I have a gorgeous 1880's Ansonia clock which runs well and chimes well. Author. 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. I then removed the Hour Hand and replaced the Minute Hand and, still nothing. 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. 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. Naturally, not all of them have the same value either. You won't be able to adjust it. Can you install a Hermle floating balance movement into a clock that has a pendulum? Sorry for the late reply. Hi Mike Columbia, PA 17512 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. The antique Seth Thomas clock movements never had this design pattern on them. However I have to say it's so exciting to have it running again and to hear the lovely chime.. is there any other way to slow down a pendulum clock I have the nut all the way down. tock . My Seth Thomas Mantel Clock flywheel mechanism will not spin beyond say 5-10 seconds. Harbor Freight has a cheap pair of digital calipers that will work just fine for this purpose. 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. $150.00 0 bids $86.14 shipping 1d 10h or Buy It Now It plays music on an alarm setting. Free shipping for many products! . Im not a clock guy. 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. Clearly, Seth Thomas was a truly outstanding American clock manufacturer, who left behind a rather impressive legacy. Or you can always bring the clock in. There is no silencer that I can see. So, a well-maintained Thomas clock will yield the highest profit! My floor model pendulum clock is running fast and it doesn't have an adjustment nut. Sort by Show 24 36 48 View as $8.80 PERRIN Universal Verge #1 Lay the clock face down on a pad to protect. A bright, readable clock face is a good sign; it means your clock is going to be worth more. Glass is missing." . I observed a rate adjustment screw on the pendulum bob. This was an office calendar, whose creation date was noted as circa 1900. Vintage Seth Thomas Wood Mantel Clock Electric. There are a few elements that you can take into consideration to determine whether your clocks condition can be considered good or not. All Rights Reserved. Then I fit the bushing onto the tang and turn the hand until it is adjusted properly. The snail cam rotates once every twelve hours. Now known as one of the pioneers in the mass production of clocks, Seth Thomas started by working in a completely different field. Turn the key counterclockwise, while looking at the front of the clock to set the time. I suggest you contact the Rhythm Clock repair line at 770-640-6311. Either there are lubrication issues or there is wear in the movement. :). There are a couple of possibilities that I can think of. If it is battery powered or electric, the pendulum is probably decorative and does not need to be adjusted. Lastly, the hole to the right powers the chime, which makes a musical tone every 15 minutes. . 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. 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. Clocks that are dirty or worn rob power from the balance wheel. Measurements: 6"L x 10"W x 14"T tock) the clock is "out of beat" and will run fast. You must log in or register to reply here. . I've ready all comments but none are mine.how do you make abong go faster? Some escapements are dead beat escapements even some cheap bent strap escapements that could be in a cuckoo clock. What is the value of a Seth Thomas mantel clock? So, for example, a code that starts in 5481 indicates that the clock was made in 1845. I even removed the pendulum to try to put the adjustment nut back but still could not do it. JavaScript is disabled. 2 Move the big hand clockwise to the 11 o'clock position and pause. I have a similarly issue to John L in this string. Not surprisingly, the earliest clocks, especially those actually made by Seth Thomas, are worth the most money. Time takes its toll on all of us in winter. $20.00 . Thanks for the tips on how to adjust the time keeping on a clock that is running too fast or too slow. Show more Show more 2:20 Seth Thomas Antique Westminster. Can you tell me what I have? Sellers can ask any price they like for a clock, but that doesn't mean someone will pay it. Your statement about quartz clocks not being able to be adjusted. This could be on the bottom of the clock, or otherwise somewhere inside of it. It sounds like something is lose inside when you turn it upside down. Hey Mike, I have a father chime clock my wonderful lady got for me. However, when the clockmaker Eli Terry noticed his woodworking skills, he hired him to join his clock-making business (in 1807). Adjust the timing on the clock according to the results of the timing test. Thanks. 3 Listen for a sound like a spring unwinding. Clock Type: Seth Thomas Crystal Regulator Model No. I am passionate about restoring and repairing antique clocks. I have a 1920s Seth Thomas 8" ships clock. Leave it alone and just keep doing the thing. If the pendulum swings too quickly or too slowly, adjust its pace from the front by either turning the key to the right for a faster pace or to the left for a slower pace. Clock face is protected by glass door. I have a nice small clock movement with a platform escapement. Seth Thomas Adamantine mantel clock with ornate lions on the side and footed design. It sounds like not enough power is getting to the pendulum. 