My clock has two issues: It runs slow and it displays improperly. Gregory, These clocks are fun and there is always a lot more to learn! Although the designs vary, usually clockwise will increase the speed and counterclockwise will slow the clock. Measurements: 6"L x 10"W x 14"T the glass. I ordered a pack of 3 and the lower block. . 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. 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 was wondering is there something scilly I am over looking, as the pendulum it a its most for slowing the clock down. Greetings, I acquired a beautiful 1887 Seth Thomas mantle clock a year ago on eBay. Sort by Show 24 36 48 View as $8.80 PERRIN Universal Verge #1 Vintage Seth Thomas Chime Wood Mantle Clock 1298-001 With Key and paperwork, WORKS. I completely repaired the clock case and purchased a new clock movement with chime box, assembling everything together. 2. If not, have you ever seen the Grand Central Terminal Clock in New York? Moreover, it still had the original metal dials, directions, label, and even the engraved pendulum mentioned above. There are a couple of possibilities that I can think of. . In fact, the name Seth Thomas was so important that a section of Plymouth Hollow, Connecticut, was turned into a different town named after him: Thomaston, CT. After a troubled history, of merging with, and being acquired by different companies (General Time, Colibri Group, etc. There are a multitude of sites dedicated to Seth Thomas and I encourage you to visit them; however, for the purposes of this post it is our first important piece of information. In that case you can order a key yourself. If not, there are many great clock repair technicians out there. Sometimes . Mike, Hi, Mike. There is no lever as described above but I do have two nuts labelled s and f either side of the balance wheel. I plugged it in and it chimes every hour. 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. Around 10 minutes in 5 hours with the bobs turned all the way in. I had no idea that there was so much that went into these clocks! Telechron invented a self starting clock in the mid thirties and most other manufacturers followed suite shortly thereafter. There isn't a uniform rule about the direction you turn to adjust the time keeping. Either the pendulum is too short or it isn't getting enough swing. 7-8 minutes a week loss seems like a lot. I put a small file upside down in a vise so the tang is pointing up. Simple Repair Process 1. My mantle clock (family heirloom) seems to lose 15 minutes but then keeps (the wrong time) any idea why it would do that? Alternatively, take a closer look at the clock face as well. My windup and pendulums quit every December. My clock is running fast/slow. Both of these issues are best adressed by a competent repair person. To adjust it without simply changing the time on the clock, loosen the hand nut holding the minute hand in place. Last night I was adjusting the adjustment nut on the bottom of the pendulum lob and it fell out! Specifically, this clock had a walnut case, burl walnut accents, and a pagoda top, which are reminiscent of the older clocks. $45.00 . Clearly, Seth Thomas was a truly outstanding American clock manufacturer, who left behind a rather impressive legacy. Once back together, I checked the hands, the bob, the rod, the verge, everything there is straight and not rubbing. So, a well-maintained Thomas clock will yield the highest profit! Does it still keep time properly? If you feel it move a little bit, that may correct the problem. It is "started" by "winding" a small stem protruding from rear of clock by using two fingers and turning it. There are a few elements that you can take into consideration to determine whether your clocks condition can be considered good or not. We have a Howard Miller Grandfather clock here at home and we have it since 1991. If the key doesnt turn at all, you are winding in the wrong direction. It doesn't turn very far which doesn't take as long so the clock speeds up. I have a 38-year old wall clock that I purchased from South Korea and my wife's helper inadvertently dropped the clock, cracking the wood case when it hit the floor. 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. It also has many of its original elements, including the original glass, signed dial, and a clean label. The snail cam rotates once every twelve hours. Normally a fast clock with a balance wheel means that the balance wheel is not rotating far enough on each stroke. Kevin. 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. Its a 3 hole clock. I've adjusted the nut below the bob, even shortening it/raising the bob as much as possible. Mechanical Clock-Chime Hammer Positioning] Adjust the hammer wires [image: Mechanical Clock-Chime Hammer Positioning] 0. But it gains 5-7 minutes every 24 hours. How often should I have my clock serviced? much since it will drip in the case. Thanks so much for your information regarding clocks running fast or slow. However my issue is the other way around. I am having the same problem, and no luck in moving the lever to the left. I found an anniversary clock in a thrift store that needed a new suspension spring. The very earliest purely electric clocks from the late twenties/early thirties all had to be manually started. The other possibility is that it might have had both. You probably need to have your clock serviced. First synchronize your clock with an accurate time source - like a digital clock. However, from 1913 onward, they mostly used mahogany and oak. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I have a 1920s Seth Thomas 8" ships 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. With your thumb, stop the balance wheel from turning. It needs some TLC and will be back to looking its best. Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, Mantel & Shelf Clocks 1920-1949, Seth Thomas Collectible Vintage Alarm Clocks & Clock Radios 1920-1949 Time Period Manufactured, Sometimes oil can decrease the friction, but usually the wear must be corrected to return the clock to proper time keeping. Pack your clock securely 2. I use an Atomic Clock to check all my clocks time keeping. A man with a clock always knows the time. If you havent found a paper label, another option would be to look closely at the pendulum inside the clock. Mike. Columbia, PA 17512 can a metronome be used to calibrate a pendulum clock. 3. $4.99 USD . The most likely problem is that there is dirt and/or wear in the time train. Turn the nut to the left to lengthen the pendulum and to the right to shorten it. All rights reserved. From 1888 onward, they started using both cherry and oak wood in addition to walnut. Take a look at your clock and think about what it is made from. The hole to the left powers the strike, which happens at the top of the hour. Open the hinged glass cover of the clock's face to access the clock's hands. Not certain if the alarm works due to lack of knowledge on how to set and . The average price of an Antique Seth Thomas Mantle clock is about $100. I'm on the East Coast so shipping it to you would add an expense but what would you charge to fix it? 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. ANTIQUE SETH THOMAS MANTEL SHELF CLOCK DIAL BEZEL PARTS REPAIR $13.00 5 bids $7.50 shipping 3d 22h Original Seth Thomas No.2 Weight Driven Wall Clock Dial Needs Repaint $9.99 0 bids $10.00 shipping 3d 15h or Best Offer Antique Seth Thomas Clock Movement For Parts or Repair $19.99 0 bids $15.00 shipping 2d 11h or Best Offer SPONSORED The Seth Thomas clock that sold for the third-highest price (of $17,110) is a tall regulator wall clock, dated around 1900. On clocks that have a front adjuster, the adjustment range is a relatively short amount. I was hopeful it had done the trick, it was a small device for the extention attached to the pendulum at the top end. 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. Another possibility is that the clock is supposed to count the hours, but something is wrong. Possible reasons for poor swing include the following: Worn pivot holes that allow gears to move out of alignment and increase friction in the train; Congealed oil in the train or on the mainsprings (this shouldent be a problem in a freshly cleaned clock); The movement being out of beat (unequal times between the tick - tock and the tock - tick. You then need to gently nudge the clock to get the pendulum swinging. (It says "Montgomery ward" on the clock face). 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. Im not a clock guy. If you are near Sedro-Woolley feel free to bring it by during regular business hours. Clocks that are dirty or worn rob power from the balance wheel. 2 Wall Regulator Clock Super Antique Dial . Seth Thomas Adamantine mantel clock with ornate lions on the side and footed design. I've ready all comments but none are mine.how do you make abong go faster? Hi. As soon as the pendulum reverses direction the gear train resumes its forwards direction and pushes on the pendulum until you hear the next tock or tick. 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. That in turn means it's not getting enough power from the train. I have a little bit that I can shorten the spring. Patrick, "Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity. However, when the chiming becomes less pleasing to the ear, an adjustment is required. If the clock has a pendulum, use the nut on the bottom of the pendulum to adjust the clock. I concern after I cleaned it which cause affect?. 5 Count the number of strikes. Other correspondents might have raised this so apology if you have answered before.. Recommendations for a clock movement stand. Pendulums are not perfectly isochronous (large swings of the pendulum take longer than small swings do). Just an old man that is working on my second clock. Does it strike and chime as it is supposed to when you wind it as we explained earlier? What is the value of a Seth Thomas mantel clock? You may need to use needle-nose pliers if it is very tight. Contact the Webmaster for perceived copyright infringement (DMCA Registration Number 1010287). For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Could lengthen the hairspring, but that would treat the symptom not the cause. My recently purchased grandfather clock is delaying even after I did rotate the pendulum nut to the maximum. Many antique Seth Thomas clocks also feature date stamps on the bottom of the clock. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. have another clock i'd like to get running. . The first is that there is nothing wrong and the clock is doing just what it is supposed to do. A repair would be the only option. I have a Seth Thomas Tambour mantel clock with 124 mechanism and Westminster chime. 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. However, from your discription I am going to guess that your clock was made by Ingraham. There are people who rebuild rotors. MY seth THOMAS MANTEL CLOCK HAS A BALANCE WHEEL AND IS RUNNING FAST IT PICKS UP ABOUT 30 MINUTES OVER NIGHT. Did you ever figure it out? I have a ship's clock (chronometer) by Wempe. The chime hammers don't play the 1/4 hour correctly. Despite the clock not performing its best Im still glad to have this treasure. 