Sessions Regulator Clock

[Van4Clocks]

Here is another clock I inherited from my grandparents. From my research, I know it is a Sessions Regulator, but like my Junghans, I'm hoping that this online group of experts can provide more information. Approximate age, specific regular model or type, etc.

Thank you!

 

[owen.or]

In my experience this style of clock is most often called a "store regulator". These clocks often had an advertisement of some sort on the lower door glass. This clock was manufactured no earlier than 1903, the year the EN Welch Manufacturing Company changed its name to the Sessions Clock Company. (per Tran Duy Ly 1992 "Welch Clocks" page 20)

 

[wow]

Your case is probably missing the top molding. It should look something like this:

 

[Willie X]

I like to call them 'store clocks' certainly not a 'regulator'. Very simple and dependable movements. Many were actually given to store owners for point of purchase advertising of their products. Much of the value is determined by what's on the glasses and dial. Willie X

 

[Jim Hartog]

Hello Van4Clocks,

In the section on Calendar Clocks, Tran Duy Ly, in his book, Sessions Clocks has clocks with the same door molding as yours, has several clocks that may match. This is some height variation and top variation.

1908 Regulator E, 38.5"
1908 Regulator No. 1, 35.5" and different top
1908 Regulator No. 2, 38.5" and different design on lower glass
1910 Regulator No. 2, 38.5", plain lower glass
1912 Regulator No. 4, 38.5", same as the 1910 No. 2

None of the illustrated clocks has a lower glass design like yours. All have REGULATOR just above the pendulum. Not in the book, but some of the images on Google images show a beat scale and some have the fancier Welch/Sessions bob skin.

Jim

 

[Van4Clocks]

Jim,

Thank you for the information. Would you happen to be able to take pictures of the clocks in your book and post?

I don't know if the lower glass is original, but if it is, I believe it was painted at sometime before I got it. Maybe it got cloudy from a damp storage space...not sure.

I've heard that this might be a Regulator No. 2. I don't believe the Bob is original either. Here is a picture of the backside...maybe the Bob No. isn't related to the model No.

Thank you for the information.

Hello Van4Clocks,

In the section on Calendar Clocks, Tran Duy Ly, in his book, Sessions Clocks has clocks with the same door molding as yours, has several clocks that may match. This is some height variation and top variation.

1908 Regulator E, 38.5"
1908 Regulator No. 1, 35.5" and different top
1908 Regulator No. 2, 38.5" and different design on lower glass
1910 Regulator No. 2, 38.5", plain lower glass
1912 Regulator No. 4, 38.5", same as the 1910 No. 2

None of the illustrated clocks has a lower glass design like yours. All have REGULATOR just above the pendulum. Not in the book, but some of the images on Google images show a beat scale and some have the fancier Welch/Sessions bob skin.

Jim

 

[Willie X]

Looks like a repo bob on an original stick, with a badly bent lower loop and a missing rating rod & nut ...
Willie X

 

[Jim Hartog]

Willie X,

Rating rod and nut are visible in the original post photos. He just has the bob slid over the hook end.

Van4Clocks,

I think Willie is right, you have a reproduction bob. The repros are a cast lead compound, whereas the originals are cast iron. It is easier to cast the lead than the iron. Lots of original Sessions 4.5" bobs out there, if you want one. But, the fancy ones are a tough find.

As for pictures, do a Google Image search on Sessions Regulator E, No. 1, No. 2 and No. 4 and you will see what is out there.

Jim

 

[Willie X]

Jim,
I see the hook now and what I was seeing as a bent loop is actually camera distortion?
The cast iron backer on an old bob would be close to black.
Willie X

 

[Jim Hartog]

Hello Van4Clocks,

Here is what an iron-backed bob looks like. In the second picture, I used the spit method of embossing enhancement.

Jim

 

[Willie X]

Those bobs look just alike to me, are the two photos actuallybthe same? Maybe these have been cleaned up??

Anyway, that pendulum should be just fine.

Willie X

 

[Willie X]

I would focus on the movement, it needs a lot of attention. That suspension rod is wrong in just about every way! The pendulum hangs from a round/circular eye, about 5/16" diameter. The half circle bow, where the suspension rod goes by the hand shaft, is way larger than it should be.

These are very common clocks, someone will probably post a close-up photo of a correct suspension rod/spring for your clock.

The movement needs to be taken apart and rebushed where necessary, spring serviced, new key fitted to worn winding square, etc. "Overhaul" is what I call it.

Any cabinet shop can make the oak cove moulding you need for the top. The factory moulding had a flat ledge about 1/2" wide at the inside of the bottom edge. That ledge allows the mouldings to be nailed directly to the clock's top board. There should be a shadow (and nail holes) to show you the footorint exactly where this moulding once lived.

All things considered, another potentially nice clock that will require way more money/time than you could ever sell it for.

Willie X

 

[Van4Clocks]

I appreciate everyone's input and information provided. I knew this clock would be more of a project clock when I inherited it. I never remember seeing this clock at my grandparents growing up. I believe it may have been in my grandpa's office space downstairs or even just stored away somewhere. Despite its flaws, it does run and keep great date and time for about 5-6 days before it needs to be wound again. Definitely not as well maintained as their Junghans wall clock I inherited.

Again, I appreciate all the information.