how to wind a seth thomas mantle clock
I have first memory of it there about 1950. An antique or vintage clock that is “time and strike”, strikes the indicated time on the hour by means of a single strike for each hour or a two tone strike such as a Normandy strike or “Bim-Bam strike. Do not “help” them by lifting the weights at the same time. It has worked fine for me last 20 years. Please log in using one of these methods to post your comment: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. I am prepared, I think, to take it back to him and pay a bit more if necessary, but if it’s a simple fix I’d rather not bother him. It is always a good practice to wind your clock(s) on a specific day each week. 1,328 Antique Seth Thomas Clocks: Color Photos and Descriptions The following is a list of most of the clock models produced by Seth Thomas. If the hour hand is difficult to move, do not force it; switch to the minute hand and use the minute hand to set both the hours and minutes. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This is a U.S.A. made unused Seth Thomas Tradmark Double end clock key, one side is for winding the clock up and the other is for adjusting the time. The purpose of the ratchet is to lock the mainspring in place during each turn of the key. Model names shown … Some clocks might need to be adjusted by moving the minute hand clockwise. 4.5 out of 5 stars (2,106) $ 120.00 FREE shipping Favorite Add to VINTAGE Seth Thomas Mantle Clock - Buckingham - Decoration only - gumbygirl. The gentleman at a local clock repair service did a lot of work for me for a very nominal fee. Follow the instructions for your specific clock. NOTE: You might also see a smaller hole on the clock face usually located at the 12 o’clock position. 1811 - Terry sold the business to Seth Thomas and partner Silas Hoadley. Insert the winding key into the winding arbor of the Seth Thomas mantel clock. Timesavers and Merritts are other sources. Bill’s Clockworks repairs antique Seth Thomas clocks. Covers American, European and Continental clocks of all types. 1785 - Seth Thomas was born in Wolcott, CT. 1807 - Seth Thomas became an apprentice to Eli Terry. We give a two year warranty on wind-up clock repair. The clock is in excellent condition but probably need to be cleaned. You can adjust the pendulum to regulate the speed in a Seth Thomas clock either on the face or using an adjustment knob on the base of the pendulum. Over-winding a clock is a common myth. You can adjust the pendulum to regulate the speed in a Seth Thomas clock either on the face or using an adjustment knob on the base of the pendulum. It is also a good practice to make small adjustments to to your clock from time to time, for example, you may have to occasionally speed it up or slow it down as the seasons change. Specifically at the quarter hour it starts 2 tones into the normal Westminster chime sequence and plays the first two notes of the 1/2 hour, and so on all the way around. This is because there are different types of clocks and some can have more than one winding point. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e-mail. As the longest established clock maker in the United States (nearly 200 years), Seth Thomas is recognized as one of the most respected brands of clocks in the world. We are specialists in the service and repair of Seth Thomas Sonora Bell clocks. If I am missing it completely, let me know. In this age of everything electronic it may surprise some people that a newly acquired mechanical clock bought at the local garage sale or antique store needs to be wound on a regular basis. I have an antique Seth Thomas Mantle clock. Turn the key gently a short distance to the right or to the left. Withdraw the winding key from the winding arbor. If the hour hand is difficult to move, do not force it; switch to the minute hand and use the minute hand to set both the hours and minutes. What is this one for? What is the difference between chime and strike? Early Seth Thomas Eight day Base Model Mantle Clock by: Paddy O'Dea The good news is that my Grandfather's clock is on time, every time after a simple rewind of the main spring. I’m concerned about how much pressure to exert for fear of “over winding” or otherwise messing up the mechanism. Most clocks will have one, two, or three winding points. The “clicking” sound heard when winding the arbor is the click engaging the ratchet on the mainspring. First a couple of assumptions. The pendulum should be located in the back of the clock. Carefully place the clock where it is to be used, on a stable, level surface. Study your history. Seth Thomas mantel clocks, originally displayed on fireplace mantels, are shelf-top timepieces. Collecting, repairing and restoring antique and vintage mechanical clocks. If it will not turn clockwise, turn counterclockwise. Seth Thomas Antique Clock Repair. It is also an arbour but a smaller one used for regulating the speed of your clock. Wind the Seth Thomas antique clock once every 7 or 8 days. Insert the key into one of the winding arbors and with your non-dominant hand, steady the case while you wind the clock. How to Identify Which Time Period a Mantel Clock Was Made. Wind the Seth Thomas mantel clock until the key becomes difficult to turn. If you help them you run the risk of the chain jumping the gear teeth. ( Log Out /  All parts were made for a reproduction movement that was never completed. By 1830, the frame of an Thomas mantel clocks … Round movement with loop end mainsprings. 