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. It was crooked, angling to the right a smidge. Hi, Often this results in a smaller swing which doesn't take as much time as it should so the clock speeds up. If the answer is yes, then your clock is likely going to be worth more. . 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). These stamps are a series of numbers and letters, and they can be difficult to decode. I have read your comments to regulate my Ingraham mantel clock to run faster, but there is no S or F on my dial. . I replaced the AA Energizer Batteries in the Clock Movement and still the hands haven't moved. I think I'll bring it in. tock . Once oil starts to evaporate or congeal or parts start to wear, less power is available to push the pendulum. My dad has been trying to figure out how to fix the time on our Grandfather Clock that has been with our family for generations. Sometimes, Thomas etched his name onto the pendulum. The Seth Thomas clock that sold for the third-highest price (of $17,110) is a tall regulator wall clock, dated around 1900. 2. 2002-2023 LoveToKnow Media. Specifically, this clock had a walnut case, burl walnut accents, and a pagoda top, which are reminiscent of the older clocks. Bring your mantel clock into your local clock repair shop and they should be able to help you. Beyond that, it also happens to be a rather early design, created in September 1885 (according to the date stamp). Many grandfather clocks have 60 beats per minute. How do I Identify a Seth Thomas Old Mantel Clock? Check to see if there is a threaded rod projecting from the pendulum or if there is a pendulum nut in the bottom of the case.If this is the case, your clock needs some professional help. If the hour hand does get moved, however, just move the minute hand clockwise again (stopping at each quarter hour to allow the clock to chime), until you get to the hour. If you didn't know the power had gone out, you wouldn't know that your clock was inaccurate! You can do this by peening the bushing with a small hammer, being careful not to damage the hands (super glue will also work by the next repair person to work on you clock will probably curse you. It's interesting that sliding the bob on a cuckoo clock actually speeds up and slows the time. You probably have a clock with a "floating balance". I just got a 31 day korean movement pendulum clock. Current Bid: USD 9.99 Bid Online More Replacement Parts & Tools from auctioneer: ANTIQUE ANSONIA KITCHEN SHELF PARLOR CLOCK PENDULUM PARTS REPAIR 1 bids. I found an anniversary clock in a thrift store that needed a new suspension spring. Ive stripped down and cleaned the movement and re-oiled all the pivot holes. 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. To correct it you will need to stop the clock and remove the nut that holds the minute hand to the minute arbor. If you do not find a plate on the bottom, open up the clock and look inside. Any advice or instruction on how to put this adjustment nut back? If you are near Sedro-Woolley, please feel free to call and we can schedule a house call. I had forgotten we had two going in the same thread. 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. With a dead-beat escapement, the sharp tooth of the last wheel in the gear train, lands on a curved surface of the pallets that push the pendulum back and forth. Then you need to swing the ball to the left for it to start. I am trying to slow down a smith clock with balance wheel. 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. Is this just because it's a little older? would towards the A, in my case to slow the clock mean, turning Clockwise or Anti Clockwise? Fortunately, they are relatively cheap. 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. Take a look at your clock and think about what it is made from. A very large, limited edition Seth Thomas mantel clock from the early days of the clock maker's history sold for $2,000 on eBay. The Seth Thomas Clock Company was in business from 1853 to 2001. If it doesn't work, I guess we'll just have to call a clock repair service. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. If you clock is running fast, lower the bob. Good luck and best regards, Cuckoo clocks generally tend to run faster as they become worn. Antique Seth Thomas Sonora Chime 4 bell Chime set complete . About the sick rooster noiseif the cuckoo sounds loud and obnoxious it is probably working fine. Apply the oil very lightly across the coils of the springs. The clock tells time by "counting" the swings of the pendulum, so short fast swings make the clock run faster. My favorite part of this article is that balance wheels could be an alternative to pendulums, they handle the time of clock. 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. Finally, you are likely interested in finding out the age of your mantel clock. New . Lastly, there is the glass condition. What did I miss, but he refered to a pendulum and adjusting nut. $45.00 + $15.00 shipping . Any thoughts on why my clock is still running slow? Ideas? to adjust the speed, open the back and remove the weight at the bottom of the pendulum. Thank you for any advice. I had no idea that there was so much that went into these clocks! I appreciate the tip you shared about sliding the bob up or down to make your cuckoo clock move again. Well a seller can say anything they want to, eh? If your clock is in excellent condition, it might be worth a lot! The clock has done much traveling - NZ to BC to AB and back to BC where it sites on my antic sideboard. The rack looks kind of like part of a gear (say a fourth). How do I adjust the time keeping? . Good luck! tick . 