Hi all. I just picked up this weight driven Seth Thomas. I've never owned a weight driven clock. It appears not too difficult to work on. Do you have any idea of the manufacture date? It's missing one of the weights, where can I get one? It's also missing the pendulum bob. How can I know the size and weight this clock requires? Thanks, Carlos
Weights are available from the usual suppliers, Merritts #CW-3 should do it. It takes an American style pendulum and rating wire, like Merritts #P-98C. You may be able to find good antique parts for about the same $$ but the hunt is always longer and uncertain. Good luck, Willie X
Original used parts are readily available on Ebay. Just takes a little searching and asking questions to get what you need to restore this clock. Good luck finding what you need. You can use the new parts Willie listed as samples of what is required.
Around 1860 would be my guess. You may want to order a few suspension spring/rods too. The one you have might work but it may be bent, or a little short. Some of these clocks place the pendulum partly below the door opening. New weight cords are usually a good idea and a clock this old deserves a good service, especially if it's going into full use. WIllie X
Thanks, Willie. I saw the weight for this clock in Merritts ,CW-3, but the P-98C I could not find. I will call them Monday to see if they have it. Thanks for your input. Carlos
Hello Carlos, Your clock looks like a model called "Column No. 2" on page 519 of Trans' Seth Thomas Book (His clock number 1738). If that is what you have, Willie was right on the money as it is said to be from circa 1863. It is described as "Early brass movement column model. 30-hour, weight-driven. This model was replaced by a similar one with ogee base and top molding". So you have a pretty early one. I would avoid using any type of ammonia cleaner on the movement just as a precaution. The brass may be susceptible to stress corrosion cracking. When you have a few minutes, this thread may help inform your cleaning decisions for this old-timer: Movement cleaning solutions Good luck, Bruce
I like the Ogee style clocks. Easy to work on, and fun to own. There are two pulleys at the top that often cause problems from wear. You may have to replace one or both of them. Easy to make on a lathe.
If you can make out the printers name and address on the label, at the bottom, there are lists that give the printing date.
No dates printed at the bottom of the label. All it says is: Steam Elihu and an address in Connecticut. Thanks
Possibly this is Elihu Geer who made labels for Seth Thomas at various dates. You mention an address in Connecticut. Can you make out the address? E.g., Elihu Geer, when at 16 State Street made labels for Seth Thomas between 1856 - 1865. This is from Paul Heffner's section in Tran Duy Ly's 3d ed. of Seth Thomas clocks, vol. 1, pp. 42-43. Larry did not mean that there would be a date at the bottom of the label.
