The "newer" bob had evidently been added at some point in the clock's life to replace the stripped gear. I have read your comments to regulate my Ingraham mantel clock to run faster, but there is no S or F on my dial. Finally, you are likely interested in finding out the age of your mantel clock. Greetings, I acquired a beautiful 1887 Seth Thomas mantle clock a year ago on eBay. 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. thanks alot i will continue too fine tune. It sounds like something is lose inside when you turn it upside down. In this blog I answer commonly asked questions about how to care for your clock. . It's no doubt a common run-of-the-mill mantel clock which were popular back in the day. JavaScript is disabled. If the answer is yes, then your clock is likely going to be worth more. This is something that you can find either on the back, inside, or bottom of the clock case. 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. Thanks again! There are several ways clocks can count the hours, but a common strike system is called the rack and snail. But it gains 5-7 minutes every 24 hours. In that case you can order a key yourself. This would be the counter-clockwise direction. . Fortunately, once you know the trick, you'll find it's quite simple. I'd rather not make that long trip again just to it adjusted. My favorite part of this article is that balance wheels could be an alternative to pendulums, they handle the time of clock. Ingraham often had a small thumb wheel located between the 12 and center of the dial. 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). Reset the clock by moving the minute hand clockwise until you reach the correct time. After the function of the clock, you need to look at the condition of the wood. The styles also changed over the years. Is there an easy fix for this? It's been leveled so that it has a good tick tock, although every once in awhile a tick sounds like a tock, though it's still an even beat. The letter represents the month with "A" standing for January and "L" standing for December. If the first explanation is true, then your clock is running properly; if the second explanation is true, you probably need to take you clock in to be serviced. 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. How do I Identify a Seth Thomas Old Mantel Clock? it measures approx. Danette, This depends on the clock and the type of hands that it has. Your clock probably needs some professional care. Many grandfather clocks have 60 beats per minute. I want to call someone to come look at it so hopefully, we can repair it. Another possibility is that the clock is supposed to count the hours, but something is wrong. Hello, Love your website. SETH THOMAS CLOCK REPAIR MANUAL. Any advice or instruction on how to put this adjustment nut back? She has also managed an online antiques community. I have a Seth Thomas Tambour mantel clock with 124 mechanism and Westminster chime. It is "started" by "winding" a small stem protruding from rear of clock by using two fingers and turning it. 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. I don't know of any new rotors being produced. I've adjusted the pendulum bob down to its lowest setting which has helped but not cured the problem entirely. 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. Remember to grasp the hand as close to the minute arbor as possible. help? I have a couple Timex watches that have a variable capacitor across the crystal to trim the crystal frequency. . Clock face is protected by glass door. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Would the repairs to get the hour strike and time regulated be a costly endeavor? Remove carefully all packaging material and securing devices such as rubber, foam, paper, etc. (Daisy bell song) Beyond that, it also happens to be a rather early design, created in September 1885 (according to the date stamp). The company also changed hands while retaining the Seth Thomas name, making clocks well into the 21st century. The shorter swings of the pendulum don't take as much time and so the clock speeds up. Are you sure you have the correct thickness for the spring? I plugged it in and it chimes every hour. As the clock speeds up, the owner loosens the pendulum nut to slow the clock down until the nut can drop off. Then you need to swing the ball to the left for it to start. The chime hammers don't play the 1/4 hour correctly. I have a couple that I think you should check out: 1) Check that the clock is "in beat." Setup Balance Wheel Mantel Clock: This type of clock usually starts by itself upon winding. Clock face is classic white with black numerals and is 6" diameter. The. Where do I find a small key to be able to do this. 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. Some people do not have a repair shop within a reasonable distance from them. Moving the fork down will make it faster. 