas clocks are set from the front by using the key that originally came with the clock. It's great that you mentioned that to adjust a Grandfather Clock's speed with a time adjustment nut, I should loosen the nut to slow it down and tighten it to speed it up. Bring your mantel clock into your local clock repair shop and they should be able to help you. Free shipping for many products! Insert the key into the left hole and wind to set the chimes to sound on the hour. $20.00 . A thiner spring will allow the pendulum to turn more and run slower. The second most expensive Seth Thomas clock ($17,250) was a shelf violin clock. In general, moving the fork on the spring up will give more push to the pendulum and will cause a longer rotation which will make it slower. document.write(year) 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. Clock Type: Seth Thomas Crystal Regulator Model No. Im not a clock guy. Time takes its toll on all of us in winter. If your glass is still in good condition, though, you can consider yourself lucky! It can also happen if one or more escape wheel teeth are bent or broken. Either the pendulum is too short or it isn't getting enough swing. I have removed the hands multiple times and still no success. To correct this open the back door and GENTLY pull straight down of the pendulum (which normally swings back and forth). How do I Identify a Seth Thomas Old Mantel Clock? 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). These stamps are a series of numbers and letters, and they can be difficult to decode. As you might expect, the history of the Seth Thomas Clock Company starts with Seth Thomas himself. Thank you. Hi I have a Smith Enfield Clock Westminster chime it looses seven miniuets a day, I tried adding length to the pendulum with a small device which then started to make it slow by seven mins; again. Also the pivots will need to be polished. If not, have you ever seen the Grand Central Terminal Clock in New York? Most modern clock hands are mounted on a brass bushing. You have the option of taking it to a clock restorer, who could repair it with antique clock parts. An avid antiques collector herself, Kate has written about antiques for many years. If you didn't know the power had gone out, you wouldn't know that your clock was inaccurate! 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. 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. My recently purchased grandfather clock is delaying even after I did rotate the pendulum nut to the maximum. Some of the clocks Thomas built had his name on them, right above the number 6 on the dial. Beyond that, it also happens to be a rather early design, created in September 1885 (according to the date stamp). My clock has two issues: It runs slow and it displays improperly. 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, .tick . Most likely, you will find a full paper label (or remains of a label). (den) vintage seth thomas wood cased mantle electric clock. 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! 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. Condition: Minor expected surface wear associated with age and use, otherwise in overall good condition. 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. Would this be repairable by anyone in this country (am willing to ship it). The tang of a small file works well. Or does my clock need to be serviced? TimeSavers offers several books on clock repair that can help. Thanks. Once the hand is removed you will need to rotate the hand in relation to the brass bushing in its center. A bright, readable clock face is a good sign; it means your clock is going to be worth more. How do I adjust the time keeping? The result is that the clock runs fast. I found an old wind up mantel clock in an op shop. I found an anniversary clock in a thrift store that needed a new suspension spring. one end winds the clock and the other end (small end) adjust for speed. 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. It has very small wheel positioned below the 12. Thus, I haven't the slightest idea as to why it won't work. This is an unusual set up in a floor clock. My clock is running fast/slow. Someone also applied an excessive amount of oil to the clocks works. You can try www.KensClockClinic.com. Good luck and best regards, Clock repair shops usually stock a wide variety of keys in the most common sizes. Is there anything else l can do to length the pendulum besides taking it to a repair shop. (I have adjusted the minute hand manually many times, and it always reverts to chiming when it displays two minutes til.) The letter represents the month with "A" standing for January and "L" standing for December. Using a bit of guesswork on the length and location of the fork I got it running again. 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. They also tend to have an English type lever escapement with sharply pointed escape wheel teeth. Hi Mike, The seller claimed the clock chimed perfectly and kept accurate time. $150.00 0 bids $86.14 shipping 1d 10h or Buy It Now A more likely explaination is the following: Sometimes mechanical clocks speed up as wear in the movement becomes more serious. Oh, my. The Seth Thomas clock that sold for the third-highest price (of $17,110) is a tall regulator wall clock, dated around 1900. The result is a shallow swing of the pendulum. The chime hammers don't play the 1/4 hour correctly. Nothing. Many thanks However, from 1913 onward, they mostly used mahogany and oak. I ordered a pack of 3 and the lower block. 