5 Collectible and Most Valuable Campaign Buttons. Time takes its toll on all of us in winter. These clocks have a balance wheel like a mechanical watch does. If it sounds like the bird has laryngitis there might be a hole in the bellows that needs repair. JavaScript is disabled. As with any antique, the condition of a Seth Thomas clock dramatically affects the value. I think I'll bring it in. As the clock speeds up, the owner loosens the pendulum nut to slow the clock down until the nut can drop off. Fortunately, this should be a rather easy process, as many Seth Thomas clocks happen to feature date stamps on the bottom of the clock. I will move the minute hand to be on time, but it chimes when the minute hand points two minutes before the actual time. Would the repairs to get the hour strike and time regulated be a costly endeavor? I just purchased a vintage wall clock, wind up with a pendulum. one end winds the clock and the other end (small end) adjust for speed. Either there are lubrication issues or there is wear in the movement. Your clock runs fast so you want to turn the top of the key towards the R to slow it down. This was an office calendar, whose creation date was noted as circa 1900. The clock works and maintains fairly good time and chimes on the hour. Most campaign buttons aren't worth much more than a few bucks, but some can command high prices. 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. TimeSavers offers several books on clock repair that can help. 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. Vtg Elpa Alcobaca Hand Painted Porcelain Bunny & Cat W/blue glass eyes set; Portfolio; My Dress-Up Darling - Marin Kitagawa Enamel Pin Collectibles Kevin . Hi I have a Enfield mantel Clock with one chime striker I doubt it's ever been looked at or cleaned. The Antique Clocks Identification and Price Guide offers photos of many of the labels you may see, as well as dating information based on the style and text of the label. You are gaining over six minutes a day, so you may need to give it several turns. Can you help? English carriage clocks are high quality, but very big. Learn about the materials used, the styles, and how to assign a value to these beautiful clocks. Mike. Condition: Minor expected surface wear associated with age and use, otherwise in overall good condition. My guess is that you have this type of striking mechanism and that for some reason, the lever that holds the rack up isnt releasing the rack to fall, and so each time the clock only strikes once. You can thin the spring yourself by gently pinching it with very fine emory paper and stroking it a few times. This letter represents the month the clock was made. Usually that requires that the movement be taken apart, the wear located, and new bushings installed to correct it. SETH THOMAS CLOCK REPAIR MANUAL. 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. 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. My Seth Thomas Mantel Clock flywheel mechanism will not spin beyond say 5-10 seconds. Remember to grasp the hand as close to the minute arbor as possible. 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). After the function of the clock, you need to look at the condition of the wood. Next, you have the clock face condition. Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, Mantel & Shelf Clocks 1920-1949, Best regards, Show more Show more 2:20 Seth Thomas Antique Westminster. Good luck and best regards, Hence, its also the type you are most likely to have. To correct it you will need to stop the clock and remove the nut that holds the minute hand to the minute arbor. my seth thomas mantel clock has a balance wheel and is running fast it picks up about 30 minutes over night. Move the lever towards the "+" to make the clock run faster and move it towards the "-" to make it run slower. To be specific, you might find this on clocks built between 1881-1888, or from 1913 onward. This clock is over 50 years old. 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. . . Is your clock weight or spring driven? 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. Enjoy reading your comments. Use a pair of calipers to measure the small timekeeping adjustment arbor and also the winding arbors (in millimeters). Having some vintage-looking items would definitely help with that. If during transport the suspension spring got pushed up, that would make the clock run fast. Turn over the clock carefully and look for a metal plate that identifies the clock as a Seth Thomas clock. As you probably know by now, the Seth Thomas Clock Company made clocks for a long time, of different shapes and sizes. Best regards, The rack looks kind of like part of a gear (say a fourth). After twenty-four hours, record how many minutes your clock is off. 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. Wow, I didn't know that there are speed settings that can be configured for grandfather clocks that are cuckoo clocks as well. 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. Mantel Clock with rear pendulum: Place the clock on a level surface with the back facing you, and open the back door. The only other thing I adjusted was the screw/nut coming out of the bottom of the bob. I've tried setting it to the extreme + and - and it still runs fast. You probably will have to do a little filing to get the hook to properly fit the pendulum leader. The beginning of the week it is fast and by the end of the week slow. Unfortunately there is not an easy fix. The letter represents the month with "A" standing for January and "L" standing for December. You should call the service center and see what suggestions they make. For instance, a code of 2981D would indicate a clock that was made in April of 1892. Is there an easy fix for this? Best regards, If you think you have found the right date for your clock, you now need to understand how that could correlate to its value. Login / New Bidder Browse By All Auctions All Auctions (Map) 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. I replaced the AA Energizer Batteries in the Clock Movement and still the hands haven't moved. Reignite your burning interest in vintage lighters with these unique and valuable pieces. How can I get it to run correctly? Copyright How to wind, and set a Seth Thomas Cymbal #1 clock. i've been looking side of the balance wheel and all around the . 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. Another possibility is that the clock was made by Hammond. 