It needs some TLC and will be back to looking its best. I have a 38-year old wall clock that I purchased from South Korea and my wife's helper inadvertently dropped the clock, cracking the wood case when it hit the floor. Glass is missing." . But it runs 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. Free shipping for many products! Now known as one of the pioneers in the mass production of clocks, Seth Thomas started by working in a completely different field. James Stoudenmire. Thanks for the maintenance advice for the different types, such as how ones with balance wheels have levers that can be adjusted to help it move properly. If there isn't enough power pushing the wheel back and forth, the wheel will not turn very far. The only other thing I adjusted was the screw/nut coming out of the bottom of the bob. I have a couple that I think you should check out: 1) Check that the clock is "in beat." Wow, I didn't know that there are speed settings that can be configured for grandfather clocks that are cuckoo clocks as well. Around 10 minutes in 5 hours with the bobs turned all the way in. It has "active" half-hour striking,. This kind of damage can occur if a clock that is fully wound down is moved drastically with the pendulum still on it. I have an old cuckoo clock that runs but the pendulum carving is all the way up to the base of the clock and it still runs a bit slow. Identifying Seth Thomas antique mantel clocks requires familiarity with these charming time pieces. However, when the chiming becomes less pleasing to the ear, an adjustment is required. help? To adjust the regulation, the pendulum rating nut must be turned, and the amount depends on how much time the clock is in error. 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. I was able to (very gently) daub some of the dripping oil and pick out the cotton fibers. About the sick rooster noiseif the cuckoo sounds loud and obnoxious it is probably working fine. If you havent found a paper label, another option would be to look closely at the pendulum inside the clock. The chime hammers don't play the 1/4 hour correctly. A pendulum with too little swing will tend to run fast. I'll share this with him so he can finally adjust it. Any suggestions? You can move it by hand if you can get to it. one end winds the clock and the other end (small end) adjust for speed. 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. They may also have a few numbers on it such as 89 or 124. That is a sign that the clock needs professional attention. . If you can get a sense of the date your clock was made, either from the label, style, or date stamp, you have an important factor in assigning value. Reset the clock by moving the minute hand clockwise until you reach the correct time. From 1888 onward, they started using both cherry and oak wood in addition to walnut. i'VE BEEN LOOKING SIDE OF THE BALANCE WHEEL AND ALL AROUND THE WHEEL AND i SEE NOTHING WHERE i CAN ADJUST THE MOVEMENT tHANKS FOR ANY HELP. Seth Thomas used different materials at different times in the clock maker's history. $150.00 0 bids $86.14 shipping 1d 10h or Buy It Now Either there are lubrication issues or there is wear in the movement. You then need to gently nudge the clock to get the pendulum swinging. To be specific, you might find this on clocks built between 1881-1888, or from 1913 onward. 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. Enjoy reading your comments. Note the small crack on one of the lions. Would this be repairable by anyone in this country (am willing to ship it). Or you can always bring the clock in. You can thin the spring yourself by gently pinching it with very fine emory paper and stroking it a few times. (Daisy bell song) It sounds like not enough power is getting to the pendulum. Lastly, the hole to the right powers the chime, which makes a musical tone every 15 minutes. I am sure it can. Hamilton West Mister Chime 8 day Wall Clock and its running to slow. The Seth Thomas clock that sold for the third-highest price (of $17,110) is a tall regulator wall clock, dated around 1900. It all runs nicely after reassembling it but its losing a couple of minutes per day. Vintage Seth Thomas Chime Wood Mantle Clock 1298-001 With Key and paperwork, WORKS. tock . My clock is so slow that it is1-2 minutes after the hour by the time it gets done bonging! In this blog I answer commonly asked questions about how to care for your clock. Hi! 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. What do I do to fix it.? I don't know of a good way of identifying unmarked clocks. If the clock is running slow, turn the nut at the bottom of the pendulum to your right, tightening the nut. Again remember to grasp the hand close to the bushing when making this adjustment. They also tend to have an English type lever escapement with sharply pointed escape wheel teeth. Re your paragraph on clocks with balance wheels - do you move the lever towards plus if the clock is running slow or vice-versa? Sometimes . Good luck and best regards, to adjust the speed, open the back and remove the weight at the bottom of the pendulum. Bid now on Invaluable: Rococo Style Seth Thomas Metal Mantel Clock from Nye & Company on January 5, 0123 10:00 AM EST. Reply. My windup and pendulums quit every December. Instead, search for sold items on eBay or take a look at records from other auctions. I have a Seth Thomas Tambour mantel clock with 124 mechanism and Westminster chime. 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. I appreciate the tip you shared about sliding the bob up or down to make your cuckoo clock move again. 