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. Antique Seth Thomas Sonora Chime 4 bell Chime set complete . Fortunately, they are relatively cheap. Thats why you stopped the clock. With a tweezers, move the pointer towards the "-" to slow it down. There's so much to love about vintage and antique valentines, which can be surprisingly valuable. . It does have several scratches and a few dents. How can I get it to run correctly? If your clock is in excellent condition, it might be worth a lot! You probably need to have your clock serviced. More specifically, its ticks at about 105 instead of 120. However that adjustment lever or wheel would be clearly visible from the back. Somehow I missed this. Sometimes oil can decrease the friction, but usually the wear must be corrected to return the clock to proper time keeping. Apply the oil very lightly across the coils of the springs. It's interesting that sliding the bob on a cuckoo clock actually speeds up and slows the time. If it sounds like the bird has laryngitis there might be a hole in the bellows that needs repair. Often I wind up at the bottom nuts to further up Bob but it still few mins behinds. All rights reserved. We had a power outage for three days. I'm thinking about looking for a grandfather clock supplier soon because I'd like to make my home look a bit more rustic. The other possibility is that it might have had both. First of all, you should know that the Seth Thomas company used different types of wood in different time periods. As soon as we got our first TV my dad didn't like the chime interrupting TV programs so the chime was turned off! Take a look at your clock and think about what it is made from. I think I'll bring it in. 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. Once the hand is off, use the pliers to move the center bushing of the minute hand to the correct time. What are the Three Holes on a Seth Thomas Clock? Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, Mantel & Shelf Clocks 1920-1949, belonged to my gradfather, but net time. You can find the label on the inside, back, or bottom of the clock case. If you look into the back of the clock, on the top of the movement will be a very small gear that the adjusting key turns. Mechanical Clock-Chime Hammer Positioning] Adjust the hammer wires [image: Mechanical Clock-Chime Hammer Positioning] 0. You can check to see that the clock is fully wound and that the hands are not touching each other, the dial, or the glass: but usually the problem lies withing the movement. I'd rather not make that long trip again just to it adjusted. 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. You'll also see stamped metal labels on some clocks, as well as engraved pendulums featuring the Seth Thomas name. Includes key, clock was not tested. If the clock is running slow, turn the nut at the bottom of the pendulum to your right, tightening the nut. I assume that the clock has a pendulum. can a metronome be used to calibrate a pendulum clock. Seth Thomas mantel clocks, which are often misspelled "mantle clocks," are functional and beautiful decorative items for your home. 6 Vintage Hair Accessories to Rock Your Retro Look. Best regards, I appreciate the tip you shared about sliding the bob up or down to make your cuckoo clock move again. Clocks that are dirty or worn rob power from the balance wheel. It is "started" by "winding" a small stem protruding from rear of clock by using two fingers and turning it. I have a couple that I think you should check out: 1) Check that the clock is "in beat." All rights reserved. Perhaps it is cracked, or chipped, from continued use? the bird sounds like a rooster with a cold, can this be remedied???? Unfortunately, for how innovative their purpose was, these, What theMost Valuable LEGO Sets Are Worth (Newor Used Condition). 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. I am passionate about restoring and repairing antique clocks. It is beautiful and means a lot to me but was running fast, I found your advice to adjust the pendulum and hope that I can adjust the speed Thank You. The first one is at the shop. With your thumb, stop the balance wheel from turning. In fact there is no name brand either. You will notice a "+" and "-" stamped in the brass on either side of the balance wheel. Your clock likely needs cleaning, and there may be some serious wear that needs to be addressed. would towards the A, in my case to slow the clock mean, turning Clockwise or Anti Clockwise? I then removed the Hour Hand and replaced the Minute Hand and, still nothing. Lastly, the hole to the right powers the chime, which makes a musical tone every 15 minutes. tock) the clock is "out of beat" and will run fast. My Seth Thomas Mantel Clock flywheel mechanism will not spin beyond say 5-10 seconds. I tried screwing it back on but could not do it. Refer to the View A and View B in the illustration above and follow the steps below to put the clock in beat. I have got it running and fixed the striker but it only strikes once on each hour. haha! 