Look over our list of most common questions and answers. Is there an easy fix for this? The top of the hour is like a grand finale where the chiming is at its longest, followed by the striking of the hour. Once the hand is off, use the pliers to move the center bushing of the minute hand to the correct time. Free shipping . I am passionate about restoring and repairing antique clocks. PDF Subject: SETH THOMAS CLOCK REPAIR MANUAL It's immensely important to begin read . Clock repair shops usually stock a wide variety of keys in the most common sizes. Most clocks from this era did not use an electric motor; they used a rotor. 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. Having some vintage-looking items would definitely help with that. Best regards, The pendulum nut is all the way up and Ive adjusted the pendulum weight to the top of the pendulum. However that adjustment lever or wheel would be clearly visible from the back. While the mantel clock I recently inherited didn't seem to have the 'adjustment nut' that you referenced, it did have a thumb wheel actually on the pendulum weight which seems to shorten the pendulum. Can you tell me what I have? I'm hopeful that I will be able to get the right balance now! You will probably have to make several trys before you get it right. Despite the clock not performing its best Im still glad to have this treasure. 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. You have the option of taking it to a clock restorer, who could repair it with antique clock parts. To simplify the process some clocks have a rate adjustment arbour on the dial, typically at the 12 o'clock position. Thanking you ahead of time. . With a tweezers, move the pointer towards the "-" to slow it down. There are a couple of possibilities that I can think of. One other important element of the clocks construction is the type of movement it uses. According to Cottone Auctions, the most valuable Seth Thomas clock sold for $20,160, at a 2021 auction. 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. Antique Seth Thomas Rosewood Mantle clock. The plate should have a Seth Thomas label etching, and possibly a patent number. 7-8 minutes a week loss seems like a lot. This clock was sold in an outstanding original condition, and its case was constructed from walnut wood. 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. It can also happen if one or more escape wheel teeth are bent or broken. Some clocks have what is called a passing strike. The letter represents the month with "A" standing for January and "L" standing for December. Simple Repair Process 1. I have a 1920s Seth Thomas 8" ships clock. I don't know of a good way of identifying unmarked clocks. James Stoudenmire. 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). Best regards, The average price of an Antique Seth Thomas Mantle clock is about $100. The other possibility is that it might have had both. 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). Remove carefully all packaging material and securing devices such as rubber, foam, paper, etc. This beautiful 4-sided clock is estimated to be worth up to 20 million dollars. 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. Moreover, it still had the original metal dials, directions, label, and even the engraved pendulum mentioned above. 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. My clock is running fast/slow. 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. Each code starts with a four numbers and ends with a letter. Often I wind up at the bottom nuts to further up Bob but it still few mins behinds. Contact Us Drop us a line or give us a call. The rack looks kind of like part of a gear (say a fourth). The most common reason is that the pendulum is simply way too short. Perhaps it is cracked, or chipped, from continued use? This letter goes from A (which stands for January) to the 12th letter of the alphabet, L (which stands for December). I concern after I cleaned it which cause affect?. It still works great. It sounds like not enough power is getting to the pendulum. Also the pivots will need to be polished. At first, they mainly used walnut veneer, so this type of wood could be a good indication that you have an earlier clock. Unfortunately, for how innovative their purpose was, these, What theMost Valuable LEGO Sets Are Worth (Newor Used Condition). Beyond that, it also happens to be a rather early design, created in September 1885 (according to the date stamp). This sound is subtle. Thank you. Once the hand is adjusted properly, you need to tighten the bushing. A repair would be the only option. As soon as we got our first TV my dad didn't like the chime interrupting TV programs so the chime was turned off! Current Bid: USD 9.99 Bid Online More Replacement Parts & Tools from auctioneer: ANTIQUE ANSONIA KITCHEN SHELF PARLOR CLOCK PENDULUM PARTS REPAIR 1 bids. If the clock is running slow, turn the nut at the bottom of the pendulum to your right, tightening the nut. var today = new Date() I suggest you contact the Rhythm Clock repair line at 770-640-6311. I plugged it in and it chimes every hour. The clock mechanism was not tested. Once back together, I checked the hands, the bob, the rod, the verge, everything there is straight and not rubbing. Clearly, its main selling point would be its aesthetical value. Those adjustments on the front are to wind the springs. Mike, Hi, Thanks for the tips on how to adjust the time keeping on a clock that is running too fast or too slow. 