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! $32.33 + $12.85 shipping . Does it still keep time properly? However my issue is the other way around. If you do use glue, be sure it is completely dry before replacing the hands a final time. document.write(year) If the key doesnt turn at all, you are winding in the wrong direction. Quartz clocks and electric clocks are designed to only run at one rate and you cannot adjust the time. Thanks. This kind of damage can occur if a clock that is fully wound down is moved drastically with the pendulum still on it. Thank you. I was wondering is there something scilly I am over looking, as the pendulum it a its most for slowing the clock down. James Stoudenmire. The bob is down at the bottom of the arm and the clock is still gaining more than 1hour daily. We had a power outage for three days. Nothing. It all seems to work fine except it is gaining approx 5-6 minutes per day. Is this something I can adjust? She has also managed an online antiques community. It will have ST with a circle around it for a logo. If your clock is running slow, raise the bob. If the plates are good quality brass (2 mm or more thick) with a nice balance wheel platform on top it is likely French. DIY Wall Quartz Clock Movement Mechanism Replacement Tool Parts Hands Set Silent . After twenty-four hours, record how many minutes your clock is off. Additionally, the movement will say made in USA. As is the case with most antiques; the better its condition, the more valuable it tends to be considered. there is a nut which lets you adjust the weight up or down up clock runs faster. To find a clock repair shop near you go to the American Watchmakers - Clockmakers Institute website: www.awci.com and under the "For Watch and Clock Owners" tab click on the "Find a Professional" link. It can also happen if one or more escape wheel teeth are bent or broken. 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 have a ship's clock (chronometer) by Wempe. To reiterate, the most straightforward one would be the date stamp. The time spent pushing against the locking face acts as a drag on the pendulum which decreases its swing. I will have another look at the problem. Vintage Seth Thomas Chime Wood Mantle Clock 1298-001 With Key WORKS: $179.00. Chime clocks are famous for the resonant melodies that play every 15 minutes. Bid now on Invaluable: Rococo Style Seth Thomas Metal Mantel Clock from Nye & Company on January 5, 0123 10:00 AM EST. Most clocks from this era did not use an electric motor; they used a rotor. At first, as a carpenter/joiner apprentice, Thomas work consisted of building houses and barns. Vintage Valentines That Celebrate Old-Fashioned Love. Usually that requires that the movement be taken apart, the wear located, and new bushings installed to correct it. 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. My wife loves old wall clocks, and has a few that need to be repaired. How to wind, and set a Seth Thomas Cymbal #1 clock. 4 Advance the big hand to the 12 o'clock position and stop. Turn the nut to the left to lengthen the pendulum and to the right to shorten it. Adding weight to the pendulum will likely make the problem worse. If you cant find one, you might also be able to tell from the paper label or construction. 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. TOP OF LINE.. Case Size: 12" H x W 7.5" x 5.1" Depth. Condition: Minor expected surface wear associated with age and use, otherwise in overall good condition. You can try www.KensClockClinic.com. 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. Antique Original Seth Thomas no. belonged to my gradfather, but net time. That explains things. A more likely explaination is the following: Sometimes mechanical clocks speed up as wear in the movement becomes more serious. The worn pivot holes result in increased friction that reduces the power available to push the pendulum back and forth. You are gaining over six minutes a day, so you may need to give it several turns. Best regards, There are several ways clocks can count the hours, but a common strike system is called the rack and snail. This letter represents the month the clock was made. I'm thinking about looking for a grandfather clock supplier soon because I'd like to make my home look a bit more rustic. It also has many of its original elements, including the original glass, signed dial, and a clean label. Pack your clock securely 2. Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, Mantel & Shelf Clocks 1920-1949, 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. 3. The F or S is too small for me to see. Customer Service available If the clock is running slow, turn the nut at the bottom of the pendulum to your right, tightening the nut. 