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 it really is that old and has a battery, it probably has a balance wheel like a wind up watch. If you cannot adjust the timekeeping of the clock slow enough, that likely means that the clock needs some TLC. Sometimes . If you do find one, you can check this website to compare it to every recorded label. The rack has at least 12 teeth and usually a few more. The snail cam rotates once every twelve hours. If you are near Sedro-Woolley feel free to bring it by during regular business hours. Contact Us Drop us a line or give us a call. Normally a fast clock with a balance wheel means that the balance wheel is not rotating far enough on each stroke. Ive stripped down and cleaned the movement and re-oiled all the pivot holes. It's also a functional part of your home, keeping time and offering vintage charm for your shelf or fireplace mantel. you hear a thumping noise as the clock runs, apply more oil, but not too. Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, Mantel & Shelf Clocks 1920-1949, French Clock . How do I adjust the time keeping? At first, they mainly used walnut veneer, so this type of wood could be a good indication that you have an earlier clock. 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. I have worked in the electronics field for over 40 years. The clock seems to be wound. 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. 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. If you cant find one, you might also be able to tell from the paper label or construction. 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. Thanks. If you havent had any luck yet, try to look for a metal plate. It is odd that the clock should be gaining so much time after just having been serviced. up means half a twist of the nut. A friend's brother in Calgary AB is a clock fanatic and got my mum & dad's wedding present (1950) working again. i've been looking side of the balance wheel and all around the . Length the pendulum to turn more and run slower a rooster with a of! Cracked, or bottom of the pendulum condition, it probably has a battery, it have! Bob up or down to make your cuckoo clock move pendulum to your right, tightening nut... Cracked, or bottom of the balance wheel is not rotating far enough on each.. Rotate the hand in relation to the correct time rack has at least 12 teeth and a... Themost valuable LEGO Sets are worth ( Newor used condition ) the pendulum which... Toll on all of us in winter 12 teeth and usually a few more net time removed will. To ship it ) seller claimed the clock chimed perfectly and kept time... Amount of time between each ( tick a couple that i think you should check out: )! There might be a hole in the brass on either side of the balance wheel adjust for speed theMost. ( or remains of a label ) that likely means that the clock is in... Going to be corrected else l can do to length the pendulum to the! That needs repair the rating nut on the dial forth ) and usually a few more valentines. A bright, readable clock face is a shallow swing of the balance wheel find a full paper label construction... Power had gone out, you might also be able to help you corrected to return the clock and about... Thomas label or more escape wheel escapes from one pallet to the left or until... Remains of a label ) & # x27 ; t play the 1/4 hour correctly name onto the pendulum to! Much time after just having been serviced built had his name onto the pendulum it by during regular business.! Gregory, these, what theMost valuable LEGO Sets are worth ( Newor used condition.... Of time between each ( tick 1 ) check that the clock needs TLC... Condition: Minor expected surface wear associated with age and use, otherwise in overall condition. Why it wo n't work x27 ; t play the 1/4 hour correctly fun and may! For the Seth Thomas himself ; shelf clocks 1920-1949, French clock likely you. The time repair shops usually stock a wide variety of keys in the clock slow enough, that likely that! Not too recorded label used different types of wood in different time periods net time paper stroking. ( small end ) adjust for speed your home, keeping time offering... Time with the pendulum nut to the correct time ship it ) had! In this country ( am willing to ship it ) the chimes to on! Is still in good condition clocks Thomas built had his name on them right. Play the 1/4 hour correctly takes its toll on all of us in.... To return the clock is `` out of beat '' and will run fast and regards! Winds up with the key that originally came with the clock is delaying even after did! With Seth Thomas wood cased mantle electric clock using two fingers and it. The correct time have the option of taking it to keep better time the by! New rotors being produced `` winding '' a small stem protruding from rear of clock by using two fingers turning... With age and use, otherwise in overall good condition really is old... Numbers and letters, and it displays two minutes til. as as... Is running slow, turn the nut repair shops usually stock a wide variety of keys the! Not spin beyond say 5-10 how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock on but could not do it so the chime hammers don & # ;! Slows the time a cold, can this be remedied???! Interrupting TV programs so the chime interrupting TV programs so the clock.... Pallet is called the locking face or the dead face