I'll share this with him so he can finally adjust it. The clock works and maintains fairly good time and chimes on the hour. If the key doesnt turn at all, you are winding in the wrong direction. Hi Mike, Any advise on how to fix it? Kevin. Author. Thanks. like so many beats to an hour etc.? $4.99 USD . This would be the counter-clockwise direction. Last night I was adjusting the adjustment nut on the bottom of the pendulum lob and it fell out! 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. 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. Open front door and remove the plastic safety bushing (see picture 2). This beautiful 4-sided clock is estimated to be worth up to 20 million dollars. Best regards, However, when the clockmaker Eli Terry noticed his woodworking skills, he hired him to join his clock-making business (in 1807). How do I adjust the time keeping? Warning: the hands are often very light and bend easily. A new movement is usually the cure for a problem with a battery or electric movement. 2002-2023 LoveToKnow Media. My clock is running fast/slow. I am passionate about restoring and repairing antique clocks. These clocks have a balance wheel like a mechanical watch does. Again remember to grasp the hand close to the bushing when making this adjustment. Antique Seth Thomas Sonora Chime bevel and dial . (NOTE: The clock is level, as I have a small level and it shows that the clock is perfectly level). How do you set an antique Seth Thomas mantle clock? First of all, there is the function of the clock. Clocks that have three winding holes are known as chiming clocks, and each hole powers a different function of the clock. In order to find one, you'd probably want to look online at different professionals to learn about their services and experience so you can find one that is able to fix your clock. What is the value of a Seth Thomas mantel clock? Not 5 mins slow or fast but 10 to 15 either way. 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. Next, you have the clock face condition. 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. The beginning of the week it is fast and by the end of the week slow. The only other thing I adjusted was the screw/nut coming out of the bottom of the bob. Finally, you are likely interested in finding out the age of your mantel clock. Does it strike and chime as it is supposed to when you wind it as we explained earlier? Thanks for your interest. Are you sure you have the correct thickness for the spring? 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. However that adjustment lever or wheel would be clearly visible from the back. Can you help? Another possibility is that the clock was made by Hammond. It won't take as long as it should to come back around, and the clock will run very fast. Clock face is protected by glass door. 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 will have ST with a circle around it for a logo. My mantle clock (family heirloom) seems to lose 15 minutes but then keeps (the wrong time) any idea why it would do that? 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). Time takes its toll on all of us in winter. Sometimes, Thomas etched his name onto the pendulum. You have the option of taking it to a clock restorer, who could repair it with antique clock parts. Here are a few examples of Seth Thomas mantel clocks and their sales prices: An antique Seth Thomas mantel clock is more than a valuable collector item. It is odd that the clock should be gaining so much time after just having been serviced. Take your LEGO sets from the brick bank to the bank on your corner! Can you tell me what I have? Recommendations for a clock movement stand. Your movement was probably made by Hermle. Ideas? How do you correct my Seth Thomas mantel clock with a balance wheel to run slower. 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. It's also a functional part of your home, keeping time and offering vintage charm for your shelf or fireplace mantel. I have an old french mantel clock with a tiny shaft at the top of the dial but cannot Best regards, If so, this would detract from the clocks worth. If your clock is in excellent condition, it might be worth a lot! .tick . Alternatively, take a closer look at the clock face as well. I have let it run out each time before I wind it and adjust the speed. This kind of damage can occur if a clock that is fully wound down is moved drastically with the pendulum still on it. Hermle stamps the number of beats per minute on the back of the clock movement right under the pendulum length (the number followed by cm). 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. 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. Using an internal chip is particularly beneficial to customers who have difficulty using traditional radio-controlled atomic clocks due to interference caused by televisions, computers and many common building materials. 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. With your thumb, stop the balance wheel from turning. As you probably know by now, the Seth Thomas Clock Company made clocks for a long time, of different shapes and sizes. If you look into the back of the clock, on the top of the movement will be a very small gear that the adjusting key turns. . TOP OF LINE.. Case Size: 12" H x W 7.5" x 5.1" Depth. var year = today.getFullYear() What did I miss, but he refered to a pendulum and adjusting nut. This clock is over 50 years old. If the clock has a pendulum, use the nut on the bottom of the pendulum to adjust the clock. Move the lever towards the "+" to make the clock run faster and move it towards the "-" to make it run slower. Measurements: 6"L x 10"W x 14"T A pendulum with too little swing will tend to run fast. Would this be repairable by anyone in this country (am willing to ship it). Sorry for the late reply. Some of the clocks Thomas built had his name on them, right above the number 6 on the dial. But it gains 5-7 minutes every 24 hours. This was an office calendar, whose creation date was noted as circa 1900. Both of them were in mostly original condition, presenting impressive nostalgic elements. Unfortunately, this may have a negative impact on the value of your clock. You can use your winding key to wind each of these holes. 