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. This clock winds up with the key and appears to be in good condition. 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. Turn the key counterclockwise, while looking at the front of the clock to set the time. Author. I can send pictures and try to answer any questions you may have. . Can you please give some advice? Thats why you stopped the clock. Many antique Seth Thomas clocks also feature date stamps on the bottom of the clock. This clock was sold in an outstanding original condition, and its case was constructed from walnut wood. That in turn means it's not getting enough power from the train. My friend said her brother mentioned a way to stop it the clock gaining time and I found my way to your site. 3. Fill out repair form 3. Take a look at your clock and think about what it is made from. I've ready all comments but none are mine.how do you make abong go faster? It is "started" by "winding" a small stem protruding from rear of clock by using two fingers and turning it. A more likely explaination is the following: Sometimes mechanical clocks speed up as wear in the movement becomes more serious. If your clock is in excellent condition, it might be worth a lot! The "newer" bob had evidently been added at some point in the clock's life to replace the stripped gear. 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. 7-8 minutes a week loss seems like a lot. We hope this article helped you better understand the history, value, and method of identifying and dating your clock. Last night I was adjusting the adjustment nut on the bottom of the pendulum lob and it fell out! ? Simply put, the earliest clocks tend to be more valuable, compared to the ones made later on. Where do I find a small key to be able to do this. per 24 hrs. Includes key, clock was not tested. thanks again.. jim, That's great that you were able to get it to keep better time! That in turn means there is wear and/or dirt in the train that is robbing power and needs to be corrected. Examine the following: Once you know as much as possible about your collectible mantel clock, take a look at recently sold examples for value. This clock is over 50 years old. The other possibility is that it might have had both. The result is a shallow swing of the pendulum. Adding weight to the pendulum will likely make the problem worse. . Learn about the materials used, the styles, and how to assign a value to these beautiful clocks. If it sounds like the bird has laryngitis there might be a hole in the bellows that needs repair. It's no doubt a common run-of-the-mill mantel clock which were popular back in the day. On the movement plate the letter E is stamped inside of a large C. Most modern clock hands are mounted on a brass bushing. Unfortunately, this may have a negative impact on the value of your clock. Most likely, you will find a full paper label (or remains of a label). Then I fit the bushing onto the tang and turn the hand until it is adjusted properly. The main problem with it is that it runs too slow. 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. I'd rather not make that long trip again just to it adjusted. Hello Steve, the R stands for retard and the A stands for Advance (or their French equivalents). There isn't a uniform rule about the direction you turn to adjust the time keeping. Then you need to swing the ball to the left for it to start. Recommendations for a clock movement stand. Just an old man that is working on my second clock. Clocks tell time by counting the swings of the pendulum, and a short swing of the pendulum takes less time than a long swing (pendulums are not perfectly isochronous). I've adjusted the nut below the bob, even shortening it/raising the bob as much as possible. You will need to pay attention to a few factors for this: The first thing you need to do to check if you have a genuine Seth Thomas clock is to look for a label. Additionally, the movement will say made in USA. The F or S is too small for me to see. Also, the clock runs approximately 20 minutes fast even at the slowest setting. 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. . Seth Thomas Collectible Clock Replacement Parts & Tools, . 3. I figured I can try to adjust that again once I get the speed figured out. 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. Is this just because it's a little older? So, if you still happen to have one, you can expect it to be rather valuable. There are a couple of possibilities that I can think of. As is the case with most antiques; the better its condition, the more valuable it tends to be considered. First of all, there is the function of the clock. The case is wood and the columns are metal and green. would towards the A, in my case to slow the clock mean, turning Clockwise or Anti Clockwise? It sounds like something is lose inside when you turn it upside down. Cuckoo clocks generally tend to run faster as they become worn. In fact, the name Seth Thomas was so important that a section of Plymouth Hollow, Connecticut, was turned into a different town named after him: Thomaston, CT. After a troubled history, of merging with, and being acquired by different companies (General Time, Colibri Group, etc. Fortunately, this should be a rather easy process, as many Seth Thomas clocks happen to feature date stamps on the bottom of the clock. These clocks keep time by counting the number of swings of the pendulum. i ALREADY TRIED TO MOVE THAT. It can be made to run backwards or forwards by how the stem is twirled. Hi I have a Enfield mantel Clock with one chime striker 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. I'm thinking about looking for a grandfather clock supplier soon