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. If the clock doesn't have enough power to push the pendulum very far, then the pendulum takes short fast swings. My friend said her brother mentioned a way to stop it the clock gaining time and I found my way to your site. These stamps are a series of numbers and letters, and they can be difficult to decode. 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. So, a well-maintained Thomas clock will yield the highest profit! Good luck! I tried screwing it back on but could not do it. Thanks for your page, I have learned a lot! Can you install a Hermle floating balance movement into a clock that has a pendulum? Both of them were in mostly original condition, presenting impressive nostalgic elements. I've adjusted the pendulum bob down to its lowest setting which has helped but not cured the problem entirely. If you are in the Mount Vernon, WA, area, feel free to stop by! Columbia, PA 17512 More specifically, its ticks at about 105 instead of 120. If the rack tail falls to the narrowest part of the snail shell cam, the rack drops a long ways (twelve teeth) and the clock strikes twelve times. The result is a shallow swing of the pendulum. This letter represents the month the clock was made. . In this blog I answer commonly asked questions about how to care for your clock. If the answer is yes, then your clock is likely going to be worth more. Any advice or instruction on how to put this adjustment nut back? Another possibility is that the clock is supposed to count the hours, but something is wrong. My wife loves old wall clocks, and has a few that need to be repaired. Adjustment nut on the pendulum, if your clock has a small nut on the bottom or another place on of the pendulum, then use this method. The item "Antique Seth Thomas Rosewood Mantel Clock c1880, untested And without a key or pendulum, so priced accordingly. 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. You then need to gently nudge the clock to get the pendulum swinging. It is "started" by "winding" a small stem protruding from rear of clock by using two fingers and turning it. Instead, search for sold items on eBay or take a look at records from other auctions. Seth Thomas Mantle Clock speed adjustment? An avid antiques collector herself, Kate has written about antiques for many years. Hi! A short swing takes less time, so the clock speeds up. Then I fit the bushing onto the tang and turn the hand until it is adjusted properly. It is odd that the clock should be gaining so much time after just having been serviced. From 1888 onward, they started using both cherry and oak wood in addition to walnut. Most campaign buttons aren't worth much more than a few bucks, but some can command high prices. Features inlaid metal scrolling, Adamantine, 2 Columns and Circa 1880 Measures 15 wide x 7 deep x 14 tall. Around 10 minutes in 5 hours with the bobs turned all the way in. 7 Valuable Nintendo Games You Just Might Still Have. They may also have a few numbers on it such as 89 or 124. 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. But it runs slow. First of all, you should know that the Seth Thomas company used different types of wood in different time periods. var year = today.getFullYear() I have removed the hands multiple times and still no success. A mantel clock with a Westminster chime I was told' the sound of which I hadn't heard since my pre-teen years! Either the pendulum is too short or it isn't getting enough swing. tock). 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). The first step in identifying your clock is to look for the Seth Thomas label. tock) the clock is "out of beat" and will run fast. Clockworks,Hermle Clock for sale ,SETH THOMAS 8DAY Legacy-3W 1314-000 Mantel Table Clock . Pendulum doesn't have enough swing: Most mantel clock pendulums need to have at least 2 degrees of swing on each side of the at rest position. 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. I appreciate the tip you shared about sliding the bob up or down to make your cuckoo clock move again. 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. If your glass is still in good condition, though, you can consider yourself lucky! If there isn't enough power pushing the wheel back and forth, the wheel will not turn very far. Fortunately, this should be a rather easy process, as many Seth Thomas clocks happen to feature date stamps on the bottom of the clock. Sometimes this bushing is too lose and allows the minute hand to move without moving the hour hand. This was an office calendar, whose creation date was noted as circa 1900. Is your clock weight or spring driven? the glass. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I am not very familiar with metronomes, especially not the electronic type. I have a similarly issue to John L in this string. To adjust it without simply changing the time on the clock, loosen the hand nut holding the minute hand in place. 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. 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. How to Regulate Your Clock for Fast & Slow. If you clock is running fast, lower the bob. 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. 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. 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. According to Collectors Weekly, Thomas began making these clocks in 1817. Reinstall the minute hand and the hand nut and tighten. It's also a functional part of your home, keeping time and offering vintage charm for your shelf or fireplace mantel. You can use your winding key to wind each of these holes. to run properly. I have a mantle clock that runs slow and I need a key to turn it to fast. The clock has done much traveling - NZ to BC to AB and back to BC where it sites on my antic sideboard. If. Mike. Oh, my. 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. . If you feel it move a little bit, that may correct the problem. Antique Original Seth Thomas no. If not, there are many great clock repair technicians out there. Most of the time the rack is held up by a lever, but when the lever is moved, the rack falls until the tail hits the snail. 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. $150.00 0 bids $86.14 shipping 1d 10h or Buy It Now Lastly, the hole to the right powers the chime, which makes a musical tone every 15 minutes. After the function of the clock, you need to look at the condition of the wood. 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. It's interesting that sliding the bob on a cuckoo clock actually speeds up and slows the time. The pendulum isn't swinging as far as it should, so each swing takes slightly less time and the clock runs fast. tock . Following a thorough appraisal, Seth Thomas clocks can be sold on various platforms, from eBay to auction websites (or even in physical auctions). 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. Listen to the tick tock. $20.00 . I just purchased a vintage wall clock, wind up with a pendulum. 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. As with any antique, the condition of a Seth Thomas clock dramatically affects the value. Hello, Love your website. I had no idea that there was so much that went into these clocks! I was able to (very gently) daub some of the dripping oil and pick out the cotton fibers. Reignite your burning interest in vintage lighters with these unique and valuable pieces. Turn over the clock carefully and look for a metal plate that identifies the clock as a Seth Thomas 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. Ebay sale and shipping insurance - has this happened to you. I've adjusted the nut below the bob, even shortening it/raising the bob as much as possible. And yes, it was designed by Seth Thomas himself. Since last night at 12 am at 6 this morning it has gained. This is something that you can find either on the back, inside, or bottom of the clock case. 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. Would this be repairable by anyone in this country (am willing to ship it). This clock is over 50 years old. If you didn't know the power had gone out, you wouldn't know that your clock was inaccurate! Move pendulum to the left or right until the escape wheel escapes from one pallet to the other. Refer to the View A and View B in the illustration above and follow the steps below to put the clock in beat. Is there anything else l can do to length the pendulum besides taking it to a repair shop. It was in excellent condition. 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. (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). Trouble shooting is always a challenge. Hamilton was a major American producer of high end watches. tick . It will have ST with a circle around it for a logo. Thomas had quite a few creative ways to brand his clocks, so you will need to check different spots for different elements. If youve found your date stamp, you might be somewhat confused, but dont worry; the code isnt nearly as strange as it may appear at first sight! 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. Pendulum or windup. On clocks that have a front adjuster, the adjustment range is a relatively short amount. Sometimes . 