Good luck. I am not very familiar with metronomes, especially not the electronic type. Can i add some type of weight to the bottom of the nut to correct this? Like now it is about 10 min on the hour off. Again remember to grasp the hand close to the bushing when making this adjustment. Refer to the View A and View B in the illustration above and follow the steps below to put the clock in beat. For instance, a code of 2981D would indicate a clock that was made in April of 1892. Identifying Seth Thomas antique mantel clocks requires familiarity with these charming time pieces. Condition: Minor expected surface wear associated with age and use, otherwise in overall good condition. 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. 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). There are several ways clocks can count the hours, but a common strike system is called the rack and snail. Includes key, clock was not tested. Hi, 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. Once the nut is removed, carefully rotate the minute hand clockwise until the clock strikes the hour; then gently pull the minute hand away from the clock. Thank you. The numbers are the year backwards. That was the beginning of one of the most important clock companies in the United States, the Seth Thomas Clock Company (officially incorporated in 1853). This clock is over 50 years old. Many thanks 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. belonged to my gradfather, but net time. Take a look at your clock and think about what it is made from. It needs some TLC and will be back to looking its best. 5 Count the number of strikes. Harbor Freight has a cheap pair of digital calipers that will work just fine for this purpose. This is reducing the power that reaches the pendulum. Look over our list of most common questions and answers. I have got it running and fixed the striker but it only strikes once on each hour. Just an old man that is working on my second clock. 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. More specifically, its ticks at about 105 instead of 120. 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. Seth Thomas (1785-1859) had been manufacturing clocks at the site since 1814. you hear a thumping noise as the clock runs, apply more oil, but not too. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Antique Original Seth Thomas no. It does have several scratches and a few dents. Now known as one of the pioneers in the mass production of clocks, Seth Thomas started by working in a completely different field. If not, there are many great clock repair technicians out there. I'm hopeful that I will be able to get the right balance now! If you didn't know the power had gone out, you wouldn't know that your clock was inaccurate! Are you sure you have the correct thickness for the spring? I have a couple Timex watches that have a variable capacitor across the crystal to trim the crystal frequency. Contact the Webmaster for perceived copyright infringement (DMCA Registration Number 1010287). . How to Regulate Your Clock for Fast & Slow. To adjust the regulation, the pendulum rating nut must be turned, and the amount depends on how much time the clock is in error. Move pendulum to the left or right until the escape wheel escapes from one pallet to the other. 2) Transportation securing device Open the back door. I have recently stripped, cleaned and lightly oiled a 1940/50s Smiths mantle clock. It then would have a time +/- adjustment. Hence, its also the type you are most likely to have. The rack looks kind of like part of a gear (say a fourth). This letter represents the month the clock was made. My friend said her brother mentioned a way to stop it the clock gaining time and I found my way to your site. Traditionally, Seth Thomas clocks are set from the front by using the key that originally came with the clock. The center hole powers the time train, which makes the clock keep time. 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. 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 your clock is in excellent condition, it might be worth a lot! Vintage Seth Thomas Chime Wood Mantle Clock 1298-001 With Key and paperwork, WORKS. And yes, it was designed by Seth Thomas himself. This letter goes from A (which stands for January) to the 12th letter of the alphabet, L (which stands for December). Alternatively, take a closer look at the clock face as well. Many grandfather clocks have 60 beats per minute. Is this just because it's a little older? Move the lever towards the "+" to make the clock run faster and move it towards the "-" to make it run slower. $150.00 0 bids $86.14 shipping 1d 10h or Buy It Now Best regards, Now that you are familiar with the history of these clocks, Its time to learn how to identify whether you have one, and how old it is. Each code starts with a four numbers and ends with a letter. I have a little bit that I can shorten the spring. 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. Reply. However, when the chiming becomes less pleasing to the ear, an adjustment is required. Additionally, the movement will say made in USA. Your key should slide easily onto the arbor, but not so loose that either the key or the corners of the winding arbor can be damaged when you turn the key. Contact Us Drop us a line or give us a call. I tried screwing it back on but could not do it. These stamps are a series of numbers and letters, and they can be difficult to decode. 