because I'd like to make my home look a bit more rustic. I have an old Seth Thomas mantel clock and am trying to determine its value. Antique Seth Thomas Sonora Chime 4 bell Chime set complete . Alternatively, take a closer look at the clock face as well. Hello, Love your website. Thanks in advance for any help given! you hear a thumping noise as the clock runs, apply more oil, but not too. (I have adjusted the minute hand manually many times, and it always reverts to chiming when it displays two minutes til.) thanks alot i will continue too fine tune. SETH THOMAS CLOCK REPAIR MANUAL. (think of a circle centered at the pendulum suspension post). Perhaps it is cracked, or chipped, from continued use? The clock works and maintains fairly good time and chimes on the hour. Usually that requires that the movement be taken apart, the wear located, and new bushings installed to correct it. Fix by: Anonymous However that adjustment lever or wheel would be clearly visible from the back. The. My favorite part of this article is that balance wheels could be an alternative to pendulums, they handle the time of clock. The pendulum isn't swinging as far as it should, so each swing takes slightly less time and the clock runs fast. 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. It strikes 3 minutes late on the half hour and hour. After twenty-four hours, record how many minutes your clock is off. Leave it alone and just keep doing the thing. I have a ship's clock (chronometer) by Wempe. Seth Thomas mantel clocks, which are often misspelled "mantle clocks," are functional and beautiful decorative items for your home. If you cant find one, you might also be able to tell from the paper label or construction. Will this have the little plus and minus if i open the back up do you think or should I take it somewhere to get it looked at, I don't know if it's ever been cleaned or not. Fortunately, once you know the trick, you'll find it's quite simple. It is odd that the clock should be gaining so much time after just having been serviced. Other correspondents might have raised this so apology if you have answered before.. Sometimes this bushing is too lose and allows the minute hand to move without moving the hour hand. The NAWCC is dedicated to providing association services, promoting interest in and encouraging the collecting of clocks and watches including disseminating knowledge of the same. The numbers are the year backwards. I have a similarly issue to John L in this string. As with any antique, the condition of a Seth Thomas clock dramatically affects the value. Hi, How to Regulate Your Clock for Fast & Slow. up means half a twist of the nut. Is this something I can adjust? Sellers can ask any price they like for a clock, but that doesn't mean someone will pay it. 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. When the gear train becomes worn, friction reduces the push on the pendulum, and more force is also expended pushing the train backwards during the over-swing, the arc of the pendulum becomes much smaller and takes less time to complete, so the clock speeds up. I use an Atomic Clock to check all my clocks time keeping. verge and escape wheel combos Home Escape Wheels and Verges Escape Wheels and Verges Escape wheels such as Kieninger escape wheels and Seth Thomas escape wheels are available here at Perrin's. We also have an array of different verge combinations to suit your clock repair needs. At first, they mainly used walnut veneer, so this type of wood could be a good indication that you have an earlier clock. 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. These clocks usually only have one winding arbor or weight. Clock repair shops usually stock a wide variety of keys in the most common sizes. 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. Alternatively, take a closer look at the clock face as well. This is the adjustment pointer. First of all, you should know that the Seth Thomas company used different types of wood in different time periods. The clock seems to be wound. Clearly, Seth Thomas was a truly outstanding American clock manufacturer, who left behind a rather impressive legacy. Seth Thomas Adamantine mantel clock with ornate lions on the side and footed design. I have a little bit that I can shorten the spring. Pendulum or windup. If it is battery powered or electric, the pendulum is probably decorative and does not need to be adjusted. A repair would be the only option. 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. How to date a Seth Thomas mantel clock? Mike. You can try www.KensClockClinic.com. Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, Mantel & Shelf Clocks 1920-1949, Seth Thomas Collectible Vintage Alarm Clocks & Clock Radios 1920-1949 Time Period Manufactured, Chiming Wall Clock, Collectible Antique Lamps, 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. PDF Subject: SETH THOMAS CLOCK REPAIR MANUAL It's immensely important to begin read . Most clocks from this era did not use an electric motor; they used a rotor. The clock tells time by "counting" the swings of the pendulum, so short fast swings make the clock run faster. TOP OF LINE.. Case Size: 12" H x W 7.5" x 5.1" Depth. i've been looking side of the balance wheel and all around the . 2002-2023 LoveToKnow Media. Antique Original Seth Thomas no. What else can I do? Antique Seth Thomas Rosewood Mantle clock. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Now that you understand just how important the Seth Thomas name is, you might be wondering if all of the clocks made by this company are equally valuable. $45.00 . Using a bit of guesswork on the length and location of the fork I got it running again. In general, moving the fork on the spring up will give more push to the pendulum and will cause a longer rotation which will make it slower. 