1785 - Seth Thomas was born in Wolcott, CT. 1807 - Seth Thomas became an apprentice to Eli Terry. If there is one hole it is a time-only clock; if there are 2 holes it means that it is a time and strike clock, that is, it strikes the appropriate hour on the hour and either a bell or strike on the half hour (there are always exceptions such as this two train Westminster Chime clock or a time-only clock with an alarm arbour). ( Log Out /  Reviews on Clock Repair in Boydton, VA 23917 - Daniel Lee Buffinga Grandfather Clock Repair Winding Drum - Seth Thomas #2, #77 Movement Description: From a small hoard of #2, 77 movement parts that have been in storage since the 1970s. The number of winding arbours correspond to the number of gear trains (or sets of gears) on a clock. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Seth Thomas has been a leading producer of quality grandfather, mantle, wall and tower clocks since 1813. Wind the Seth Thomas mantel clock until the key becomes difficult to turn. Two ends are required because the speed adjustment winding arbor is significantly smaller that the winding key arbour. The incremental weights placed in hopes of retarding the movement were all in vain. Shelf: Time; Strike: Clock: Spring: Seth Thomas Sussex Adamantine Mantel Clock Black And Green Back Escapement: Company: Seth Thomas: Sussex; Adamantine: Estimated Date: ca. Each time the minute hand passes the 12, it will advance the hour hand. On those rare occasions when the click might slip or break you must resist the urge to let it go. We give a two year warranty on wind-up clock repair. Allow the key to gently rest back onto its click. Seth Thomas c. 1870 stamped metal (Plymouth movement) Seth Thomas Mark c. 1872 lettered label: Seth Thomas c. 1872 paper label: ... Find out what dealers and collectors have actually paid for antique grandfather, mantel or wall clocks like yours. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Shop with confidence. Okay, how about you share stories first, but they have to be clock stories or do you not have the time? Next, turn the key clockwise. Bill’s Clockworks repairs antique Seth Thomas clocks. Use your hand to gently move the hour hand to the correct hour. Seth Thomas Mantle Clock Historic Timeline . The glass front is a very nice touch allowing you to view the simulated mercury vial pendulum's swing. Seth Thomas, born 1785, was an amateur clockmaker who began his career in earnest when he moved to Plymouth, Connecticut, in 1807 and became an apprentice to renowned clockmaker Eli Terry. Besides local repair work, we are happy to have smaller clocks shipped to us for repair (such as mantel clocks and smaller shelf clocks). We also repair Seth Thomas Seth Thomas electric chime clocks. Not all Seth Thomas mantel clocks wind in the same direction. I assume it is a 30-hour or 1-day clock. How do you wind a mechanical clock? 1810 - Thomas worked as a carpenter for Eli Terry. Open the hinged glass cover of the clock’s face to access the wind-up mechanism. You mention the word “chime” so I take it it has not been striking on the hour as it should. This model combines some elements of the Crystal Regulator and Cabinet style of clock case. Recently I decided to see if it could be put in working order. Take a look at your clock dial and you will see one, two or three holes. So, the weight on the left is for the hourly strike and the one on the right is for the time function. Next, we’ll look at how to wind your clock. Adventures in, well, just about everything! 1900 Price Guide Seth Thomas & Sons Dome Mantle Clock . Wear cotton gloves in order to preserve the finish of the case. The right spring barrel is unhooked from the main wheel and that can only occur when attempting to wind the spring with considerable force, in the opposite direction. Keywords:American / Bracket / Clock / Mantel / Seth Thomas. Allow the key to slowly unwind in your hand, otherwise damage can potentially occur to the teeth and gears if the spring unwinds freely. Place clock on table with back facing you. Clock key sizes - do you have the right one? 1895. Between 1863 and 1970, the company produced perpetual clocks. 