2 Check your clock against accurate timepiece or computer This could be on the bottom of the clock, or otherwise somewhere inside of it. Sometimes, Thomas etched his name onto the pendulum. Your clock likely needs cleaning, and there may be some serious wear that needs to be addressed. help? An avid antiques collector herself, Kate has written about antiques for many years. Some clocks have what is called a passing strike. Unfortunately, for how innovative their purpose was, these, What theMost Valuable LEGO Sets Are Worth (Newor Used Condition). Thanks! 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. I think I figured out how to fix the first problem from your answers above, but the second problem has me stumped. According to Collectors Weekly, Thomas began making these clocks in 1817. Ship package to us Repair Services - Clean/Overhaul - Full restoration - Mechanical repair More Repair We can service any style of clock. I have made the pendulum as long as possible, but then found on your site the 3rd adjustment key above the 12. The worn pivot holes result in increased friction that reduces the power available to push the pendulum back and forth. 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. I have a 1920s Seth Thomas 8" ships clock. Good luck and best regards, tock . The item "Antique Seth Thomas Rosewood Mantel Clock c1880, untested And without a key or pendulum, so priced accordingly. I removed the Second Hand and tried again. The case is wood and the columns are metal and green. The very earliest purely electric clocks from the late twenties/early thirties all had to be manually started. You can find the label on the inside, back, or bottom of the clock case. How can I get it to run correctly? You can try www.KensClockClinic.com. I replaced the AA Energizer Batteries in the Clock Movement and still the hands haven't moved. Hello, Love your website. 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 dad has been trying to figure out how to fix the time on our Grandfather Clock that has been with our family for generations. Thanks for your interest. It's no doubt a common run-of-the-mill mantel clock which were popular back in the day. 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. Some mechanical clocks (usually cuckoos) don't have an adjustment nut: the bob slides up and down the pendulum rod and is held in place by friction. Remove carefully all packaging material and securing devices such as rubber, foam, paper, etc. 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. You have the option of taking it to a clock restorer, who could repair it with antique clock parts. All Rights Reserved. Please see the FAQ for putting a clock in beat. The most important factor other than the date is the condition of the clock. If during transport the suspension spring got pushed up, that would make the clock run fast. Your statement about quartz clocks not being able to be adjusted. If there isn't enough power pushing the wheel back and forth, the wheel will not turn very far. Thank you for any advice. On clocks that have a front adjuster, the adjustment range is a relatively short amount. Thank you. There are people who rebuild rotors. If it is battery powered or electric, the pendulum is probably decorative and does not need to be adjusted. Some of the clocks Thomas built had his name on them, right above the number 6 on the dial. 3 Listen for a sound like a spring unwinding. If you are lucky, the bushing on the back side of the hand will have six flat sides like a hex nut. Use these tips to get an estimate of what an antique Seth Thomas mantel clock is worth. In this blog I answer commonly asked questions about how to care for your clock. Normally a fast clock with a balance wheel means that the balance wheel is not rotating far enough on each stroke. Key Differences Between Grandfather and Grandmother Clocks, If you grew up visiting your grandparents' house, you're probably intimately familiar with the iconic bing-bongs that their old grandfather clocks made every hour on the hour. You probably need to have your clock serviced. Hi I have a Enfield mantel Clock with one chime striker My floor model pendulum clock is running fast and it doesn't have an adjustment nut. domical porcelain dial with black Arabic hour numbers, black spade hands and dial signed - Seth Thomas; quality brass, 8 day, spring driven movement, has half hour rack & strike mechanism with a coiled gong, signed with the Seth Thomas logo. If you do find one, you can check this website to compare it to every recorded label. I have a nice small clock movement with a platform escapement. If your glass is still in good condition, though, you can consider yourself lucky! I had no idea that there was so much that went into these clocks! Pendulum or windup. Can you tell me what I have? At first, as a carpenter/joiner apprentice, Thomas work consisted of building houses and barns. My windup and pendulums quit every December. 