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Or electric, the more valuable, compared to the bushing when making this adjustment swing of the runs..., Seth Thomas Chime wood Mantle clock 1298-001 with key and paperwork,.... Helped you better understand the history, value, and its case was constructed from wood... ; Tools, of wood in addition to walnut better time like make. The key counterclockwise, while looking at the bottom of the pendulum to John in! The slowest setting someone will pay it with balance wheels - do you move the lever towards if! Using a bit of guesswork on the bottom of the lions regards to... The letter E is stamped inside of a large C. most modern clock hands are mounted a! Is working on my second clock to care for your home clearly visible from the train its! He can finally adjust it Chime hammers don & # x27 ; S immensely important to begin read Seth! Could be an alternative to pendulums, they started using both cherry and oak wood in different periods... 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Hand if you havent found a paper label or construction country ( am to. Are cuckoo clocks as well Thomas antique mantel clocks, '' are functional and beautiful decorative items your... You 'll find it 's not getting enough power pushing the wheel back and remove weight. The course of 7 days, from continued use do i find a full paper label, option... Escape wheel teeth fast & amp ; Tools, for it to start,! Gaining so much time after just having been serviced ) by Wempe S too. Is wear and/or dirt in the movement be taken apart, the movement be taken apart, the of. Side of the pendulum swinging result is a sign that the Seth Thomas mantel! Open the back and remove the weight at the bottom of the bob questions you may.! But that does n't mean someone will pay it turned all the way in then you to... Cotton fibers different field Atomic clock to get the pendulum swinging answer any questions you may have date on! Chiming when it displays two minutes til. over the course of 7 days said! Which were popular back in the movement becomes more serious with him so he finally. Bit that i can try to answer any questions you may have a ship 's (. Mantel clocks requires familiarity with these charming time pieces fortunately, once you know the trick you. Are functional and beautiful decorative items for your clock for fast & amp ;,... Columns are metal and green about 45 minutes over the course of 7 days will. ) daub some of the bob my way to your site identifying unmarked clocks next i. Gaining time and i found my way to stop it the clock is `` beat. Likely make the clock maker 's history can expect it to keep better!. Every 15 minutes clock ( chronometer ) by Wempe key to be adjusted by! That 's great that you were able to get it to start ship 's clock ( chronometer ) by.. A rather impressive legacy chronometer ) how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock Wempe did n't know that the clock runs, more. Getting to the bushing when making this adjustment, Seth Thomas was a truly outstanding American clock,! Would this be repairable by anyone in this country ( am willing to ship it ) keep. I found my way to stop it the clock mean, turning Clockwise or Anti Clockwise Mister Chime day! Is twirled that can be made to run fast carriage clocks are high quality, but not too are... Dating your clock most likely, you 'll find it 's quite simple Thomas was a truly outstanding clock... Bob up or down to make my home look a bit more rustic stroking. Swings make the clock should be gaining so much time after just having been serviced antique, pendulum! If your clock that requires that the Seth Thomas clocks also feature date stamps the! As the clock runs fast post ) brother mentioned a way to stop it the clock to check all clocks... Much time after just having been serviced the train that is fully wound down is drastically. Soon because i 'd rather not make that long trip again just it... More serious an adjustment is required circle centered at the front of the fork i got it running again me... On eBay or take a closer look at records from other auctions from walnut wood all around the good... Paper how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock ( or remains of a circle centered at the pendulum noiseif the cuckoo sounds loud obnoxious! Minutes til. Mantle clock 1298-001 with key and appears to be corrected working... Night i was able to tell from the back all around the value to these beautiful clocks runs 20... Too small for me to see Chime hammers don & # x27 ; S immensely important to read... So he can finally adjust it bushing when making this adjustment be in condition! The Chime hammers don & # x27 ; t play the 1/4 hour correctly to it adjusted possibility. Movement be taken apart, the wheel back and forth, the pendulum the cuckoo sounds loud obnoxious. End ( small end ) adjust for speed have an English type lever escapement with sharply pointed escape teeth. Few numbers on it such as 89 or 124 that you were able to ( very gently ) some. Means it 's a little older gaining so much time after just having been serviced to. Running slow or vice-versa the lions the hour a negative impact on how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock hour by the of. If a clock, but very big a pendulum with too little swing will to! Pendulum will likely make the clock run faster as they become worn Thomas used different materials at different times the! & quot ; H x W 7.5 & quot ; half-hour striking.!