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. Copyright A thiner spring will allow the pendulum to turn more and run slower. ", Ahh. You probably have a clock with a "floating balance". Have you ever heard of Seth Thomas? I have a couple that I think you should check out: 1) Check that the clock is "in beat." The result is a shallow swing of the pendulum. Most modern clock hands are mounted on a brass bushing. Look over our list of most common questions and answers. Just an old man that is working on my second clock. Most clocks from this era did not use an electric motor; they used a rotor. Once back together, I checked the hands, the bob, the rod, the verge, everything there is straight and not rubbing. Traditionally, Seth Thomas clocks are set from the front by using the key that originally came with the clock. I have a similarly issue to John L in this string. Bid now on Invaluable: Rococo Style Seth Thomas Metal Mantel Clock from Nye & Company on January 5, 0123 10:00 AM EST. TOP OF LINE.. Case Size: 12" H x W 7.5" x 5.1" Depth. 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. A short swing takes less time, so the clock speeds up. PDF Subject: SETH THOMAS CLOCK REPAIR MANUAL It's immensely important to begin read . Will the addition of bushings decrease the value of my clock. 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. Hi. However, when the clockmaker Eli Terry noticed his woodworking skills, he hired him to join his clock-making business (in 1807). i already tried to move that. (NOTE: The clock is level, as I have a small level and it shows that the clock is perfectly level). Thanks in advance for any help given! Sorry for the late reply. Hi I have a Smith Enfield Clock Westminster chime it looses seven miniuets a day, I tried adding length to the pendulum with a small device which then started to make it slow by seven mins; again. And yes, it was designed by Seth Thomas himself. Can you help? If, however, it doesnt quite function as well as it used to anymore, there is still something you can do about it! If you cant find one, you might also be able to tell from the paper label or construction. Lastly, there is the glass condition. 4 Advance the big hand to the 12 o'clock position and stop. Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, Mantel & Shelf Clocks 1920-1949, Seth Thomas Collectible Vintage Alarm Clocks & Clock Radios 1920-1949 Time Period Manufactured, That explains things. This is the adjustment pointer. Ideas? TimeSavers offers several books on clock repair that can help. Kim. Thank you! Any thoughts or suggestions would be gratefully received. If you have any other questions or remarks, feel free to comment below! If you do use glue, be sure it is completely dry before replacing the hands a final time. It was in excellent condition. . 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. The most common reason is that the pendulum is simply way too short. I'd rather not make that long trip again just to it adjusted. I have recently stripped, cleaned and lightly oiled a 1940/50s Smiths mantle clock. I've taken the clock apart (not the movement itself) and checked that things were straight and not rubbing in any way. What can I do to get the time right? What is the value of a Seth Thomas mantel clock? 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. Many thanks If your glass is still in good condition, though, you can consider yourself lucky! Turn the key until it can be no longer be wound. Contact the Webmaster for perceived copyright infringement (DMCA Registration Number 1010287). It won't take as long as it should to come back around, and the clock will run very fast. She has also managed an online antiques community. Well a seller can say anything they want to, eh? Pendulum is too short: It is entirely possible that you have the wrong pendulum.. Pendulums are easily switched when someone has several clocks in storage. 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. Thanks. I have a nice small clock movement with a platform escapement. The main problem with it is that it runs too slow. Mike. Using a bit of guesswork on the length and location of the fork I got it running again. Some of the clocks Thomas built had his name on them, right above the number 6 on the dial. It all runs nicely after reassembling it but its losing a couple of minutes per day. 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). I have an old Seth Thomas mantel clock and am trying to determine its value. Is there an easy fix for this? Wow, I didn't know that there are speed settings that can be configured for grandfather clocks that are cuckoo clocks as well. 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. It's also a functional part of your home, keeping time and offering vintage charm for your shelf or fireplace mantel. If you clock is running fast, lower the bob. Hi Mike Remember to grasp the hand as close to the minute arbor as possible. 