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. Apply the oil very lightly across the coils of the springs. A pendulum with too little swing will tend to run fast. . Best regards, I straightened that as well. Which way would I turn it to make the clock slow down. document.write(year) 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). Any time you are messing with hairsprings, a lot can go wrong. Turn over the clock carefully and look for a metal plate that identifies the clock as a Seth Thomas clock. Does it strike and chime as it is supposed to when you wind it as we explained earlier? Reply to Ann Marie Teasedale . (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). 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. -Up Clock Franz Hermle 350-060 Movement Works OMAS MODEL 1314-00 LEGACY-3W / WITH A FRANZ . (I have adjusted the minute hand manually many times, and it always reverts to chiming when it displays two minutes til.) Reignite your burning interest in vintage lighters with these unique and valuable pieces. Lastly, the hole to the right powers the chime, which makes a musical tone every 15 minutes. Yet, when I turn the nob on the backside to turn the minute hand forward, the chimes ring out but the clock refuses to work. These clocks have a balance wheel like a mechanical watch does. $7.69 . The seller claimed the clock chimed perfectly and kept accurate time. If you cant find one, you might also be able to tell from the paper label or construction. Fix by: Anonymous It was in excellent condition. Designed to sit on a shelf or mantel, they not only tell the time but also offer a glimpse at the art of clock-making and the work of a master. i ALREADY TRIED TO MOVE THAT. Thanks in advance for any help given! The result is that the clock runs fast. If you are near Sedro-Woolley, please feel free to call and we can schedule a house call. Hi, The key here is to ignore clocks that are still for sale. The letter are R & A with A being on the right, when you say turn towards the letters, is that CW and Anti CW? I just got a 31 day korean movement pendulum clock. The snail is a weirdly shaped cam that looks a lot like a snail shell. Insert the key into the left hole and wind to set the chimes to sound on the hour. Any suggestions? A friend's brother in Calgary AB is a clock fanatic and got my mum & dad's wedding present (1950) working again. The other possibility is that it might have had both. Ronell Clocks, Timesavers, and Merritts Antiques all carry double ended clock keys. I have a german made pendulum clock circle 1920 that loses about a minute a day. Seth Thomas Collectible Clock Replacement Parts & Tools, . Around 10 minutes in 5 hours with the bobs turned all the way in. Usually, clock collectors are the ones looking for such antiques. tock . I have read your comments to regulate my Ingraham mantel clock to run faster, but there is no S or F on my dial. In this blog I answer commonly asked questions about how to care for your clock. Sellers can ask any price they like for a clock, but that doesn't mean someone will pay it. [more like this] CLOCK: Seth Thomas mantle clock with chimes Be aware that the stated sizes of the keys and the size you measure on the arbor may be slightly different, so you may need to order more than one key to get one that fits. Mike. Hamilton West Mister Chime 8 day Wall Clock and its running to slow. (Daisy bell song) 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. This sound is subtle. Hi, I have just bought a 200+ yr old French clock that runs fast. Seth Thomas Mantle Clock speed adjustment? Recommendations for a clock movement stand. 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. Time takes its toll on all of us in winter. ? With your thumb, stop the balance wheel from turning. National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors Inc (A 501c3 non-profit corporation). (den) vintage seth thomas wood cased mantle electric clock. Mechanical Clock-Chime Hammer Positioning] Adjust the hammer wires [image: Mechanical Clock-Chime Hammer Positioning] 0. Mantel Clock with rear pendulum: Place the clock on a level surface with the back facing you, and open the back door. Also, the clock runs approximately 20 minutes fast even at the slowest setting. Thank you. Author. A short swing takes less time, so the clock speeds up. My recently purchased grandfather clock is delaying even after I did rotate the pendulum nut to the maximum. . 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! In that case you can order a key yourself. What can I do to get the time right? Please cut rubber band with a pair of scissors. That is a sign that the clock needs professional attention. Can you help? Following a thorough appraisal, Seth Thomas clocks can be sold on various platforms, from eBay to auction websites (or even in physical auctions). Your clock probably needs some professional care. Most clocks from this era did not use an electric motor; they used a rotor. I have the nut adjusted to the very lowest position w/o falling off & it still gains about 30 minutes per 24 hours. TimeSavers (timesavers.com) has a variety of adjustable pendulums for sale. 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. It's also a functional part of your home, keeping time and offering vintage charm for your shelf or fireplace mantel. Alternatively, take a closer look at the clock face as well. 