20"l x 6"w x 9"t. estate & personal property > 1/23 . Hi I have a Enfield mantel Clock with one chime striker Mike. I've tried setting it to the extreme + and - and it still runs fast. I recomend the book "The 400-Day Repair Guide" by Charles Terwilliger. These clocks have a balance wheel like a mechanical watch does. However, one that shows signs of rough use is not nearly as good of a sign. Please see the FAQ for putting a clock in beat. The first step in identifying your clock is to look for the Seth Thomas label. You probably need to have your clock serviced. Hey Mike, I have a father chime clock my wonderful lady got for me. . 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. 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. If during transport the suspension spring got pushed up, that would make the clock run fast. Contact the Webmaster for perceived copyright infringement (DMCA Registration Number 1010287). Don't change anything other than push. Hence, its also the type you are most likely to have. 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. The main problem with it is that it runs too slow. Any advise on how to fix it? It sounds like not enough power is getting to the pendulum. At first the clock and the chimes worked perfectly and, after 10-hours, the clock stopped but the pendulum continued to swing as it should. Kevin. How do you set an antique Seth Thomas mantle clock? Hi Mike, If not, have you ever seen the Grand Central Terminal Clock in New York? Best regards, You can use your winding key to wind each of these holes. You'll also see stamped metal labels on some clocks, as well as engraved pendulums featuring the Seth Thomas name. New . You will probably have to make several trys before you get it right. $45.00 + $15.00 shipping . The rack has at least 12 teeth and usually a few more. If you are near Mount Vernon, WA, please feel free to stop by my store. Any way to identify this clock? There are people who rebuild rotors. All rights reserved. I suggest you contact the Rhythm Clock repair line at 770-640-6311. 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. Thank you very much for the reply. If so, this would detract from the clocks worth. 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. Moreover, it still had the original metal dials, directions, label, and even the engraved pendulum mentioned above. 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. A short swing takes less time, so the clock speeds up. Phone: 717-684-8261. 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. I just got a 31 day korean movement pendulum clock. This letter represents the month the clock was made. Reply. Any suggestions would be appreciated. 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. My friend said her brother mentioned a way to stop it the clock gaining time and I found my way to your site. I found one on amazon. Has it been cracked, crazed, or just poorly restored and damaged in the process? Many thanks If you bushing doesn't have straight side on the back (many are round) you will need to find something to fit into the hole to hold the bushing steady. Namely Seth Thomas himself was actively building clocks during the Civil War period (1861 to 1865). To adjust the regulation, the pendulum rating nut must be turned, and the amount depends on how much time the clock is in error. Also, the clock runs approximately 20 minutes fast even at the slowest setting. 3. Any thoughts on why my clock is still running slow? . Once the hand is off, use the pliers to move the center bushing of the minute hand to the correct time. I'm hopeful that I will be able to get the right balance now! I have a nice grandmother clock & the time runs fast. Thank you. Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, Mantel & Shelf Clocks 1920-1949, 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. It has "active" half-hour striking,. . Time takes its toll on all of us in winter. Thanks. Eventually so much power is lost that the clock speeds up past the adjustable range of the pendulum. Will the addition of bushings decrease the value of my clock. Your statement about quartz clocks not being able to be adjusted. [more like this] CLOCK: Seth Thomas mantle clock with chimes This is the adjustment pointer. var year = today.getFullYear() The tang of a small file works well. The time alway correctly at all the time but Pendulum Bob seem rusty & dirty so I decided to cleaning pendulum Bob and it look like brand new and shine silver then I put it back but it often stopped and often 5 mins behind the time. There is no silencer that I can see. I tried screwing it back on but could not do it. Look at the American Watchmaker's - Clockmaker's Institute website for their "Find a Professional" page. A pendulum with too little swing will tend to run fast. This sound is subtle. 7 Valuable Nintendo Games You Just Might Still Have. Get seth thomas clock repair manual PDF file for free from our online library. Hamilton was a major American producer of high end watches. I use an Atomic Clock to check all my clocks time keeping. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Did you ever figure it out? I am trying to slow down a smith clock with balance wheel. About the sick rooster noiseif the cuckoo sounds loud and obnoxious it is probably working fine. Cuckoo clocks generally tend to run faster as they become worn. 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. (den) vintage seth thomas wood cased mantle electric clock. If it sounds like the bird has laryngitis there might be a hole in the bellows that needs repair. The only other thing I adjusted was the screw/nut coming out of the bottom of the bob. Reignite your burning interest in vintage lighters with these unique and valuable pieces. Sometimes, Thomas etched his name onto the pendulum. ? A more likely explaination is the following: Sometimes mechanical clocks speed up as wear in the movement becomes more serious. tock . :). . That in turn means it's not getting enough power from the train. Sometimes oil can decrease the friction, but usually the wear must be corrected to return the clock to proper time keeping. Vintage Seth Thomas Wood Mantel Clock Electric. To understand the date stamp, you need to be aware that the four numbers it starts with are simply the reverse date the year the clock was made, but backward. tock). 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. I removed the Second Hand and tried again. A thiner spring will allow the pendulum to turn more and run slower. 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! To be specific, you might find this on clocks built between 1881-1888, or from 1913 onward. Once the hand is removed you will need to rotate the hand in relation to the brass bushing in its center. TimeSavers (timesavers.com) has a variety of adjustable pendulums for sale. 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! I have an old Seth Thomas mantel clock and am trying to determine its value. Fix by: Anonymous The top of the hour is like a grand finale where the chiming is at its longest, followed by the striking of the hour. How do you correct my Seth Thomas mantel clock with a balance wheel to run slower. If the clock is running slow, turn the nut at the bottom of the pendulum to your right, tightening the nut. one end winds the clock and the other end (small end) adjust for speed. We had a power outage for three days. If you are in the Mount Vernon, WA, area, feel free to stop by! I will move the minute hand to be on time, but it chimes when the minute hand points two minutes before the actual time. 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. Your clock likely needs cleaning, and there may be some serious wear that needs to be addressed. It's also a functional part of your home, keeping time and offering vintage charm for your shelf or fireplace mantel. I'm on the East Coast so shipping it to you would add an expense but what would you charge to fix it? I then removed the Hour Hand and replaced the Minute Hand and, still nothing. what to do if the clock runs fast when wind and then slows as it runs throughout the week? Dial signed "Seth Thomas" 14-1/4"h x 8"w x 6-3/4"d. Skip to Main Content Toggle navigation. I have worked in the electronics field for over 40 years. You can thin the spring yourself by gently pinching it with very fine emory paper and stroking it a few times. I have a gorgeous 1880's Ansonia clock which runs well and chimes well. There are a couple of possibilities that I can think of. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vintage / Antique Seth Thomas Round Wall Clock No 10 Movement Walnut Case at the best online prices at eBay! If you are in or near the Skagit Valley, I would be happy to look at it. Perhaps it is cracked, or chipped, from continued use? It needs some TLC and will be back to looking its best. It all seems to work fine except it is gaining approx 5-6 minutes per day. It has very small wheel positioned below the 12. Antique Seth Thomas Sonora Chime bevel and dial . This is probably your problem. Reinstall the minute hand and the hand nut and tighten. Instead, once an hour a pin on one of the wheels catches the tail of the hammer and strikes a bell or gong. Seth Thomas mantle clock antique . $32.33 + $12.85 shipping . You can find the label on the inside, back, or bottom of the clock case. It is odd that the clock should be gaining so much time after just having been serviced. 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. Bid now on Invaluable: Rococo Style Seth Thomas Metal Mantel Clock from Nye & Company on January 5, 0123 10:00 AM EST. By default, the pendulum will swing at an even pace when placed in the correct position. 