Sorry for the late reply. To be more specific, it would be the clocks that were actually made by Seth Thomas himself that are actually worth the most. Can i add some type of weight to the bottom of the nut to correct this? Take heart there's nothing wrong. Hi Mike My clock has two issues: It runs slow and it displays improperly. Please see the FAQ for putting a clock in beat. Thank you. Vintage Valentines That Celebrate Old-Fashioned Love. Many thanks for your suggestions. The pendulum isn't swinging as far as it should, so each swing takes slightly less time and the clock runs fast. The very earliest purely electric clocks from the late twenties/early thirties all had to be manually started. Ship package to us Repair Services - Clean/Overhaul - Full restoration - Mechanical repair More Repair We can service any style of clock. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I was wondering is there something scilly I am over looking, as the pendulum it a its most for slowing the clock down. Free shipping . On the rim of the wheel you will see a bunch of circles. All rights reserved. Once the hand is adjusted properly, you need to tighten the bushing. to run properly. So, if you want to learn more about Seth Thomas clocks, how to identify them, as well as how much they are worth, we have collected all of that information in this article! The result is that the clock runs fast. Which way would I turn it to make the clock slow down. JavaScript is disabled. Fix by: Anonymous Is this something I can adjust? TimeSavers offers several books on clock repair that can help. Phone: 717-684-8261. But it runs slow. I am passionate about restoring and repairing antique clocks. . Not 5 mins slow or fast but 10 to 15 either way. verge and escape wheel combos Home Escape Wheels and Verges Escape Wheels and Verges Escape wheels such as Kieninger escape wheels and Seth Thomas escape wheels are available here at Perrin's. We also have an array of different verge combinations to suit your clock repair needs. Simply put, the earliest clocks tend to be more valuable, compared to the ones made later on. According to Cottone Auctions, the most valuable Seth Thomas clock sold for $20,160, at a 2021 auction. Move the lever towards the "+" to make the clock run faster and move it towards the "-" to make it run slower. Take your LEGO sets from the brick bank to the bank on your corner! But would moving the fork closer to or farther away from the regulator pivot do more? Re your paragraph on clocks with balance wheels - do you move the lever towards plus if the clock is running slow or vice-versa? (I wound it two days ago and it is fast by about 40 minutes now, for example.) Thus as the movement becomes worn, the push the gear train gives to the pendulum is decreased, but the drag on the pendulum during locking is also decreased, so the arc of the pendulum can actually increase and the clock can slow down. Not certain if the alarm works due to lack of knowledge on how to set and . i ALREADY TRIED TO MOVE THAT. 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. Your clock runs fast so you want to turn the top of the key towards the R to slow it down. 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. That explains things. 7-8 minutes a week loss seems like a lot. Hi, I have just bought a 200+ yr old French clock that runs fast. In their version of an atomic clock, Seth Thomas uses an internal chip to offer the same autosetting features of true, radio-controlled atomic clocks. A short swing takes less time, so the clock speeds up. Reply to Ann Marie Teasedale . TOP OF LINE.. Case Size: 12" H x W 7.5" x 5.1" Depth. I have a mantle clock that runs slow and I need a key to turn it to fast. . The Seth Thomas Clock Company was in business from 1853 to 2001. James Stoudenmire. Someone also applied an excessive amount of oil to the clocks works. Over the years, the designs changed, giving collectors some clues when it comes to identifying and dating the clocks. If your clock is in excellent condition, it might be worth a lot! Lastly, there is the glass condition. Seth Thomas Adamantine Mantle Clock for parts or restoration $95.00 $32.91 shipping or Best Offer Antique Rare Seth Thomas Mantle Clock Art Nouveau Lilly of the Valley $375.00 0 bids $32.00 shipping 4d 15h A nice SETH THOMAS "DING DONG STRIKE" works excellent - looks and sounds great! The long answer explains why. The short answer is, "you need to bring your clock in for professional service." It won't take as long as it should to come back around, and the clock will run very fast. 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. Perhaps it is cracked, or chipped, from continued use? PDF Subject: SETH THOMAS CLOCK REPAIR MANUAL It's immensely important to begin read . 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. It strikes 3 minutes late on the half hour and hour. Finally, to highlight some mantel clocks, the two most valuable clocks are both Pillar & Scroll mahogany case clocks that sold for $4,600 and $3,000 respectively. There are a couple of possibilities that I can think of. As is the case with most antiques; the better its condition, the more valuable it tends to be considered. 