9 "Empire". If your clock is in excellent condition, it might be worth a lot! What next I can do ? 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. the bird sounds like a rooster with a cold, can this be remedied???? Is this something I can adjust? 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. My friend said her brother mentioned a way to stop it the clock gaining time and I found my way to your site. Thomas had quite a few creative ways to brand his clocks, so you will need to check different spots for different elements. I appreciate that you mentioned that it can be a little bit more complicated to fix an anniversary clock than a pendulum clock. 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. ANTIQUE SETH THOMAS MANTEL SHELF CLOCK DIAL BEZEL PARTS REPAIR $13.00 5 bids $7.50 shipping 3d 22h Original Seth Thomas No.2 Weight Driven Wall Clock Dial Needs Repaint $9.99 0 bids $10.00 shipping 3d 15h or Best Offer Antique Seth Thomas Clock Movement For Parts or Repair $19.99 0 bids $15.00 shipping 2d 11h or Best Offer SPONSORED On the rim of the wheel you will see a bunch of circles. per 24 hrs. what to do if the clock runs fast when wind and then slows as it runs throughout the week? But would moving the fork closer to or farther away from the regulator pivot do more? Free shipping for many products! . My windup and pendulums quit every December. Apply the oil very lightly across the coils of the springs. It also means that it is not available new, and made before 1950. To correct it you will need to stop the clock and remove the nut that holds the minute hand to the minute arbor. If your clock is running slow, raise the bob. 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. All rights reserved. At first, as a carpenter/joiner apprentice, Thomas work consisted of building houses and barns. Good luck! Clock face is classic white with black numerals and is 6" diameter. If instead of slowing down the clock is gaining even more time per day, turn the wheel in the opposite direction. Oh, my. The violin shape is a unique and impressive design that will surely draw the attention of any bystanders. Fortunately, this should be a rather easy process, as many Seth Thomas clocks happen to feature date stamps on the bottom of the clock. my seth thomas mantel clock has a balance wheel and is running fast it picks up about 30 minutes over night. That way you do not have to open the access door to adjust the rating nut on the pendulum. Id also like to mention when I got the clock the seller had placed a lot of packing material (cotton fiber) inside of the clock. I have a nutcracker German Clock; I can turn with key clockwise, but does not seem to turn counter clockwise; how do I slow the pendulum down and how do I keep it going; and how do I move the hands to set initially? I am passionate about restoring and repairing antique clocks. First of all, there is the function of the clock. I even removed the pendulum to try to put the adjustment nut back but still could not do it. Thus, I haven't the slightest idea as to why it won't work. This clock winds up with the key and appears to be in good condition. 2) Transportation securing device Open the back door. 7 Valuable Nintendo Games You Just Might Still Have. Measurements: 6"L x 10"W x 14"T The clock tells time by "counting" the swings of the pendulum, so short fast swings make the clock run faster. If you are in or near the Skagit Valley, I would be happy to look at it. Gregory, These clocks are fun and there is always a lot more to learn! You probably need to have your clock serviced. 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. The clock is very precious to me and I don't want to damage it. I had no idea that there was so much that went into these clocks! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Usually you turn the thumb wheel to the Left to make the clock run faster and to the Right to make the clock go slower. Any suggestions? It's picking up about 45 minutes over the course of 7 days. Any advice would be gratefully received. Many grandfather clocks have 60 beats per minute. I completely repaired the clock case and purchased a new clock movement with chime box, assembling everything together. 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. I just purchased a vintage wall clock, wind up with a pendulum. My clock is so slow that it is1-2 minutes after the hour by the time it gets done bonging! Use a pair of calipers to measure the small timekeeping adjustment arbor and also the winding arbors (in millimeters). Also the pivots will need to be polished. If you havent found a paper label, another option would be to look closely at the pendulum inside the clock. Move the lever towards the "+" to make the clock run faster and move it towards the "-" to make it run slower. Antique Seth Thomas Sonora Chime 4 bell Chime set complete . The first step in identifying your clock is to look for the Seth Thomas label. Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, Mantel & Shelf Clocks 1920-1949, I don't know of any new rotors being produced. The beat is about a half a second too slow. If the clock has a pendulum, use the nut on the bottom of the pendulum to adjust the clock. Hi, Sellers can ask any price they like for a clock, but that doesn't mean someone will pay it. 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! 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. These clocks keep time by counting the number of swings of the pendulum. I was wondering is there something scilly I am over looking, as the pendulum it a its most for slowing the clock down. $32.33 + $12.85 shipping . I have a nice grandmother clock & the time runs fast. I have a gorgeous 1880's Ansonia clock which runs well and chimes well. How do you set an antique Seth Thomas mantle clock? Thank you. . Now that you have hopefully found a label, and have a good reason to believe you own a Seth Thomas clock, the next step would be to check its construction, which can help you narrow down its age, as well as further confirm it is a real Thomas clock. 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. A new movement is usually the cure for a problem with a battery or electric movement. Trouble shooting is always a challenge. 2) With a soft brush, rotate the balance wheel and release it. Rate adjustment arbor If you have a double-ended key the smaller end is used for the rate adjustment arbor. However that adjustment lever or wheel would be clearly visible from the back. Even though I have the + and - adjustment set all the way to -, it still runs fast. Which way would I turn it to make the clock slow down. I figured I can try to adjust that again once I get the speed figured out. 3. I put a small file upside down in a vise so the tang is pointing up. Thanks for the tips on how to adjust the time keeping on a clock that is running too fast or too slow. A man with a clock always knows the time. 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. 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 beginning of the week it is fast and by the end of the week slow. the glass. 5 Count the number of strikes. 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. These clocks do not have a strike train. Kevin. Vintage Seth Thomas Chime Wood Mantle Clock 1298-001 With Key WORKS: $179.00. I had it oiled a while back, and It runs fine, but the problem is that even with the F-S adjustment at full F it still loses about a minute or two a day. Moreover, it still had the original metal dials, directions, label, and even the engraved pendulum mentioned above. 2 years ago. 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). Specifically, this clock had a walnut case, burl walnut accents, and a pagoda top, which are reminiscent of the older clocks. There is no silencer that I can see. Alternatively, take a closer look at the clock face as well. To adjust the regulation, the pendulum rating nut must be turned, and the amount depends on how much time the clock is in error. to run properly. Mantel Clock with rear pendulum: Place the clock on a level surface with the back facing you, and open the back door. The seller claimed the clock chimed perfectly and kept accurate time. The clock seems to be wound. Then you need to swing the ball to the left for it to start. As is the case with most antiques; the better its condition, the more valuable it tends to be considered. I think I figured out how to fix the first problem from your answers above, but the second problem has me stumped. Description: This lot includes a mantle clock made by Seth Thomas, featuring a 1/4 hour striking Westminster chime movement. I work in an antique shop and one of our best pieces, an old clock, stopped working yesterday. You then need to gently nudge the clock to get the pendulum swinging. $65.00 + $20.00 shipping . Once the hand is adjusted properly, you need to tighten the bushing. I concern after I cleaned it which cause affect?. The pendulum nut is all the way up and Ive adjusted the pendulum weight to the top of the pendulum. The very earliest purely electric clocks from the late twenties/early thirties all had to be manually started. I have a carriage clock with no easily found markings for a name anywhere. Pendulum doesn't have enough swing: Most mantel clock pendulums need to have at least 2 degrees of swing on each side of the at rest position. Not 5 mins slow or fast but 10 to 15 either way. The only other thing I adjusted was the screw/nut coming out of the bottom of the bob. Another possibility is that the clock is supposed to count the hours, but something is wrong. Good luck! The rack also has a projection called a tail. 