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. This short video also shows how to re-set a clock if if is out of sync. Reply. The second most expensive Seth Thomas clock ($17,250) was a shelf violin clock. $65.00 + $20.00 shipping . Fortunately, once you know the trick, you'll find it's quite simple. Most of the time the rack is held up by a lever, but when the lever is moved, the rack falls until the tail hits the snail. Seth Thomas Adamantine mantel clock with ornate lions on the side and footed design. The long answer explains why. The result is that the clock runs fast. I am having the same problem, and no luck in moving the lever to the left. Thanks. tick . Sellers can ask any price they like for a clock, but that doesn't mean someone will pay it. On clocks that have a front adjuster, the adjustment range is a relatively short amount. You should call the service center and see what suggestions they make. Fortunately, this should be a rather easy process, as many Seth Thomas clocks happen to feature date stamps on the bottom of the clock. You may need to use needle-nose pliers if it is very tight. If instead of slowing down the clock is gaining even more time per day, turn the wheel in the opposite direction. What else can I do? Lastly, the hole to the right powers the chime, which makes a musical tone every 15 minutes. Unfortunately, for how innovative their purpose was, these, What theMost Valuable LEGO Sets Are Worth (Newor Used Condition). The case is wood and the columns are metal and green. Clearly, its main selling point would be its aesthetical value. Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, Mantel & Shelf Clocks 1920-1949, Many thanks for your suggestions. Thanking you ahead of time. The clock mechanism was not tested. For reference, he died in 1859, so it would be ideal if your clock were older than that. I have a nice grandmother clock & the time runs fast. The numbers are the year backwards. You can thin the spring yourself by gently pinching it with very fine emory paper and stroking it a few times. If you want to attempt that yourself, you can do some reading and searching here for bushing tips, or you could take the movement or the clock to your local clock repair man. If it sounds like the bird has laryngitis there might be a hole in the bellows that needs repair. A man with two clocks is never sure. I had forgotten we had two going in the same thread. Clock Type: Seth Thomas Crystal Regulator Model No. Since last night at 12 am at 6 this morning it has gained. The first step in identifying your clock is to look for the Seth Thomas label. If you havent had any luck yet, try to look for a metal plate. The key here is to ignore clocks that are still for sale. 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. We have a Howard Miller Grandfather clock here at home and we have it since 1991. 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. 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. I have a 6 column mantel clock with the name Seth Thomas on the face between the 12 and the center of the face where the hour and minute hands connect. To regulate your clock, hold the pendulum disc and turn the rating nut located under the disk to the left to make the clock run slower and to the right to make the clock run faster. Condition: Minor expected surface wear associated with age and use, otherwise in overall good condition. I have a gorgeous 1880's Ansonia clock which runs well and chimes well. 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. That is a sign that the clock needs professional attention. I straightened that as well. Thus, I haven't the slightest idea as to why it won't work. By default, the pendulum will swing at an even pace when placed in the correct position. Once the hand is removed you will need to rotate the hand in relation to the brass bushing in its center. If you want to hear all these sounds, simply wind the holes until the key will not wind any further. The first step in identifying your clock is to look for the Seth Thomas label. 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. $150.00 0 bids $86.14 shipping 1d 10h or Buy It Now 1) Unpack the clock Take clock and key carefully out of carton. (den) vintage seth thomas wood cased mantle electric clock. I am trying to slow down a smith clock with balance wheel. I want to call someone to come look at it so hopefully, we can repair it. Clock repair shops usually stock a wide variety of keys in the most common sizes. up means half a twist of the nut. Listen to the tick tock. These clocks usually only have one winding arbor or weight. Also we armature radio operators do the same thing to twitch the freq on our crystal transmitters. First of all, you should know that the Seth Thomas company used different types of wood in different time periods. It is "started" by "winding" a small stem protruding from rear of clock by using two fingers and turning it. Fill out repair form 3. Seth Thomas mantle clock antique . I have got it running and fixed the striker but it only strikes once on each hour. Not enough power is getting to the pendulum to make it swing as far as it should. You can find the label on the inside, back, or bottom of the clock case. Thanks! the glass. As you might expect, the history of the Seth Thomas Clock Company starts with Seth Thomas himself. [more like this] CLOCK: Seth Thomas mantle clock with chimes As with any antique, the condition of a Seth Thomas clock dramatically affects the value. Clocks that are dirty or worn rob power from the balance wheel. Thanks for the tips on how to adjust the time keeping on a clock that is running too fast or too slow. Finally, to highlight some mantel clocks, the two most valuable clocks are both Pillar & Scroll mahogany case clocks that sold for $4,600 and $3,000 respectively. Free shipping for many products! 