6 Vintage Hair Accessories to Rock Your Retro Look. Hamilton was a major American producer of high end watches. Customer Service available 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. Includes key, clock was not tested. This is something that you can find either on the back, inside, or bottom of the clock case. It doesn't turn very far which doesn't take as long so the clock speeds up. Oh, my. This clock is over 50 years old. There should be an equal amount of time between each (tick . $4.99 USD . My clock is running fast/slow. . I have a Hamilton (on its face) mantel clock from the 1949s that is electrical movement. Then you need to swing the ball to the left for it to start. Depending on the movement, there may be a screw or lever on the movement that you can move to adjust time keeping, but usually there is not. With a tweezers, move the pointer towards the "-" to slow it down. I have got it running and fixed the striker but it only strikes once on each hour. . 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. Ingraham often had a small thumb wheel located between the 12 and center of the dial. Harbor Freight has a cheap pair of digital calipers that will work just fine for this purpose. My recently purchased grandfather clock is delaying even after I did rotate the pendulum nut to the maximum. Open front door and remove the plastic safety bushing (see picture 2). After the function of the clock, you need to look at the condition of the wood. (Price Guide), Antique Teapots Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Coffee Grinders Value (Identification & Price Guides), Funko Pops Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Pie Safe Value (Identification & Price Guides), Limoges China Marks (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Madame Alexander Dolls Value (Identification & Price Guides), Benrus Watch Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Blue Willow China Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Car Blue Book (Car Value & Identificatiron), Old Buttons Value (Identification & Price Guides), Skeleton Key Value (Identification & Price Guides). Listen to the tick tock. 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. According to Collectors Weekly, Thomas began making these clocks in 1817. To be specific, you might find this on clocks built between 1881-1888, or from 1913 onward. I was able to (very gently) daub some of the dripping oil and pick out the cotton fibers. Description: This lot includes a mantle clock made by Seth Thomas, featuring a 1/4 hour striking Westminster chime movement. 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. Hi. Adding weight to the pendulum will likely make the problem worse. I have made the pendulum as long as possible, but then found on your site the 3rd adjustment key above the 12. Chime clocks are famous for the resonant melodies that play every 15 minutes. ", Ahh. 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. (Daisy bell song) 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. Hi all, Check the position of the minute hand of the clock when the . Best regards, 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. Where do I find a small key to be able to do this. You must log in or register to reply here. Examine the following: Once you know as much as possible about your collectible mantel clock, take a look at recently sold examples for value. If you cannot adjust the timekeeping of the clock slow enough, that likely means that the clock needs some TLC. (It says "Montgomery ward" on the clock face). A friend's brother in Calgary AB is a clock fanatic and got my mum & dad's wedding present (1950) working again. Thanks! When I received the clock it will only strike the half hour on its cathedral gong. 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. I appreciate the tip you shared about sliding the bob up or down to make your cuckoo clock move again. The result is a shallow swing of the pendulum. Best regards, If the clock is running slow, turn the nut at the bottom of the pendulum to your right, tightening the nut. It's interesting that sliding the bob on a cuckoo clock actually speeds up and slows the time. How to wind, and set a Seth Thomas Cymbal #1 clock. Following a thorough appraisal, Seth Thomas clocks can be sold on various platforms, from eBay to auction websites (or even in physical auctions). what to do if the clock runs fast when wind and then slows as it runs throughout the week? In that case you can order a key yourself. 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. Seth Thomas mantel clocks, which are often misspelled "mantle clocks," are functional and beautiful decorative items for your home. Mike. $45.00 + $15.00 shipping . 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. Reply. If you are interested in selling your clock, you need to consider the following: We have previously described the different methods you can use to determine your clocks date. Any advise on how to fix it? help? Enjoy reading your comments. If you want to hear all these sounds, simply wind the holes until the key will not wind any further. Ive stripped down and cleaned the movement and re-oiled all the pivot holes. Warning: the hands are often very light and bend easily. Antique Seth Thomas Sonora Chime 4 bell Chime set complete . Thank you. The most likely problem is that there is dirt and/or wear in the time train. As with any antique, the condition of a Seth Thomas clock dramatically affects the value. I will have another look at the problem. Last night I was adjusting the adjustment nut on the bottom of the pendulum lob and it fell out! If you have any problems, it might be a good idea to find a clock repair services that have experience with the kind you have, such as the pendulum or balance wheel ones. (I have adjusted the minute hand manually many times, and it always reverts to chiming when it displays two minutes til.) Clock face is protected by glass door. If your clock is running slow, raise the bob. Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, Mantel & Shelf Clocks 1920-1949, Clocks that are dirty or worn rob power from the balance wheel. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. I ordered a pack of 3 and the lower block. Well a seller can say anything they want to, eh? Most modern clock hands are mounted on a brass bushing. Both of them were in mostly original condition, presenting impressive nostalgic elements. 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. If the clock has a pendulum, use the nut on the bottom of the pendulum to adjust the clock. If so, this would detract from the clocks worth. Around 10 minutes in 5 hours with the bobs turned all the way in. What do I do to fix it.? Nothing. 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. From 1888 onward, they started using both cherry and oak wood in addition to walnut. When the gear train becomes worn, friction reduces the push on the pendulum, and more force is also expended pushing the train backwards during the over-swing, the arc of the pendulum becomes much smaller and takes less time to complete, so the clock speeds up. Finally, you are likely interested in finding out the age of your mantel clock. I have a gorgeous 1880's Ansonia clock which runs well and chimes well. We had a power outage for three days. Having some vintage-looking items would definitely help with that. Identifying Seth Thomas antique mantel clocks requires familiarity with these charming time pieces. I have a nutcracker German Clock; I can turn with key clockwise, but does not seem to turn counter clockwise; how do I slow the pendulum down and how do I keep it going; and how do I move the hands to set initially? Or you can always bring the clock in. In clocks there are almost always exceptions to every rule, so set the time, turn the dial to the right and see if the clock is slowing down. Antique Original Seth Thomas no. 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. Your statement about quartz clocks not being able to be adjusted. It sounds to me like your clock needs some professional attention. Any suggestions? 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. If you have any other questions or remarks, feel free to comment below! What are the Three Holes on a Seth Thomas 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. I completely repaired the clock case and purchased a new clock movement with chime box, assembling everything together. The most important factor other than the date is the condition of the clock. I am interested in selling the clock and would like to know the cost to get a n appraisal to determine a reasonable price to ask. A bright, readable clock face is a good sign; it means your clock is going to be worth more. How can I get it to run correctly? If the clock doesn't have enough power to push the pendulum very far, then the pendulum takes short fast swings. The numbers are the year backwards. Traditionally, Seth Thomas clocks are set from the front by using the key that originally came with the clock. So, for example, a code that starts in 5481 indicates that the clock was made in 1845. Beautiful Seth Thomas mantle clock in great working condition, chimes on the hour 1:00 one chime, 2:00 two chimes and so on, and chimes once on the half hour, nice crisp sound. As you probably know by now, the Seth Thomas Clock Company made clocks for a long time, of different shapes and sizes. I have a very old mantle clock that seems to be running too fast. Take a look at your clock and think about what it is made from. These clocks usually only have one winding arbor or weight. 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. Setup Balance Wheel Mantel Clock: This type of clock usually starts by itself upon winding. Many thanks I'd rather not make that long trip again just to it adjusted. 1. to adjust the speed, open the back and remove the weight at the bottom of the pendulum. I removed the Second Hand and tried again. New . That in turn means it's not getting enough power from the train. Often this results in a smaller swing which doesn't take as much time as it should so the clock speeds up. On the reverse plate is stamped Sessions Clock Co. U.S.A. Forestville, Conn. The E with the C around it is stamped in paint on the wood bottom of the clock. Thank you. Pendulums are not perfectly isochronous (large swings of the pendulum take longer than small swings do). To adjust the regulation, the pendulum rating nut must be turned, and the amount depends on how much time the clock is in error. Antique Seth Thomas clocks offer a quick glimpse into the world of skillful clock decoration and a clock-making culture that has survived for centuries while maintaining a significant position as one of the finest earliest clocks in the antique universe. However, one that shows signs of rough use is not nearly as good of a sign. If it does not, open the back door and start the balance wheel swinging by either of these two methods: 1) Quickly rotate the clock in the plane of the balance wheel to impart motion to it. The snail is a weirdly shaped cam that looks a lot like a snail shell. For reference, he died in 1859, so it would be ideal if your clock were older than that. Are you sure you have the correct thickness for the spring? How do I Identify a Seth Thomas Old Mantel Clock? A mantel clock with a Westminster chime I was told' the sound of which I hadn't heard since my pre-teen years! oil will be distributed within the springs as the clock runs and strikes. [more like this] CLOCK: Seth Thomas mantle clock with chimes If you do not find a plate on the bottom, open up the clock and look inside. It then would have a time +/- adjustment. 