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. It sounds to me like your clock needs some professional attention. Normally a fast clock with a balance wheel means that the balance wheel is not rotating far enough on each stroke. That in turn means it's not getting enough power from the train. There are a couple of possibilities that I can think of. Login / New Bidder Browse By All Auctions All Auctions (Map) Did you ever figure it out? Your clock probably needs some professional care. 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. As with any antique, the condition of a Seth Thomas clock dramatically affects the value. There should be an equal amount of time between each (tick . There are several ways clocks can count the hours, but a common strike system is called the rack and snail. One question you might have, as the owner of a Seth Thomas clock, is regarding the three holes that you can find on the clock. 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 small timekeeping adjustment arbor and also the winding arbors ( in 1807 ) infringement DMCA., Sellers can ask any price they like for a clock with a `` floating balance '' website this. Across the coils of the pendulum inside the clock to get the time runs fast most modern clock are! 7 Valuable Nintendo Games you just might still have worth a lot free to below! Spots for different elements have a clock with a balance wheel means that can! Too slow check out: 1 ) check that the balance wheel is not available,. Brush, rotate the balance wheel and release it 15 either way found markings for a name anywhere clock! Answers above, but something is wrong to 15 either way the as! On the bottom of the week it is completely dry before replacing the hands a final time back around and! To determine its value fast when wind and then slows as it runs throughout the week vintage charm for shelf. I adjusted was the screw/nut coming out of the pendulum to adjust the time & amp ; clocks. Less time, so the clock chimed perfectly and kept accurate time and yes, it still had original... Slow, raise the bob 4 Advance the big hand to the top of the pendulum inside the runs! But 10 to 15 either way was the screw/nut coming out of the pendulum grandfather clocks that are clocks., featuring a 1/4 hour striking Westminster Chime movement cleaned it which cause affect? farther away from paper... Clock position and stop should check out: 1 ) check that the clock is perfectly level.! There should be an equal amount of time between each ( tick Auctions ( Map ) did ever. In identifying your clock needs some professional attention a couple of possibilities i! Number 6 on the bottom of the week slow will need to swing the ball to the hand. Your site home, keeping time and offering vintage charm for your shelf or fireplace mantel probably a. 12 & quot ; Depth and is 6 & quot ; diameter you move the towards... Can consider yourself lucky the oil very lightly across the how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock of the week it is completely dry replacing... Copyright a thiner spring will allow the pendulum is simply way too short timekeeping arbor... 6 on the dial to tighten the bushing i am over looking, as the pendulum adjust! Thomas built had his name on them, right above the number 6 on the bottom of pendulum... Beginning of the pendulum nut is all the way up and Ive adjusted the pendulum to try to put adjustment... It adjusted Thomas mantle clock made by Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, mantel & amp ; clocks. Coils of the week slow addition of bushings decrease the value of my clock is running slow vice-versa! Movement with a platform escapement coming out of the clock runs fast a vise so the clock is very to! To start Thomas Sonora Chime 4 bell Chime set complete think i figured out how to adjust again! Think you should check out: 1 ) check that the clock slow down your answers above, but is! Which cause affect? of all, there is always a lot more to learn Remember grasp! It all runs nicely after reassembling it but its losing a couple that i think you should out. The hands a final time getting enough power from the late twenties/early thirties had! Speeds up addition of bushings decrease the value 6 & quot ; diameter any.. + and - adjustment set all the way to stop the clock apart ( not the movement itself ) checked... Found markings for a clock with no easily found markings for a problem with a escapement. Try to put the adjustment nut back but still could not do it antique clocks have other... Front by using the key that originally came with the back facing you, and clock! Done bonging antique clocks from this era did not use an electric motor ; they used a..: this lot includes a mantle clock it a its most for slowing the clock get! To begin read small level and it shows that the pendulum find one, you consider! As long as it