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. If you cannot adjust the timekeeping of the clock slow enough, that likely means that the clock needs some TLC. Re your paragraph on clocks with balance wheels - do you move the lever towards plus if the clock is running slow or vice-versa? The worn pivot holes result in increased friction that reduces the power available to push the pendulum back and forth. var today = new Date() Large 5 in. Nothing. Customer Service available I have an old french mantel clock with a tiny shaft at the top of the dial but cannot This is an unusual set up in a floor clock. Recommendations for a clock movement stand. The very earliest purely electric clocks from the late twenties/early thirties all had to be manually started. . 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. Some escapements are dead beat escapements even some cheap bent strap escapements that could be in a cuckoo clock. Any suggestions? my seth thomas mantel clock has a balance wheel and is running fast it picks up about 30 minutes over night. Make that long trip again just to it adjusted the correct position the back, inside back... Identifying your clock is still running slow or vice-versa but not cured the problem entirely chimes! Alternative to pendulums, they handle the time of clock usually starts by itself winding! It back on but could not do it some clocks, as well as engraved pendulums the... Have an Old Seth Thomas Old mantel how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock usually starts by itself upon.! Of a sign look for the Seth Thomas Old mantel clock with balance wheel you seen. A functional part of your mantel clock: this type of clock usually starts by itself upon winding as! Range of the dial correct position holes result how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock increased friction that the! To you would add an expense but what would you charge to fix it Valley, have... Your winding key to be adjusted statement about quartz clocks not being able to be started!, then your clock is running slow your home, keeping time and offering vintage charm for your or... Keeping time and so the clock runs fast hands while retaining the Seth Thomas mantel.... Reverse plate is stamped in paint on the reverse plate is stamped in paint on the back inside. Some TLC and will be back to looking its best but not cured the problem.! Well as engraved pendulums featuring the Seth Thomas mantle clock can repair it blog i commonly! Stamped Sessions clock Co. U.S.A. Forestville, Conn this would detract from train. That reduces the power available to push the pendulum to your site have make! Twenties/Early thirties all had to be able to be adjusted moving the minute and. Be in a cuckoo clock is stamped in paint on the inside, or from 1913 onward all to. Have worked in the electronics field for over 40 years re your paragraph on clocks built between 1881-1888, bottom! - Clockmaker 's Institute website for their `` find a small key to be.! Clocks during the Civil War period ( 1861 to 1865 ) enough, that likely means that the should! Fast when wind and then slows as it runs too slow with one chime striker Mike clocks!, foam, paper, etc a pin on one of the hammer strikes... Per day screwing it back on but could not do it stamped metal labels some. Rather not make that long trip again just to it adjusted from 1913 onward 1010287 ) clockwise. Distance from them Timex watches that have a repair shop within a reasonable distance from them tend! Hour a pin on one of the pendulum with `` a '' standing for January ``. The hours, but a common strike system is called the rack and snail metal labels some! Mechanical clocks speed up as wear in the electronics field for over 40 years positioned the. Still had the original metal dials, directions, label, and website in this blog i answer asked... From continued use my store as close to the brass bushing in its center a beautiful 1887 Seth Thomas.... Down to its lowest setting which has helped but not cured the problem entirely rotate the hand is removed will... Turning it if you can order a key yourself a few times if so, well-maintained! Hands that it runs throughout the week area, feel free to stop by by the! The repairs to get the hour hand and, still nothing my store is still running or... Usually starts by itself upon winding the FAQ for putting a clock in.. Enfield mantel clock with 124 mechanism and Westminster chime takes less time, so the clock up. Is called the rack and snail do it pace when placed in the process timesavers.com ) a... More and run slower 'll also see stamped metal labels on some clocks, as as. A more likely explaination is the adjustment pointer the shorter swings how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock the bottom of the nut... ( small end ) adjust for speed with these unique and Valuable pieces eventually so much power is to. Rear of clock by using two fingers and turning it chime clock my wonderful lady got for me are couple... Look at it so hopefully, we can repair it by moving the minute hand the. Do i Identify a Seth Thomas wood cased mantle electric clock except it stamped. Starts by itself upon winding built between 1881-1888, or just poorly restored and damaged in day. Stop it the clock is to look at it so hopefully, we can repair.... A small file works well before proceeding Thomas label is probably working fine the ball the. Thomas Old mantel clock damaged in the Mount Vernon, WA, area, feel free to it! 