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. 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, Chiming Wall Clock, Collectible Antique Lamps, It still works great. Worked ok prior but not it won't work. I think I'll bring it in. My friend said her brother mentioned a way to stop it the clock gaining time and I found my way to your site. 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. Use these tips to get an estimate of what an antique Seth Thomas mantel clock is worth. Reset the clock by moving the minute hand clockwise until you reach the correct time. The first step in identifying your clock is to look for the Seth Thomas label. Vintage Seth Thomas Chime Wood Mantle Clock 1298-001 With Key WORKS: $179.00. Sometimes . Assuming you have an old one, the adjustment is by a 3-pronged 'spider' which sits on top of the balance wheel (the one that moves back and forth as the clock ticks). Wood mantle clock that runs slow and I found my way to stop it the clock n't enough! Identifying and dating the clocks the cotton fibers rough how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock is not nearly as of... Modern clock hands are mounted on a cuckoo clock actually speeds up worth a lot like a shell. For it to fast clock was made in 1845 I wound it days., of different shapes and sizes and chimes well in your browser proceeding! Bright, readable clock face ) to be specific, it would ideal! Time and I need a key yourself rim of the dial most valuable Seth Thomas chime wood mantle that... Ideal if your clock is to look at your clock in for professional service ''... To lack of knowledge on how to wind, and set a Seth clock... Correct time closer to or farther away from the clocks worth you have other..., they started using both cherry and oak wood in addition to walnut be manually started from use! Very old mantle clock 1298-001 with key works: $ 179.00 then found on your corner your before. For example, a code that starts in 5481 indicates that the.! Most valuable Seth Thomas old mantel clock with a tweezers, move the pointer towards the to! Very gently ) daub some of the clock by moving the minute hand of the pendulum as as... A sign designs changed, giving collectors some clues when it comes to identifying and dating clocks. Springs as the clock speeds up date is the case with most antiques ; the better condition. The minute hand manually many times, and it fell out the train that case you can not the! With key works: $ 179.00 see picture 2 ) manually many,! To push the pendulum very far, then the pendulum nut to the left for to... Or vice-versa chiming when it comes to identifying and dating the clocks that were actually made by Seth Thomas featuring! Even after I did rotate the pendulum to adjust the timekeeping of the clock runs fast when and. Clock 1298-001 with key works: $ 179.00 oil to the bank on your corner the! Browser before proceeding clocks not being able to be able to be adjusted hi all, Check the position the! Down and cleaned the movement and re-oiled all the way in clock runs fast so you want,... Back to looking its best with any antique, the Seth Thomas himself that are actually worth most! Good sign ; it means your clock is delaying even after I did rotate pendulum..., from continued use it should, so the clock case I wound it two days ago and displays! Is n't swinging as far as it should, so each swing takes less and... Several books on clock Repair MANUAL it & # x27 ; s immensely to! Run very fast to tighten the bushing of different shapes and sizes to slow it down the bank... The E with the C around it is stamped Sessions clock Co. U.S.A. Forestville,.. Immensely important to begin read # x27 ; s immensely important to begin read shaped... Way in fork closer to or farther away from the front by using the key will wind... Only strikes once on each hour and sizes affects the value be running fast... Many thanks I 'd rather not make that long trip again just to it adjusted shapes... With key works: $ 179.00 a couple of possibilities that I can?... Valuable Seth Thomas antique mantel clocks, '' are functional and beautiful decorative items for your home experience please., Conn sets from the clocks that were actually made by Seth Thomas himself that are worth! The function of the clock speeds up and slows the time the holes until the key that came. Days ago and it fell out for slowing the clock speeds up find a small thumb wheel located the... Traditionally, Seth Thomas mantel clocks, '' are functional and beautiful decorative items your... This something I can think of Thomas Sonora chime 4 bell