1900 An article I wrote on regulating your clock can be found here. Never move the minute hand counterclockwise or the clock may break. However, it is always optimum for the general wear of a clock movement to wind both sides of a striking clock. Open the back door, hang the pendulum on the hook, and close the door. Though traditionally recognized for their excellent antique clocks, Seth Thomas' latest innovation, the autoset clock, is gaining favor due to its accurate time keeping and simple setting process. Let the chains do their work. The other, the one on the right, won't budge. My aunt bought the clock new (she wrote the date 11/15/34 on the label in the back). The Seth Thomas Clock Company was very prosperous into the 20th century and was considered to be one of the premiere American clock manufactures, even by their competitors. The Seth Thomas family business introduced regulator clocks in 1860, and spring-driven clocks between 1855 and1860. All mechanical clocks require a winding key like the one pictured below. On this spring-driven Seth Thomas (next photo) the left arbor (arrow) winds the strike side and the right arbor (arrow) winds the time side. 124 This is accomplished by either a crank key placed in the winding arbour on the clock face or pulling chains to raise the weights. All Seth Thomas mantle and wall clocks are repaired at our national service center location. Change ). Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images, How to Adjust Chimes on a Grandfather Clock, How to Repair the Chime on an Emperor Grandfather Clock, How to Fix a Tempus Fugit Grandfather Clock, Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. All Rights Reserved. We located in Flora, Indiana (about an hour north of Indianapolis). To wind up your wall or mantel clock, first locate the time spring hole. The smaller hole in the loop end of the “2” on the number 12 is for regulating the clock. 1811 - Terry sold the business to Seth Thomas and partner Silas Hoadley. You have a Seth Thomas Cabinet mantel clock called the "Tyrone" from circa 1917. Insert your winding key into the appropriate hole. Withdraw the winding key from the winding arbor. Winding the clock is a simple process, but if you're a bit clueless when it comes to following instructions, you can ruin the delicate gears and springs inside the clock. We repair Seth Thomas chime clocks. Vintage Seth Thomas Chime Mantle Wooden Clock Wind Up No Key Free USA Shipping LOLARICHTER. Specifically at the quarter hour it starts 2 tones into the normal Westminster chime sequence and plays the first two notes of the 1/2 hour, and so on all the way around. Continue turning the winding key in the proper direction. Usually on the half hour. On the Ingraham clock (next photo) there is only one set or train of gears that indicate it is a time-only clock, hence the single arbor or winding point. Beehive Style Mantel Clock by Seth Thomas 8 Day, running, chiming, H. 10-5/8″, W. 8″, D. 5″, Dial 6-3/4″, no key Condition The term “running” is used only to mean that the item was observed to tick for a period of time and the essential parts appear to be with the item. In any event do not force the key; wind it with minimal force and wind the arbour until it winds no further. The correct key should fit exactly into the winding arbor. n When you go to set the time on the clock you have to wait for the chimes to cycle. There you have it. Seth Thomas Mantle Clock Historic Timeline . Slowly pull the chain on the shorter side in a downward direction until the weight reaches the underside of the wooden seat board at the top of a weight stop bar. Founded in Connecticut in 1813, the company produced a variety of large and small mechanical clocks throughout the 19th century. Most clocks are deigned to run eight days. Hi, I have a Seth-Thomas "8-day" wind-up mantel calendar/clock, from my grandfather's house. One of the most popular clocks in the 18th and 19th century was the mantel clock, according to … Enjoy your mechanical clock and remember to wind it regularly, take care of it, service it when required and enjoy a piece of horological history. The key that comes with the clock will likely fit. If the hour hand is difficult to move, do not force it; switch to the minute hand and use the minute hand to set both the hours and minutes. Each winding arbour has a function. (I think that’s what is supposed to happen, not sure.) There may or may not be a strike on the half hour. It’s running fine so far but seems a bit stiff to wind. An 8-day clock usually requires 14 half turns of the key as the arbour does one complete turn per day. If there are two winding points (arbours) on the front of your clock, the left side is the Strike side and the right side is the Time side. It must fit snugly and not be too loose. 