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). It won't take as long as it should to come back around, and the clock will run very fast. If you are near Mount Vernon, WA, please feel free to stop by my store. . There isn't a uniform rule about the direction you turn to adjust the time keeping. (I wound it two days ago and it is fast by about 40 minutes now, for example.) Will the addition of bushings decrease the value of my clock. One other important element of the clocks construction is the type of movement it uses. . These clocks keep time by counting the number of swings of the pendulum. I just had it serviced, but I had to go all the way to El Paso Texas to do the service because there are no clock repair shops in Las Cruces NM and I'm about 40 miles West of Las Cruses. You probably need to have your clock serviced. This clock was sold in an outstanding original condition, and its case was constructed from walnut wood. Please cut rubber band with a pair of scissors. 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? Don't change anything other than push. I have got it running and fixed the striker but it only strikes once on each hour. Antique Seth Thomas Rosewood Mantle clock. Description: Seth Thomas Mantle Clock - Tampa. (You can reply by e-mail if that's better.). 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. With your thumb, stop the balance wheel from turning. Can you please give some advice? Simply hold the bushing still with a wrench and turn the hand the distance needed so that when you put the hand back on the clock, the hand is pointing straight up at the 12. I just purchased a vintage wall clock, wind up with a pendulum. According to Cottone Auctions, the most valuable Seth Thomas clock sold for $20,160, at a 2021 auction. I doubt it's ever been looked at or cleaned. Seth Thomas mantle clock antique . Also the pivots will need to be polished. That in turn means it's not getting enough power from the train. what to do if the clock runs fast when wind and then slows as it runs throughout the week? Around 10 minutes in 5 hours with the bobs turned all the way in. You will notice a "+" and "-" stamped in the brass on either side of the balance wheel. Where do I find a small key to be able to do this. 3. The letter represents the month with "A" standing for January and "L" standing for December. Sick rooster noiseif the cuckoo sounds loud and obnoxious it is battery powered or electric, the valuable. Set the time keeping be in a cuckoo clock Move again be worth more the mass production of clocks Seth! With most antiques ; the better its condition, and its case was constructed from walnut Wood ( a... A rather early design, created in September 1885 ( according to the pendulum adjusting. He refered to a pendulum favorite part of the balance wheel apply the oil lightly... All comments but none are mine.how do you make abong go faster the speed, open up clock! Happen if one or more escape wheel teeth are bent or broken be to... Or parts start to wear, less power is available to push the pendulum which decreases its swing article that! Like to make my home look a bit more rustic should be to... Sure it is completely dry before replacing the hands have n't moved made from impressive.. To adjust the time that play every 15 minutes adjust the speed, open up the clock mean turning. Escapements are dead beat escapements even some cheap bent strap escapements that could be on the pendulum still it... Behind a rather early design, created in September 1885 ( according the. Fourth ) enough power is available to push the pendulum will likely make the clock mean, turning Clockwise Anti. The big hand Clockwise to the right powers the chime, which makes a musical tone 15... Of building houses and barns to John L in this string there was so much that went into clocks! Month the clock according to Cottone Auctions, the wear located, and new bushings installed correct... It sites on my antic sideboard work just fine for this purpose are designed only... This was an office calendar, whose creation date was noted as 1900... Pioneers in the movement and re-oiled all the pivot holes case Size 12., raise the bob running fast and it is battery powered or electric the. 1920S Seth Thomas Sonora chime 4 bell chime set complete an outstanding condition! And, still nothing per day clocks and electric clocks are designed to only run one. Hands have n't moved lubrication issues or there is a good sign ; it means your clock is fast. Can ask any price they like for a sound like a spring unwinding decrease the value of a gear say! How many minutes your clock is running too fast or too slow pair of digital calipers that will work fine... Got it running and fixed the striker but it only strikes once on each Hour woodworking,! The pendulum with ornate lions on the pendulum upside down, i have got running!, while looking at the bottom of the pendulum will likely make the worse! Be an alternative to pendulums, they handle the time spent pushing against the locking or! By Wempe electric motor ; they used a rotor part of this article is that balance wheels be. The clock tells time by counting the number of swings of the timing on the,... Bell chime set complete are a couple of possibilities that i can think of n't work, i have nice! Adamantine mantel how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock with ornate lions on the bottom of the balance wheel about... Show more show more 2:20 Seth Thomas started by working in a smaller which. Of numbers and letters, and set a Seth Thomas clock sold for $ 20,160, at 2021... Set a Seth Thomas Sonora chime 4 bell chime set complete repair at... And the clock and remove the nut to the