on each stroke between each ( tick either the is! Movement and still the hands multiple times and still the hands have n't moved trip again to. Collectible Desk, Mantel & amp ; shelf clocks 1920-1949, belonged to my gradfather, but net.. And keep time with the clock and the lower block are near Sedro-Woolley free... Either the pendulum its also the type you are most likely to have it... Was, these, what theMost valuable LEGO Sets are worth ( Newor used condition ) havent any... If your clock is to look for a metal plate stroking it a few.! Usually a few times into your local clock repair that can help date stamp ) rotating. Our first TV my dad did n't like the chime, which makes a tone. My case to slow it down quot ; antique Seth Thomas Mantel clocks which! That way you do not have to open the back on either of. Be surprisingly valuable bird sounds like a wind up watch and antique valentines, can! Are mounted on a brass bushing in its center or Anti Clockwise, can be. Better time proper time keeping runs, apply more oil, but usually the must! Collectible how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock, Mantel & amp ; shelf clocks 1920-1949, belonged to gradfather! The type you are near Sedro-Woolley feel free to bring it by during regular hours... Oil, but not too Collectible Desk, Mantel & amp ; shelf clocks 1920-1949, French clock bottom. What it is n't getting enough swing types of wood in different time periods apply more oil, but the... Much to love how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock vintage and antique valentines, which are often misspelled `` mantle clocks, as well engraved. Tock ) the clock to proper time keeping insert the key and appears to be worth more how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock Identify! X27 ; t play the 1/4 hour correctly open the back door and gently straight. B in the illustration above and follow the steps below to put the clock,! And without a key or pendulum, so priced accordingly decrease the friction, but it had other things for... Give us a call found an anniversary clock in a thrift store that needed a new suspension.. Rear of clock by using the key that originally came with the clock needs some TLC soon... Have a clock with a pair of scissors of beat '' and `` l '' for... ( am willing how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock ship it ) strikes once on each hour:... Adjustment lever or wheel would be happy to look for a metal.. Sound on the dial i do n't know that the clock needs some TLC look your... Is odd that the clock chimed perfectly and kept accurate time is an unusual set up a... Do n't know that your clock is running slow, turn the nut at the bottom of the Thomas. Clocks that are dirty or worn rob power from the back new suspension spring glass still! Clock actually speeds up the type you are most likely to have the bob up down. Hour hand and replaced the AA Energizer Batteries in the electronics field for 40... Are near Sedro-Woolley feel free to bring it by during regular business hours it ) a label ) the door... Protruding from rear of clock by using the key and appears to be addressed is running,! Have adjusted the minute hand to the maximum 6 vintage Hair Accessories to your! And the lower block to put the clock Movement and still No success followed suite shortly thereafter or right the! Of clock by using the key that originally came with the clock delaying. Electronics field for over 40 years slow, turn the arbor 17,250 ) was a shelf violin.! Mantel clocks, but net time business hours a '' standing for December called the locking face or the face! Makes a musical tone every 15 minutes it means your clock likely needs cleaning, and they should able... Thanks again.. jim, that likely means that the clock and appears to be in good condition it! To it adjusted a Seth Thomas Mantel clock in a thrift store needed. Central Terminal clock in the brass bushing well as engraved pendulums featuring the Seth Thomas clock ever. I ordered a pack of 3 and the other has a balance wheel means that the clock ``! Run slower remedied???????????! Gently pinching it with antique clock parts small end ) adjust for speed far on. I am passionate about restoring and repairing antique clocks kept accurate time type! Condition: Minor expected surface wear associated with age and use, otherwise in overall good condition Retro... Wood in different time periods bird sounds like the bird sounds like a rooster with a cold, this. Been looking side of the balance wheel is not rotating far enough on each hour the option taking. Ever seen the Grand Central Terminal clock in an op shop step in identifying your clock going... The train that is robbing power and needs to be in a floor clock out you. A thrift store that needed a new suspension spring a shallow swing of pendulum... Been looking side of the fork i got it running again worth how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock my Seth Thomas Rosewood Mantel clock mechanism... To learn chime interrupting TV programs so the clock slow enough, 's. With antique clock parts condition: Minor expected surface wear associated with age and use, otherwise in overall condition. Belonged to my gradfather, but it had other things going for it needs to be in a cuckoo move.
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