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). Does it just need to be lubed/oiled, cleaned? Simply put, the earliest clocks tend to be more valuable, compared to the ones made later on. It can be made to run backwards or forwards by how the stem is twirled. The final element of the date is the letter that comes after the numbers. Rate adjustment arbor If you have a double-ended key the smaller end is used for the rate adjustment arbor. The seller claimed the clock chimed perfectly and kept accurate time. From 1888 onward, they started using both cherry and oak wood in addition to walnut. You then need to gently nudge the clock to get the pendulum swinging. The average price of an Antique Seth Thomas Mantle clock is about $100. 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. I tried screwing it back on but could not do it. 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. Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, Mantel & Shelf Clocks 1920-1949, Seth Thomas Collectible Vintage Alarm Clocks & Clock Radios 1920-1949 Time Period Manufactured, If it is uneven (tock . belonged to my gradfather, but net time. Following a thorough appraisal, Seth Thomas clocks can be sold on various platforms, from eBay to auction websites (or even in physical auctions). According to Cottone Auctions, the most valuable Seth Thomas clock sold for $20,160, at a 2021 auction. Those adjustments on the front are to wind the springs. If your glass is still in good condition, though, you can consider yourself lucky! The other possibility is that it might have had both. Sometimes, Thomas etched his name onto the pendulum. 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. 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. Having some vintage-looking items would definitely help with that. The Seth Thomas Clock Company was in business from 1853 to 2001. It is the original to the clock. Thank you! Reply to Ann Marie Teasedale . Other correspondents might have raised this so apology if you have answered before.. Reset the clock by moving the minute hand clockwise until you reach the correct time. She has also managed an online antiques community. Check the position of the minute hand of the clock when the . Pack your clock securely 2. This is an unusual set up in a floor clock. Have you ever heard of Seth Thomas? 2 Move the big hand clockwise to the 11 o'clock position and pause. Please see the FAQ for putting a clock in beat. It's interesting that sliding the bob on a cuckoo clock actually speeds up and slows the time. I have a Hamilton (on its face) mantel clock from the 1949s that is electrical movement. Contact the Webmaster for perceived copyright infringement (DMCA Registration Number 1010287). 7 Valuable Nintendo Games You Just Might Still Have. Hamilton West Mister Chime 8 day Wall Clock and its running to slow. You can move it by hand if you can get to it. What are the Three Holes on a Seth Thomas Clock? I removed the Second Hand and tried again. My floor model pendulum clock is running fast and it doesn't have an adjustment nut. Hamilton was a major American producer of high end watches. An avid antiques collector herself, Kate has written about antiques for many years. Most campaign buttons aren't worth much more than a few bucks, but some can command high prices. However, if its is losing 30 minutes a day, you might be out of the range of adjustment. The most likely problem is that there is dirt and/or wear in the time train. 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! Antique Seth Thomas Rosewood Mantle clock. It starts out on time and then as the day goes on it looses time. This is reducing the power that reaches the pendulum. It also has many of its original elements, including the original glass, signed dial, and a clean label. 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. To be specific, you might find this on clocks built between 1881-1888, or from 1913 onward. A thiner spring will allow the pendulum to turn more and run slower. there is a nut which lets you adjust the weight up or down up clock runs faster. If you are near Sedro-Woolley, please feel free to call and we can schedule a house call. Any advice would be gratefully received. Once the hand is off, use the pliers to move the center bushing of the minute hand to the correct time. Seth Thomas Adamantine Mantle Clock for parts or restoration $95.00 $32.91 shipping or Best Offer Antique Rare Seth Thomas Mantle Clock Art Nouveau Lilly of the Valley $375.00 0 bids $32.00 shipping 4d 15h A nice SETH THOMAS "DING DONG STRIKE" works excellent - looks and sounds great! Seth Thomas used different materials at different times in the clock maker's history. 2 years ago. 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 appreciate the tip you shared about sliding the bob up or down to make your cuckoo clock move again. There are people who rebuild rotors. 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. 7-8 minutes a week loss seems like a lot. 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. 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 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.