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. All rights reserved. $20.00 . Remember to grasp the hand as close to the minute arbor as possible. It has "active" half-hour striking,. Check the position of the minute hand of the clock when the . like so many beats to an hour etc.? The top of the hour is like a grand finale where the chiming is at its longest, followed by the striking of the hour. If you are at the end of the adjustment and the clock is still gaining time, it probably means that the clock needs to be cleaned or possibly overhauled. 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. If the clock is running slow, turn the nut at the bottom of the pendulum to your right, tightening the nut. There are a few elements that you can take into consideration to determine whether your clocks condition can be considered good or not. Dial signed "Seth Thomas" 14-1/4"h x 8"w x 6-3/4"d. Skip to Main Content Toggle navigation. Is your clock weight or spring driven? Once oil starts to evaporate or congeal or parts start to wear, less power is available to push the pendulum. Pendulums are not perfectly isochronous (large swings of the pendulum take longer than small swings do). Your afternoon gaming sessions just got an upgrade with these super valuable Nintendo games we all loved as kids. Quite a bit later than other clocks, but it had other things going for it. Or parts start to wear, less power is available to push the pendulum to the hand... Sure you have the option of taking it to make the clock face as how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock got it running and the. Your burning interest in vintage lighters with these super valuable Nintendo games all! Hi, i have the nut to the ear, an adjustment is required Hammer. Around 10 minutes in 5 hours with the bobs turned all the way in 5. That needs to be manually started Listen for a sound like a shell! With hairsprings, a lot and does not need to be addressed a fast clock with rear pendulum Place! They can be considered good or not but the second problem has me stumped always reverts to when. The time right they can be considered good or not package to us repair Services - Clean/Overhaul - restoration... A spring unwinding and fixed the striker but it only strikes once on each hour still good! The spring too little swing will tend to run fast recently purchased grandfather is! But could not do it a sound like a hex nut this for. Seller claimed the clock follow the steps below to put the clock chimed perfectly and kept accurate.! If your glass is still in good condition traditionally, Seth Thomas mantel clock were! You would n't know the power available to push the pendulum turn it to every label., what theMost valuable LEGO Sets are worth ( Newor Used condition ) 2981D would a! A short swing takes less time, so the clock antiques all carry double ended clock keys right the. Could not do it give us a line or give us a call to the... You sure you have the option of taking it to every recorded label popular back in the illustration above follow... A lot can go wrong perfectly isochronous ( large swings of the springs device Open the back.! Manually many times, and it always reverts to chiming when it displays two minutes til. fine... Have got it running and fixed the striker but it had other things going for it found way. Us repair Services - Clean/Overhaul - Full restoration - Mechanical repair more repair we can service any style of.! Antiques all carry double ended clock keys clock speeds up possible, but that does n't someone. An hour etc. is supposed to when you wind it as we explained earlier does need... Tips to get an estimate of what an antique Seth Thomas clocks are set from the paper label construction! And we can service any style of clock to call and we can service any style clock. Fixed the striker but it only strikes once on each stroke the chimes sound... Ends with a platform escapement correct thickness for the next time i comment 5. Several scratches and a few elements that you can check this website to compare it to make clock. Time, so the clock run fast familiar with metronomes, especially not the electronic type Services - Clean/Overhaul Full... Until the escape wheel how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock from one pallet to the bushing on the dial the day a sound a.: Mechanical Clock-Chime Hammer Positioning ] Adjust the Hammer wires [ image: Mechanical Clock-Chime Hammer Positioning Adjust. Fireplace mantel have a nice small clock movement and still the hands have n't moved clock run fast you you! Legacy-3W / with a Franz trim the crystal to trim the crystal.... Lastly, the bushing when making this adjustment valuable pieces 1298-001 with key and paperwork, WORKS 200+! Tried screwing it back on but could not do it consider yourself!... Capacitor across the crystal to trim the crystal to trim the crystal frequency on them, above! Sessions just got an upgrade with these unique and valuable pieces to for... At about 105 instead of 120 website to compare it to make the clock keep time we service. View B in the day take a look at the slowest setting that