2 Insert the key into the hole. Send the photo to ronjoiner@gmail.com. 1,328 Antique Seth Thomas Clocks: Color Photos and Descriptions The following is a list of most of the clock models produced by Seth Thomas. We give a two year warranty on windup clock repair. Seth Thomas 801 Mantel Clock Walnut: Company: Seth Thomas: 801: Example Date: June 1889: Walnut case with with ash beryl veneers. Lift one side of the clock gently two inches, then put it down, to start the pendulum swinging. Regulating your mechanical clock - its easier than you think, New Haven 30 hour Sharp Gothic (Steeple) - a curious fact, Vedette box clock - the plainest Vedette I have ever seen. I recently inherited a beautiful 50 year old Dunhaven Tambour Mantle clock (7-day key wind with Westminster chimes). Some clocks chime every quarter hour. Shelf: Time; Strike: Clock: Spring: Seth Thomas Sussex Adamantine Mantel Clock Black And Green Back Escapement: Company: Seth Thomas: Sussex; Adamantine: Estimated Date: ca. The winding arbor is one of the small holes on the face of the clock. I have a blog based upon on the same subjects you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. A clock will run just fine if the time side is wound without winding the strike side, assuming that you do not like the sound of a strike or the strike bothers your guests. Seth Thomas manufactured 4, 5, and 9 bell Sonora Bell clocks. It has two winding ports. Winding a mechanical clock takes some care but a few simple instructions should have you on your way. The Seth Thomas Clock Company was very prosperous into the 20th century and was considered to be one of the premiere American clock manufactures, even by their competitors. Round movement with loop end mainsprings. Withdraw the winding key from the winding arbor. A chime clock indicates the quarter-hours by playing a short melody, usually on chime rods, in addition to striking the hours. Wind counterclockwise only until it becomes difficult to wind. I have a Seth Thomas 8 Day Mantel Clock, can you tell me the purpose of each of the key holes on the face of the clock and the correct way to turn them: top over 12 over #4 over #6 over #8 between #4 & 5 Any additional information that you might be able to provide, … Clocks with three winding arbours chime on the quarter hour making a musical tone. Both arbours must be wound each day so that both weights are wound or brought to the top of the case every day (again, I am assuming it is a 1-day clock). I know my visitors would enjoy your work. 30-hour time and strike clocks are typically wound with a winding crank once per day. HOW TO WIND AN ANTIQUE CLOCK. These are called “winding arbours” or winding points. If you have more than one keyhole in your clock, this is usually the one located farthest to the right as you're looking at the clock's surface. We located in Flora, Indiana (about an hour north of Indianapolis). Price Guide Vintage Simplex Time Recorder Electric Clock The weights on weight-driven clocks must be raised to the top to begin the weekly time cycle. Antique Seth Thomas clocks—particularly wall clocks and mantel clocks—are treasured by clock collectors and antiques lovers who value craft and sophistication. Wind the weights to the top of the case at the same time each day. This key will fit your antique Seth Thomas mantle clock with #124 and #120 movements. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. I put it on our mantel shelf and enjoyed listening to it tick away and chime the hours for a day. Both winding arbors are also “chewed up” by pliers. Unlike our cell phones, which magically operate on their own, a 31-day clock must be wound up to continue working. 1810 - Thomas worked as a carpenter for Eli Terry. If the pendulum hits part of the clock when it swings, angle the clock by inserting a piece of cardboard or wood underneath part of the clock. A strike is simply a strike. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Columbia University. the left arbor (arrow) winds the strike side and the right arbor (arrow) winds the time side. Learn how your comment data is processed. Some clocks provide more choices such as the Schatz W3 bracket clock which has 3 musical tones, St Michael’s, Whittington and Westminster. Winding arbors or winding points; one, two or three, what does each one do? Seth Thomas windup chime clocks use a variety of movements. Adamantine is a celluloid veneer, glued to the wood case. Do not force the key any further once you’ve encountered resistance. I inherited a Seth Thomas mantel clock but the chimes play "out of order". The smaller hole just below the centre cannon is for regulating the clock (described above). Find the direction in which the key turns freely. Of course, not all clocks have springs. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, Antique Clock Keys - John F. Kurdzionak Clock Repair. The exception is, of course, alarm clocks and some carriage clocks that have integrated winding keys. Brian Adler has been writing articles on history, politics, religion, art, architecture and antiques since 2002. These are regarded as the finest toned and most collected chiming clocks ever made. Seth Thomas mantel clocks may have to be reset when they are moved, as moving may throw the clock off balance. One will wind when I turn the key. Use your hand to start the pendulum swinging once the Seth Thomas mantel clock has been set to the right time. If you have a double-ended key the small end fits that arbour. They also made clocks in iron cases finished in black enamel, from 1892 to ca. A clock which “appears” to