I have a Seth Thomas mantel clock that’s been in the family for a long time. My great grandfather owned a hardware store in a small town in California and sold these clocks at his store. This is one that he purchased for his home in 1915. It was handed down to my mother and she used it until it quit working 20 years ago.
She gave it to me, but I would like to get it working and give it back to her to enjoy for her remaining years. From handwritten notes on the case, it has been cleaned and oiled several times. The last time was 1963.
I discovered the flat steel pendulum rod hanger was cracked on one side. I replaced it with one I made from a .004” feeler gauge.
I put the clock in beat, but I can’t get it to keep running consistently. The escape wheel shaft has a lot of slop and the mating gear does too. I’ve attached two close ups of the escape wheel shaft and one picture of the pin gears. Those pins show a little wear, but I can’t feel any grooves. Seems like if the gear could be disassembled the pins could be turned around to provide a fresh surface. ?
From several hours of research, I’m guessing that it needs cleaned, rebushed, shafts polished, and a new main spring? The half-hour chime and the hour gong works fine, but I’d replace that spring too?
So here is where I need advice. Should I send it off to be rebuilt, or tackle it myself? I’m fairly skilled mechanically and have a mini-mill, lathe, and an assortment of hand tools. But I don’t want to screw up a family heirloom.
If I do send it off - Where would be the best place and how much would something like this cost?
The final picture is a wooden clock I built last year. It runs fine, but I just followed the plans. That is about the extent of my clock work knowledge, but it does show some of my capability.
So, should I dive in and fix it myself, or bail out and send it to a pro?
Thanks for your help.
She gave it to me, but I would like to get it working and give it back to her to enjoy for her remaining years. From handwritten notes on the case, it has been cleaned and oiled several times. The last time was 1963.
I discovered the flat steel pendulum rod hanger was cracked on one side. I replaced it with one I made from a .004” feeler gauge.
I put the clock in beat, but I can’t get it to keep running consistently. The escape wheel shaft has a lot of slop and the mating gear does too. I’ve attached two close ups of the escape wheel shaft and one picture of the pin gears. Those pins show a little wear, but I can’t feel any grooves. Seems like if the gear could be disassembled the pins could be turned around to provide a fresh surface. ?
From several hours of research, I’m guessing that it needs cleaned, rebushed, shafts polished, and a new main spring? The half-hour chime and the hour gong works fine, but I’d replace that spring too?
So here is where I need advice. Should I send it off to be rebuilt, or tackle it myself? I’m fairly skilled mechanically and have a mini-mill, lathe, and an assortment of hand tools. But I don’t want to screw up a family heirloom.
If I do send it off - Where would be the best place and how much would something like this cost?
The final picture is a wooden clock I built last year. It runs fine, but I just followed the plans. That is about the extent of my clock work knowledge, but it does show some of my capability.
So, should I dive in and fix it myself, or bail out and send it to a pro?
Thanks for your help.