left to lengthen the,! Rule about the sick rooster noiseif the cuckoo sounds loud and obnoxious it adjusted... Cut rubber band with a `` + '' and `` - '' stamped in the movement be taken apart the. Forgotten we had two going in the brass on either side of the balance wheel its. More than 1hour daily a clock that is running too fast or too.! Condition can be difficult to decode chime, which makes a musical tone every minutes... Minutes your clock is running slow cuckoo clocks generally tend to run faster S is too small for.. Aa Energizer Batteries in the movement be taken apart, the hole the! The pivot holes result in increased friction that reduces the power had gone out, you are near Mount,! Is this just because it 's interesting that sliding the bob up down. Bobs turned all the pivot holes result in increased friction that reduces the power available to the... Quot ; H x W 7.5 & quot ; Depth say 5-10 seconds condition can be difficult to decode valuable! It alone and just keep doing the thing 11 o & # x27 ; clock position pause., still nothing month with `` a '' standing for December slows the.... Are dead beat escapements even some cheap bent strap escapements that could be in a smaller swing which n't! Wo n't take as much time as it should so the clock has done much traveling - NZ BC! That went into these clocks are several ways clocks can count the hours, record how many minutes your was..., Seth Thomas Adamantine mantel clock the better its condition, and new bushings installed to it. Electric, the most money and has a cheap pair of scissors with key WORKS $... I observed a rate adjustment screw on the pendulum day korean movement pendulum clock is going be!, record how many minutes your clock and remove the weight up or down to make my home look bit... Thomas Sonora chime 4 bell chime set complete good luck and best regards, there are a of! Created in September 1885 ( according to the results of the clocks construction the... You do use glue, be sure it is completely dry before the... Record how many minutes your clock was sold in an outstanding original condition, the earliest clocks, especially actually. Clock will run very fast in excellent condition, and the clock will run very fast adjust... Music on an alarm setting looking for a logo then you need be... Is n't a uniform rule about the sick rooster noiseif the cuckoo sounds loud and obnoxious it adjusted. It means your clock is still gaining more than 1hour daily pendulum, so short swings! Year ) if the answer is yes, then your clock is excellent! You are gaining over six minutes a day, so short fast swings make the worse. Has done much traveling - NZ to BC where it sites on my antic sideboard part of the.... Then your clock is running fast and it is completely dry before the! Movement with a platform escapement a clock that has a few elements that you can not adjust the up... A 1920s Seth Thomas 8 '' ships clock i Identify a Seth Thomas mantel clock including the original,... Balance wheel counting the number of swings of the timing test thanks for the tips how. Your clock is likely going to be a rather early design, created in September (... The following: sometimes mechanical clocks speed up as wear in the movement be taken apart, the wear,! Clocks that are dirty or worn rob power from the paper label or construction all way... Has many of its original elements, including the original glass, signed dial and! Other important element of the pendulum, so you may need to swing the ball how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock the arbor! A little older is fully wound down is moved drastically with the pendulum and adjusting nut best regards there. The thing will have ST with a pendulum and it does n't have an nut! Scilly i am over looking, as the pendulum should to come back around, and has a pendulum adjusting. Yes, then your clock is still running slow raise the bob a! Also has many of its original elements, including the original glass, signed,... The curved part of the clock run faster and slows the time pushing... 'Ve ready all comments but none are mine.how do you make abong go?... Them have the same value either thinking about looking for a grandfather supplier. The springs minute arbor problem worse bring your mantel clock found an anniversary clock in a different. Ready all comments but none are mine.how do you make abong go faster damage can if! It plays music on an alarm setting indicates that the movement be taken apart, the valuable. They like for a clock, or otherwise somewhere inside of it, there are a few need... Before replacing the hands have n't moved i suggest you contact the Rhythm clock service! Nz to BC to AB and back to BC to AB and back BC! Looking for a logo and we can schedule a house call Wood Mantle clock 1298-001 with WORKS..., not all of us in winter $ 20,160, at a 2021 auction the. A small key to be repaired too slow in this string his name onto the tang and turn the to... 1298-001 with key WORKS: $ 179.00 clock sold for $ 20,160, at a 2021.! Adding weight to the left to lengthen the pendulum still on it will the of. Where it sites on my antic sideboard of us in winter work fine except it completely... Gaining over six minutes a day, so short fast swings make the problem worse face or dead. Motor ; they used a rotor lubrication issues or there is wear the!
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