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. per 24 hrs. To be more specific, it would be the clocks that were actually made by Seth Thomas himself that are actually worth the most. This is something that you can find either on the back, inside, or bottom of the clock case. 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. Beautiful maple-like finish with detailed Seth Thomas bezel. James Stoudenmire. Reset the clock by moving the minute hand clockwise until you reach the correct time. I think I figured out how to fix the first problem from your answers above, but the second problem has me stumped. How can I fix this? Antique Seth Thomas Rosewood Mantle clock. Clock face is protected by glass door. Description: Seth Thomas Mantle Clock - Tampa. Is this just because it's a little older? The seller claimed the clock chimed perfectly and kept accurate time. I have read your comments to regulate my Ingraham mantel clock to run faster, but there is no S or F on my dial. It won't take as long as it should to come back around, and the clock will run very fast. They may also have a few numbers on it such as 89 or 124. A new movement is usually the cure for a problem with a battery or electric movement. . $32.33 + $12.85 shipping . I have an old french mantel clock with a tiny shaft at the top of the dial but cannot If the answer is yes, then your clock is likely going to be worth more. 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. Quartz clocks and electric clocks are designed to only run at one rate and you cannot adjust the time. 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. If you cannot adjust the timekeeping of the clock slow enough, that likely means that the clock needs some TLC. Most modern clock hands are mounted on a brass bushing. It all runs nicely after reassembling it but its losing a couple of minutes per day. A more likely explaination is the following: Sometimes mechanical clocks speed up as wear in the movement becomes more serious. If it is battery powered or electric, the pendulum is probably decorative and does not need to be adjusted. . Perhaps it is cracked, or chipped, from continued use? It sounds to me like your clock needs some professional attention. ), Seth Thomas clocks are not being made anymore. Seth Thomas (1785-1859) had been manufacturing clocks at the site since 1814. That in turn means there is wear and/or dirt in the train that is robbing power and needs to be corrected. 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. 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. However, when the clockmaker Eli Terry noticed his woodworking skills, he hired him to join his clock-making business (in 1807). Ronell Clocks, Timesavers, and Merritts Antiques all carry double ended clock keys. I am sure it can. Thanks. To help avoid accidentally dragging the hour hand, keep your finger close to the end of the minute hand while setting the clock. Alternatively, take a closer look at the clock face as well. It sounds like something is lose inside when you turn it upside down. 4 Advance the big hand to the 12 o'clock position and stop. Kim. Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, Mantel & Shelf Clocks 1920-1949, French Clock . It can also happen if one or more escape wheel teeth are bent or broken. Once you have the required measurements, you can search for the appropriately sized double ended key on one of the clock supply websites. An avid antiques collector herself, Kate has written about antiques for many years. Fortunately, once you know the trick, you'll find it's quite simple. TOP OF LINE.. Case Size: 12" H x W 7.5" x 5.1" Depth. I will have another look at the problem. Rhythm does not make parts available to other repair centers. Thanks! I've taken the clock apart (not the movement itself) and checked that things were straight and not rubbing in any way. Thank you so very much. It has very small wheel positioned below the 12. Simply put, the earliest clocks tend to be more valuable, compared to the ones made later on. . Hi, Have you ever heard of Seth Thomas? 1. My clock is so slow that it is1-2 minutes after the hour by the time it gets done bonging! $7.69 . . A mantel clock with a Westminster chime I was told' the sound of which I hadn't heard since my pre-teen years! Customer Service available If you cant find one, you might also be able to tell from the paper label or construction. Use these tips to get an estimate of what an antique Seth Thomas mantel clock is worth. How to Regulate Your Clock for Fast & Slow. 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. The earliest models used exclusively wood movements, which were completely replaced by brass ones as early as 1842. And yes, it was designed by Seth Thomas himself. Refer to the View A and View B in the illustration above and follow the steps below to put the clock in beat. Thank you. But would moving the fork closer to or farther away from the regulator pivot do more? Sometimes, Thomas etched his name onto the pendulum. You can find the label on the inside, back, or bottom of the clock case. 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'll also see stamped metal labels on some clocks, as well as engraved pendulums featuring the Seth Thomas name. I'd rather not make that long trip again just to it adjusted. This letter goes from A (which stands for January) to the 12th letter of the alphabet, L (which stands for December). Yes. 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. (You can reply by e-mail if that's better.). If it doesn't work, I guess we'll just have to call a clock repair service. Trouble shooting is always a challenge. Chime clocks are famous for the resonant melodies that play every 15 minutes. I dabble in clock repair. 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. If you are near Mount Vernon, WA, please feel free to stop by my store. It will have ST with a circle around it for a logo. It all seems to work fine except it is gaining approx 5-6 minutes per day. The result is a shallow swing of the pendulum. 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.