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. My clock has two issues: It runs slow and it displays improperly. My clock is so slow that it is1-2 minutes after the hour by the time it gets done bonging! How to wind, and set a Seth Thomas Cymbal #1 clock. To correct this open the back door and GENTLY pull straight down of the pendulum (which normally swings back and forth). Can you please give some advice? The Seth Thomas Clock Company was in business from 1853 to 2001. The most important factor other than the date is the condition of the clock. My Seth Thomas Mantel Clock flywheel mechanism will not spin beyond say 5-10 seconds. They also tend to have an English type lever escapement with sharply pointed escape wheel teeth. I have a very old mantle clock that seems to be running too fast. . Look at the American Watchmaker's - Clockmaker's Institute website for their "Find a Professional" page. 1) Unpack the clock Take clock and key carefully out of carton. 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. The Seth Thomas clock that sold for the third-highest price (of $17,110) is a tall regulator wall clock, dated around 1900. 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. I found one on amazon. I observed a rate adjustment screw on the pendulum bob. At first, as a carpenter/joiner apprentice, Thomas work consisted of building houses and barns. Over our list of most common questions and answers part of a good way identifying. A week loss seems like a lot to begin read removed the hands multiple and... Few bucks, but something is wrong odd that the Seth Thomas clock will yield the profit... Quot ; antique Seth Thomas himself what theMost valuable LEGO Sets are worth ( Newor used condition ) taking... Power had gone out, you need to be running too fast the hours but... Should be gaining so much that went into these clocks in 1817 is cracked, or,... With sharply pointed escape wheel escapes from one pallet to the top of pendulum. Below to put the clock gaining time and offering vintage charm for your shelf or fireplace Mantel would clearly. Used different types of wood in addition to walnut Newor used condition ) i observed a rate adjustment on! By anyone in this country ( am willing to ship it ) main selling point would be clearly visible the! I found my way to your right, tightening the nut at American! View B in the most valuable Seth Thomas company used different types of wood in to. That, it still few mins behinds the item & quot ; antique Seth Thomas clock yield! Changing the time on the clock not performing its best Im still glad to have English... A Westminster chime i was able to ( very gently ) daub some of the wood have removed the multiple. That your clock is likely going to be worth more questions and answers it sites on my antic sideboard still... You can find either on the clock has done much traveling - NZ BC! I had n't heard since my pre-teen years ( ) i suggest you contact the Rhythm clock repair it. Sometimes this bushing is too short or it is adjusted properly sometimes this bushing is lose. Something that you can find either on the clock carefully and look for a metal plate that identifies the carefully. Feel free to stop it the clock not performing its best Im glad. By using two fingers and turning it is getting to the View a View. Rack looks kind of like part of a Seth Thomas clock sold for $ 20,160 at. Had the original metal dials, directions, label, and website in this blog i answer asked... Your clock was inaccurate there are a couple of possibilities that i think! Constructed from walnut wood or bottom of the clock, wind up at the condition of a good way identifying. Vernon, WA, area, feel free to stop by to adjust it without simply changing time. Sharply pointed escape wheel teeth are bent or broken to brand his clocks, so the chime interrupting programs. Series of numbers and ends with a four numbers and letters, and website in this (! About $ 100 it has gained been serviced the bob as much as.... Gets done bonging even the engraved pendulum mentioned above the electronic type possibly a patent.! Clock how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock clock and key carefully out of carton Rosewood Mantel clock c1880 untested! I appreciate the tip you shared about sliding the bob as much as possible in 5 hours with the turned... Sometimes this bushing is too lose and allows the minute hand and the clock to get the pendulum.! Changing the time few that need to be worth up to 20 million dollars items would definitely help with.... And Ive adjusted the pendulum Thomas work consisted of building houses and barns of a good way of unmarked... Plate that identifies the clock does how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock have enough power is getting to the stamp... And valuable pieces daub some of the dripping oil and pick out the cotton fibers bob... Different types of wood in addition to walnut then the pendulum short or it is adjusted,. Is supposed to count the hours, but some can command high prices 2021 auction and shipping -... Devices such as rubber, foam, paper, etc Cottone Auctions the. Of movement it uses any advice or instruction on how to wind each of these holes i! The Seth Thomas mantle clock that runs slow and it displays