Please help with Seth Thomas

[edfuller]

Greetings all, I have just acquired a Seth Thomas mantle clock. There is a number on the movement that is 89K. The case has an oval that says "J. B. Van Sciver Co., Camden, N.J." and the dial has the same name on it. It is obvious from the pictures that the clock needs some TLC and I was wondering if the clock could be dated from the information given. I did notice that the hands were pinned on rather than attached with a nut. I have no expertise in clocks so I need any advise anyone can offer. I think any of these old clocks should be saved if at all possible. Thanks, Ed

[Eckmill]

Hi Ed. If you lived in the Camden area you would already know all about Van Sciver; Van Sciver School and Van Sciver furniture and the factory.
There's quite a bit about Van Sciver references via Google.

Best way to know more about the age of your clock is from the style of the case which was very popular from the middle 1920's until well into late 1930's and beyond.

After about 1940, most tambour or "Napoleon Hat" cased clocks had a movement different from the Seth Thomas 89.

[edfuller]

Thanks for your info. I did a quick "google" and see that there is a lot of information about Van Sciver. I am also posting a picture of the whole case. Thanks again for all your help, Ed

[Willie X]

ed,

I have always been on the lookout for a range of dates list. A list that would show the range of dates for each of the ST 89 sufix leters. No luck yet, and I'm not motivated enough to compile one myself.

Your clock was likely made in the late 20s. Some have date stamps on the bottom or inside the back door.

Willie X

[edfuller]

Thanks Willie, I checked both places and the only thing is a die punch of O3 or 03 and what appears to be white grease pencil that says Cymbol #2 / 152. Both of these are on the bottom. I'm sure those inscriptions are symbolic of something but heaven knows what. Thanks again, Ed

[harold bain]

Ed, your model name is Cymbal #2. I think the other numbers date it to 1925.

[Steven Thornberry]

An interesting example of how movements can change over time. From Tran Duy Ly's Seth Thomas boof, 3d ed., vol 2, the 1917 catalogue described the 89K movement as back-mounted with escapement and pendulum in the front. A 1913 picture shows a back-mounted movement with EW between the plates and pendulum in front. The version shown here, apparently later, is front mounted with EW either between the plates or at the back and the pendulum at the back. Just FYI.

[edfuller]

Much thanks to you all. I'm sure more novices, myself being the least knowledgeable, are grateful for you that share your love of this chosen field. Ed