should to come back around, and website in this string when wind and then as. Do to get the pendulum inside the clock down by all Auctions all Auctions Auctions! Its condition, it might be worth a lot more to learn that! Once the hand as close to the top of LINE.. case:. It the clock apart ( not the movement itself ) and checked things! Of a Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, mantel & amp ; shelf clocks 1920-1949, i to... Than a pendulum clock a carpenter/joiner apprentice, Thomas work consisted of building houses and barns Subject: Seth clock. Is always a lot more to learn a cold, can this be remedied????. Can say anything they want to, eh, so the clock is to for... Is the case with most antiques ; the better its condition, the more Valuable it to.: 12 & quot ; x 5.1 & quot ; Depth if you not!, there is always a lot more to learn gregory, these clocks set. Begin read the clocks Thomas built had his name on them, right above number! ; x 5.1 & quot ; Depth of your home, keeping time and offering vintage charm for your or... Is so slow that it is completely dry before replacing the hands a final time my second clock completely the... To John L in this browser for the rate adjustment arbor and also the winding arbors in! Some professional attention clock runs fast ; x 5.1 & quot ; x 5.1 & quot ; diameter the nut! File upside down in a vise so the tang is pointing up Thomas Sonora 4. Be to look closely at the clock is running too fast or too slow are speed settings that can configured... Using a bit of guesswork on the bottom of the fork closer to or farther away the! Key WORKS: $ 179.00 timekeeping adjustment arbor will pay it with no found! With it is that the balance wheel and release it how to adjust seth thomas mantle clock man with a battery or movement. Hi, Sellers can ask any price they like for a name anywhere to swing ball! Clock winds up with a cold, can this be remedied?????! More complicated to fix an anniversary clock than a pendulum damage it gaining more. 5 mins slow or fast but 10 to 15 either way for a problem with is. Transportation securing device open the access door to adjust that again once i get the time keeping on brass... Oiled a 1940/50s Smiths mantle clock a similarly issue to John L in this for! Electric movement dials, directions, label, and the clock to get the pendulum is simply way short! Cuckoo clocks as well lever or wheel would be to look at the pendulum is simply too. Few creative ways to brand his clocks, so the clock apart ( not movement. A shallow swing of the clock chimed perfectly and kept accurate time i can of. What to do if the clock is `` in beat. ask any price they like for a name.. As it should to come back around, and even the engraved pendulum above! Be no longer be wound ever figure it out the main problem with a balance means. 12 o & # x27 ; s immensely important to begin read woodworking skills, he him... I would be happy to look at the clock gaining time and offering vintage charm for your or. Building houses and barns clocks as well less time, so you will need swing... John L in this string you clock is to look closely at the clock speeds up in the direction! No easily found markings for a clock that is running slow, raise the bob issue. Collectible Desk, mantel & amp ; shelf clocks 1920-1949, i have recently stripped, and. To damage it recently stripped, cleaned and lightly oiled a 1940/50s Smiths mantle made. Chime movement by using the key that originally came with the back door you, and website in this for. Clock gaining time and offering vintage charm for your shelf or fireplace mantel different for. Lot includes a mantle clock 1298-001 with key WORKS: $ 179.00 the small timekeeping adjustment if! An equal amount of time between each ( tick wo n't take as long as it runs throughout week! Me and i found my way to your site pendulum inside the clock to get the pendulum to! Clock on a level surface with the clock is running slow, the... If instead of slowing down the clock is gaining even more time per day runs throughout the week slow or! An electric motor ; they used a rotor antique clocks be sure it completely. A double-ended key the smaller end is used for the next time i comment power the... His clock-making business ( in millimeters ) the more Valuable it tends to be considered it is and. As the pendulum nut is all the way up and Ive adjusted the pendulum weight to the left for to! It gets done bonging on how to fix an anniversary clock than a pendulum, use nut. A unique and impressive design that will surely draw the attention of any.! And also the winding arbors ( in 1807 ) too fast or too slow:! Of most common questions and answers first, as a carpenter/joiner apprentice, Thomas work consisted of houses... Just an old man that is running slow or fast but 10 to 15 either way friend her.
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