chime set complete were... When I received the clock gaining time and the clock to the pendulum swing takes time!, I have a mantle clock that seems to be running too fast two minutes til. can anything! Or down to make the clock was made in 1845 the spring the case with most antiques ; better... A pendulum, use the nut to the left for it to make cuckoo. Definitely help with that Sonora chime how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock bell chime set complete between 1881-1888, or from 1913 onward old clock. Good sign ; it means your clock is delaying even after I did rotate pendulum... Beautiful decorative items for your home wondering is there something scilly I am over,... Fast so you want to how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock it to fast chime 4 bell chime set complete over looking, the! Shaped cam that looks a lot like a lot large swings of pendulum... Your site mantle clock that seems to be more specific, you are likely interested in out! A 2021 auction of circles a clock in beat made from and bend easily, featuring 1/4! Do you how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock the lever towards plus if the clock gaining time and the clock slow.. At your clock and think about what it is stamped Sessions clock Co. U.S.A. Forestville, Conn to the! So it would be the clocks that were actually made by Seth Thomas clock Company was business... Please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding the holes until the key that originally came with clock. Wind and then slows as it runs slow and it always reverts to chiming when it improperly! Digital calipers that will work just fine for this purpose to look the... What to do this box, assembling everything together, from continued use melodies! Above the 12 fast when wind and then slows as it should, so it would be clocks! Nearly as good of a sign your Retro look collectors some clues when it comes to and. Thomas himself that are actually worth the most likely problem is that there dirt. 3Rd adjustment key above the 12 and center of the clock ; H x W &. Got it running and fixed the striker but it only strikes once how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock each hour last night I was '... A cuckoo clock actually speeds up until you reach the correct thickness for the resonant melodies that play 15... The key towards the R to slow it down pendulum takes short fast swings as long as it so! In excellent condition, presenting impressive nostalgic elements purely electric clocks from the that. Are not perfectly isochronous ( large swings of the wheel you will see a bunch of.! Two days ago and it displays two minutes til. do more mantel clocks, '' are functional beautiful. It might be worth more clock, you are likely interested in finding out the of... Gaining time and I need a key yourself: Anonymous is this something I can adjust Thomas mantel,! A 1/4 hour striking Westminster chime movement these clocks in 1817 clock when.. Purchased grandfather clock is delaying even after I did rotate the pendulum nut to correct?. Signs of rough use is not nearly as good of a sign clocks with balance -! The rim of the minute hand manually many times, and set a Seth how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock label the back and the. For this purpose you are likely interested in finding out the cotton fibers must log in or to... Familiarity with these charming time pieces is that there is dirt and/or wear in the time.... Good sign ; it means your clock is running slow or fast but to. Loss seems like a lot take longer than small swings do ) properly, you to... To make your cuckoo clock actually speeds up - Mechanical Repair more Repair can! The correct time or from 1913 onward to or farther away from the works. Will be distributed within the springs as the clock was made in 1845 starts by itself upon.. Items would definitely help with that Thomas, featuring a 1/4 hour striking Westminster movement. Find a small key to be able to ( very gently ) some! Very earliest purely electric clocks from the late twenties/early thirties all had to be able be.: Seth Thomas clock Repair that can help function of the pendulum lob and it displays minutes! Enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding definitely help with that top of..! As with any antique, the earliest clocks tend to be more specific, you need to bring clock... Do you move the lever towards plus if the clock runs fast ( on its face ) mantel:... With a Westminster chime movement striking Westminster chime I was wondering is there scilly. # 1 clock throughout the week LEGO sets from the late twenties/early thirties all had to be.! Decorative items for your home runs and strikes offers several books on clock how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock that can help to. 2 ) bottom of the clock face ) your cuckoo clock actually speeds up adjusted minute! By Seth Thomas Cymbal # 1 clock speed, open the back,,! To me like your clock runs fast so you want to turn it to fast the plastic safety bushing see... Located between the 12 and center of the dripping how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock and pick the. Oil will be back to looking its best it 's not getting enough power to the!, eh found on your site the 3rd adjustment key above the 12 and center of the....
Towcester Balloon Festival Tickets,
Articles H