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Old clocks - seeking information

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https://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/320601935/m/3470073854

June 29, 2019, 12:38 PM
Jim1970
Old clocks - seeking information
Hello,

I’ve been given a Seth Thomas and a Fauch mantle clocks; and a Linden wall clock. I wondered if anyone here might have expertise in these clocks and would be willing to share information. If not, I will use google.

Thank you!

Jim


That which doesn't kill you only makes you stronger
June 29, 2019, 03:01 PM
FenderBender
Well, I think some photos would be a good start.


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June 29, 2019, 03:05 PM
RGRacing
Love to see what you come up with -
I have a Linden Clock. It is about 30 years old and is now stopping at the top of the hour at 5 or 6 days into a full wind.

I found that insuring it is plumb is critical.
I may go in and see if I can lube something like the main springs but it has lost the 21 day duty cycle of old.

Linden Clock Company acquired by Alliance Time in 2009.
June 29, 2019, 03:10 PM
RGRacing
Oiling Procedures that I have found -
Mine is a wall pendulum clock

-Main-springs are oiled after cleaning and before they are recoiled.
-Teeth and pinions are never oiled.
-Normally, the dial train of gears, hour wheel, minute wheel and minute wheel post are not oiled. However, oil is used between the center shaft and cannon pinion where slip friction is present in setting the hands.
-All points of friction such as train wheel pivots to bushings are oiled. Verge faces are oiled directly.
-Oil is always used sparingly and should never run all over the plates.
June 30, 2019, 07:02 AM
rduckwor
quote:
Originally posted by RGRacing:
Oiling Procedures that I have found -
Mine is a wall pendulum clock

-Main-springs are oiled after cleaning and before they are recoiled.
-Teeth and pinions are never oiled.
-Normally, the dial train of gears, hour wheel, minute wheel and minute wheel post are not oiled. However, oil is used between the center shaft and cannon pinion where slip friction is present in setting the hands.
-All points of friction such as train wheel pivots to bushings are oiled. Verge faces are oiled directly.
-Oil is always used sparingly and should never run all over the plates.


Be EXTREMELY CAREFUL with the mainsprings on these clocks. They are large, powerful and can hurt you when you try to uncoil or recoil them. There are mainspring winders made specifically for these large springs.



RMD




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June 30, 2019, 07:11 AM
kz1000
Lots of great info here. I'm a member.


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June 30, 2019, 07:40 AM
220-9er
I would start by finding a serial number and check to see if there is a site with dating info.

In my limited experience, there are a number of old name clock companies trading on the original name that are no longer made to high quality standards or are the original company. Most that are not decades old, are highly valued or quality movements.

Many are now quartz movements or lower quality "imports" and import generally means China or another third world country.

I have a few Chelseas, and they have good information available. They are one of the few, maybe only, original American clock companies still in business. You can also get quality factory service and restoration for them for a reasonable price. I would ask them if they can service yours or tell you where to have that done.

http://www.chelseaclockmuseum.com/newpage6.htm

https://www.chelseaclock.com/p/repair-restoration/


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June 30, 2019, 08:05 AM
Eponym
https://clockhistory.com/ has some Seth Thomas history.
June 30, 2019, 03:38 PM
Jim1970
Hello!

Thank you everyone for the comments. I have no idea how to post pictures here! If someone can educate me I’m happy to share pictures.

Jim


That which doesn't kill you only makes you stronger
June 30, 2019, 05:30 PM
Eponym
Jim, check this thread: https://sigforum.com/eve/forums...0601935/m/6470098434
June 30, 2019, 09:36 PM
snoris
If your Seth Thomas is an old calendar clock (clock dial on top, circular calendar on the bottom), please e-mail me a photo. I have a fair amount of experience with that style. My e-mail is in my profile.
June 30, 2019, 11:04 PM
Jim1970
Hello!

Thanks for the education on picture hosting. Here are pics of the clocks:

https://ibb.co/THhd1tb

https://ibb.co/TYsGLs0
https://ibb.co/XbhrtmS

https://ibb.co/g32Y0KR
https://ibb.co/SJ8Bhss

https://ibb.co/xG2J4ZN

Any input welcome, as I haven’t had a ton of luck finding information.

Thank you,

Jim


That which doesn't kill you only makes you stronger
July 01, 2019, 01:10 PM
Eponym
If you enclose each link in an IMG URL tag then the picture will be displayed in your post. For each picture, in the dark bar above your message, click the third icon from the right (between the white envelope and the window icons), paste/type the Image URL of the picture in the popup, and press the Enter button in the popup.

Something like this will appear in your message (minus the asterisks):
[*IMG]https://ibb.co/THhd1tb[/IMG*]

Note you can edit your post, above, with the links to do this.