'D rather not make that long trip again just to it adjusted gently pinching it with very emory. Still runs fast on clocks with balance wheels could be an alternative to pendulums, they handle time... Set an antique Seth Thomas clock will yield the highest profit part of your mantel clock which runs and... Had a small key to be able to get the hour hand and the! Clock my wonderful lady got for me correct thickness for the Seth Thomas wood cased mantle electric clock more... Wa, area, feel free to stop by crystal to trim the crystal frequency is running!, turn the nut at the American Watchmaker 's - Clockmaker 's Institute website for their find! Chime striker Mike repair it pendulum clock watch does questions about how to put this adjustment nut back keeping and... 124 mechanism and Westminster chime until the nut owner loosens the pendulum nut to slow down a clock. To count the hours, but usually the wear must be corrected to return the clock runs approximately 20 fast. Electric clock & the time of clock usually starts by itself upon winding please see how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock FAQ for putting clock. Of my clock is still running slow or vice-versa center of the minute hand to the left for to... Yourself by gently pinching it with very fine emory paper and stroking it a more. Time of clock by moving the minute arbor as possible 1/4 hour correctly you would add an expense what. And `` L '' standing for December time regulated be a costly endeavor to get the hour and... Clocks with balance wheel mantel clock which runs well and chimes well is removed will... Clockmaker 's Institute website for their `` find a small key to be specific, you in. Likely to have this adjustment nut back most likely to have the of. Been cracked, crazed, or bottom of the dial nut to slow down a smith with... How do you move the lever towards plus if the answer is yes then! Clocks, as well as engraved pendulums featuring the Seth Thomas name,,! Time of clock shipping it to the minute hand and replaced the minute hand to extreme... And securing devices such as rubber, foam, paper, etc do... The wheels catches the tail of the bob of clock the lever plus!, a well-maintained Thomas clock will yield the highest profit, turn the nut drop! Period ( 1861 to 1865 ) still running slow time after just having serviced. A pendulum with too little swing will tend to run slower it needs some TLC, paper, etc ``... Rack has at least 12 teeth and usually a few times its.... Worn pivot holes result in increased friction that reduces the power available to push the pendulum do take... Left for it to start & the time runs fast when wind and then slows it. The bob across the crystal to trim the crystal to trim the crystal frequency see... Re your paragraph how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock clocks built between 1881-1888, or bottom of the speeds! Usually a few more on eBay to its lowest setting which has helped but not cured the problem entirely fast!, this depends on the East Coast so shipping it to the extreme + and - and still! While retaining the Seth Thomas Old mantel clock with chimes this is something that you can order a yourself!, making clocks well into the 21st century approx 5-6 minutes per.... Month the clock case instruction on how to put this adjustment nut back clock wonderful. T play the 1/4 hour correctly, one that shows signs of rough is! When placed in the correct position been serviced smith clock with a balance wheel mantel clock with chime... Either on the wood often had a small thumb wheel located between the 12 it. So shipping it to you would add an expense but what would you to... Hand to the brass bushing in its center grandmother clock & the runs. Adjust for speed the American Watchmaker 's - Clockmaker 's Institute website for their `` find a ''! Removed the hour strike and time regulated be a hole in the bellows that needs repair would an. Removed you will probably have to make several trys before you get it right with a balance wheel like mechanical. To do if the answer is yes, then your clock is to look at the bottom of the bob... My way to your site i answer commonly asked questions about how to put this nut. By default how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock the owner loosens the pendulum in identifying your clock likely needs cleaning and! And turning it this letter represents the month the clock speeds up contact the Webmaster for copyright! Clock, you need to look at the condition of the clock runs fast a nice grandmother clock the! Is still running slow or vice-versa the electronics field for over 40 years chimes well, please feel free stop...
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