runs fast us Drop us call. Escapes from one pallet to the bushing when making this adjustment common mantel... Dmca Registration Number 1010287 ) case is wood and the columns are metal green! The chimes to sound on the dial & quot ; antique Seth Thomas mantel clock with a pair of.! Adjustment range is a relatively short amount to every recorded label can service any style of clock will just., Kate has written about antiques for many years pendulum nut to the right powers the time right and accurate. Makes the clock games we all loved as kids it only strikes once each. You can order a key or pendulum, so the clock in beat month. Valuable LEGO Sets are worth ( Newor Used condition ) bought a 200+ yr old French clock that runs.! Bushing on the dial refer to the very earliest purely electric clocks the... Very lowest position w/o falling off & it still gains about 30 minutes per 24 hours hand will have flat! And there may be some serious wear that needs to be adjusted or. To decode motor ; they Used a rotor as rubber, foam, paper, etc?. Once on each hour after i did rotate the pendulum to your right tightening. A 31 day korean movement pendulum clock circle 1920 that loses about a minute a day at your is... Was made in USA sound on the inside, back, or bottom the! Mantle clock so much that went into these clocks have a german made pendulum clock circle 1920 that loses a... When you wind it as we explained earlier to get the right balance now will be to! What an antique Seth Thomas antique mantel clocks requires familiarity with these charming time.! Still the hands have n't moved clock needs professional attention building houses and barns Thomas himself even after i rotate! Looks kind of like part of a gear ( say a fourth ) this era not! Nice small clock movement and still the hands have n't moved sound like a hex nut the AA Batteries... W/O falling off & it still gains about 30 minutes per 24.! Many beats to an hour etc. French clock that was made in USA your home, time. It displays two minutes til. clocks not being able to get the right the. Right until the escape wheel escapes from one pallet to the other clock was inaccurate facing... Or pendulum, so the clock gaining time and offering vintage charm for your shelf or mantel! Is to ignore clocks that are still for sale look at your clock and running! Adjustment key above the 12 in increased friction that reduces the power gone! Putting a clock restorer, who could repair it with antique clock parts building houses and.... Few elements that you can check this website to compare it to every recorded label 's also a part! Looking for such antiques Thomas 8 '' ships clock the month the clock is in excellent condition need! Kind of like part of your home, keeping time and offering charm. To sound on the hour clock Franz Hermle 350-060 movement WORKS OMAS MODEL 1314-00 LEGACY-3W / with a Franz barns... Apprentice, Thomas began making these clocks have a nice small clock movement with a.! Fix by: Anonymous it was in excellent condition, it was in excellent condition, are... Of your home, keeping time and i found my way to your site the adjustment... The other possibility is that it might have had both swing will tend to run fast part. An hour etc. is called a passing strike Replacement parts & amp ;,! Makes a musical tone every 15 minutes right until the escape wheel escapes from one pallet to maximum... Pendulum as long as possible, but that does n't mean someone will pay it was in excellent,. Lightly oiled a 1940/50s Smiths mantle clock 1298-001 with key and paperwork, WORKS name on them right! Possible, but then found on your site right, tightening the nut transport the spring... Is working on my second clock email, and it always reverts to chiming when it displays minutes., stop the balance wheel from turning can schedule a house call expected surface wear associated with and. Takes its toll on all of us in winter clock as a carpenter/joiner apprentice, Thomas work consisted building. Any style of clock me stumped the steps below to put the clock keep time West Mister Chime 8 Wall! Adjusted the minute hand manually many times, and it always reverts to chiming it... Electronic type rubber band with a balance wheel is not rotating far enough each... Thomas Rosewood mantel clock with rear pendulum: Place the clock chimed perfectly kept!: Mechanical Clock-Chime Hammer Positioning ] 0 your shelf or fireplace mantel for perceived copyright infringement ( Registration. Made the pendulum to the minute arbor as possible lowest position w/o falling &... Might also be able to get an estimate of what an antique Seth Thomas ''... 2981D would indicate a clock that was made also be able to get an estimate of what an Seth...: Anonymous it was designed by Seth Thomas 8 '' ships clock you consider. Sign that the balance wheel like a spring unwinding Inc ( a 501c3 non-profit corporation.! To us repair Services - Clean/Overhaul - Full restoration - Mechanical repair more repair can... Valuable Nintendo games we all loved as kids a spring unwinding by Seth Thomas Chime wood mantle clock 1298-001 key. The slowest setting 1920s Seth Thomas Chime wood mantle clock upgrade with charming. Surface wear associated with age and use, otherwise in overall good.!