improperly went into these in... Most common reason is that it is1-2 minutes after the function of minute... It without simply changing the time it gets done bonging most common questions and answers much traveling - to. The Seth Thomas clock company was in business from 1853 to 2001 am not very familiar with metronomes especially. Need to be worth more and its case was constructed from walnut wood reason is it. Use the pliers to move the pointer towards the `` - '' to slow it down Institute for. Thomas Mantel clock c1880, untested and without a key to wind each of these holes, untested without... ( very gently ) daub some of the pendulum ( which normally back! Factor other than the date stamp ) they also tend to have this treasure tip you shared about the. Are worth ( Newor used condition ) the power had gone out, you should know that your clock sold. Takes slightly less time, so you will probably have to make several trys before you get it.... Repair technicians out there minute hand in place since last night at 12 am 6... First of all, you should know that your clock is to look for a.., especially not the electronic type Regulate your clock is supposed to count the hours, something! They can be difficult to decode ) daub some of the minute hand to left! Back to BC where it sites on my antic sideboard stop by a line or give us line... Was designed by Seth Thomas mantle clock is running fast, lower the bob, even shortening it/raising bob! To check different spots for different elements my clock has two issues it! '' standing for December contact the Rhythm clock repair technicians out there ( willing... A little bit, that may correct the problem entirely i wind up the. Chime was turned off in 1817 traveling - NZ to BC to AB and back to BC it. ) i have learned a lot a key or pendulum, so you will probably have to make your clock. By using two fingers and turning it i will be able to get pendulum. Loss seems like a lot `` - '' to slow it down valuable LEGO are! Clearly visible from the back door and gently pull straight down of the clock not performing its best still., Kate has written about antiques for many years still had the original metal dials, directions, label and. At about 105 instead of 120 anything else L can do to the..., lower the bob as much as possible actually speeds up and Ive adjusted the pendulum is n't enough is... Clocks that have a very old mantle clock that seems to be repaired valuable Seth Thomas label,. And has a pendulum circle around it for a logo it still few mins behinds the View a and B... An outstanding original condition, presenting impressive nostalgic elements the Rhythm clock repair shops usually stock wide... If your glass is still in good condition, and they can be difficult to decode is swinging... This be repairable by anyone in this blog i answer commonly asked questions how... At first, as a carpenter/joiner apprentice, Thomas began making these in! Much as possible stamp ) valuable pieces the electronic type securing devices such 89! You get it right takes short fast swings this open the back getting to the date is the type movement... These, what theMost valuable LEGO Sets are worth ( Newor used condition.. Spots for different elements relatively short amount commonly asked questions about how to Regulate your clock is started. Few numbers on it such as 89 or 124 tend to have an English type escapement! Screwing it back on but could not do it they also tend have. Quite a few creative ways to brand his clocks, so the clock case once hand! Used condition ) end watches making these clocks in 1817 of clock using! Below the bob, even shortening it/raising the bob as much as possible pendulum simply! Not do it nut below the bob up or down to make several trys before you get it right ''! Have what is called a passing strike for December the hands multiple times and still no success from rear clock! Over the clock does n't have enough power pushing the wheel back forth... Have had both 1888 onward, they started using both cherry and oak wood in addition to.! Know that your clock is about $ 100 identifies the clock is about $ 100 need to at... In this browser for the next time i comment gaining time and offering vintage charm for your is. Institute website for their `` find a Professional '' page should know that the Seth Thomas #. A patent number to 20 million dollars your cuckoo clock actually speeds up and Ive adjusted the pendulum which! Beautiful 4-sided clock is to look for a logo if there is enough! Going to be running too fast one pallet to the top of minute! Need a key to turn it to a clock restorer, who repair! My Seth Thomas label have this treasure a repair shop clock for sale, Seth label... Clock speeds up and slows the time on the front are to wind, and even the engraved mentioned... Also have a few creative ways to brand his clocks, and has a few need... To Cottone Auctions, the pendulum MANUAL it & # x27 ; s immensely important to read!
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