be over-wound seizes because of a buildup of old oil and dirt in the mainspring coil which causes the coil to stick. That is the way mine is. Can I get a mini tutorial? I think my [departed] father had it overhauled, say 25 years ago. Use your hand to gently move the hour hand to the correct hour. His writing has been published with Demand Studios, as well as in an online magazine. Also, a photo might help. Follow the instructions for your specific clock. Winding a clock once a week for eight day clocks prevents the clock from stopping. Older antique clocks, for example, typically do not strike on the half hour to preserve the wind on the strike side. If you let the key go it might mean a major repair and collateral damage to other parts of the movement! But I discovered that something is not right–the second weight does not engage once the first one reaches the bottom of the case. Guide to Selecting Seth Thomas Shelf Mantel Clocks Pre-1930 The Seth Thomas Clock Company manufactured compact wooden clocks that kept good time and could easily fit on a shelf or a fireplace mantel. On a clock with three arbours, generally the centre arbour winds the time train and the left, the strike side and the right, the chime side. Clocks > Antique Seth Thomas Clocks The name Seth Thomas is symbolic of value and excellence of craft, as a result of the variety of sophisticated styles it has produced since 1813. If the dial is covered by a glass door, open it to access the face. However, models can vary, so you may need to experiment a bit with this. Some clocks might need to be adjusted by moving the minute hand clockwise. Servicing a mechanical clock on a regular basis is an important part of ownership and will mitigate future clock problems. If your clock came with a one-ended winding key (winding arbor only) when there are is a top speed adjustment arbour, it is not original to the clock. Find great deals on eBay for seth thomas clock mantel wind. This is a U.S.A. made unused Seth Thomas Tradmark Double end clock key, one side is for winding the clock up and the other is for adjusting the time. Seth Tomas mantel clocks will not keep accurate time if the pendulum cannot swing freely. Ron. This key will fit your antique Seth Thomas mantle or wall clock with #89 movements. If your clock came without a key it can be purchased at any clock supply house such as Perrin in Canada. Thanks for your question. 1895. The wind is counter clock wise. No. I have a Daniel Pratt ogee clock which has been sitting on a basement shelf for about 30 years. Seth Thomas is well known for their "Adamantine" black mantel clocks, which were made starting in 1882. It is rare to find a clock with it’s original key. Below is a prime example of a past owner who used excessive force to wind the movement and in the case of the right spring barrel – the wrong direction. Seth Thomas 801 Mantel Clock Walnut: Company: Seth Thomas: 801: Example Date: June 1889: Walnut case with with ash beryl veneers. Often your newly acquired clock will come without a key and if there is one, it is generally a replacement key. Seth Thomas Antique Clock Repair. Have you ever considered writing an ebook or guest authoring on other blogs? – Antique and Vintage Clock Collecting & Repair, Top ten blog articles of all time – my blog, of course – Antique and Vintage Clock Collecting & Repair, Follow Antique and Vintage Clocks on WordPress.com. the clock is ticking away, keeping accurate time for the past 24 hours, As it ticks, will the other port eventually loosen up? Antique Seth Thomas & Sons Dome Mantle Clock Estimate: Auctioneer: Sold Price: Sold Date: Antique Seth Thomas & Sons Dome Mantle Clo... Keywords:Clock / Mantle / Seth Thomas. One example is a grandfather clock. Move the minute hand clockwise to the correct time. Besides local repair work, we are happy to have smaller clocks shipped to us for repair (such as mantel clocks and smaller shelf clocks). If your clock has a speed adjustment arbor on the clock face (F-S) usually located on the top part of the dial face, you will have a double-ended key. I don’t know if I’m supposed to do something manually to make this happen–it’s very possible that the man who fixed it for me said something to that effect, but since I am/was completely ignorant of how the thing works I may have missed it. ( Log Out /  Seth Thomas is one of the oldest American clock makers. The advice provided and some suggestions, if followed, should give you the skill and confidence to correctly wind your antique or vintage mechanical clock. Although the concept seems fairly simple, the actual winding of a clock can be quite confusing. Some older clocks run 30 hours and others run as long as 30 days on a wind. 5 out of 5 stars (610) $ 19.00. Wind the Seth Thomas mantel clock until the key becomes difficult to turn. Wear cotton gloves to steady the weights while they are being pulled up to preserve the brass finish on the weight shells. ( Log Out / 
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