Category: Sessions

Broken mainspring for barrel

The Myth of Over-Winding: Clarifying a Common Misconception

September 3, 2024

In the fascinating world of horology, many terms and expressions are often misunderstood or misused. A classic example is the frequent confusion between the words “mantel” and “mantle” to describe certain types of clocks. While “mantel” refers to a shelf over a fireplace, “mantle” is something you wear, like a cloak. Another pervasive myth is … More The Myth of Over-Winding: Clarifying a Common Misconception

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Sessions Lexington banjo clock

Having a ticking clock in a bedroom may be the answer to a restless night

April 26, 2024

While many might not initially favour the idea of having a ticking mechanical clock in their bedrooms, its presence can actually offer significant benefits. Let me elaborate on why. Before I go further let me say I understand that some individuals may find the ticking sound disruptive to their sleep. The therapeutic value of having … More Having a ticking clock in a bedroom may be the answer to a restless night

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Time to service a Classic Sessions Schoolhouse Clock – cleaning & testing the movement

October 31, 2023

In the first segment of this two-part series, I detailed the assessment process of this Sessions time-only movement, which can be accessed here. This article explores the next steps in the servicing of this clock movement. I will also offer in-depth observations regarding the case’s condition and comment on any additional issues that have emerged … More Time to service a Classic Sessions Schoolhouse Clock – cleaning & testing the movement

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Time to service a Classic Sessions Schoolhouse Clock – initial assessment

October 27, 2023

Two years ago, I acquired this Sessions schoolhouse clock at an auction with the intention of adding it to my collection of similar 19-inch clocks. The purpose behind this acquisition was to create a set of “time zone” clocks, as my children are scattered across the country. This setup allows me to easily glance up … More Time to service a Classic Sessions Schoolhouse Clock – initial assessment

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A Guide to Choosing Antique and Vintage Clocks as Unique Gifts

October 24, 2023

As the holiday season approaches, the search for a unique and meaningful gift becomes crucial. Antique or vintage clocks, often overlooked, can make a delightful and “timely” present. Whether you’re knowledgeable about clocks or a novice, finding the right one requires some understanding, and I’m here to provide you with some helpful pointers and explanations. … More A Guide to Choosing Antique and Vintage Clocks as Unique Gifts

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New Haven schoolhouse clock

The Schoolhouse Clock: Unveiling its History

July 14, 2023

The origin of the name “schoolhouse clock” is not well-documented, and it appears that the term was not used during the time these clocks were made. Instead, it was later coined by collectors to describe a particular style of clock commonly found in school settings. Schoolhouse clocks were the standard design for early North American … More The Schoolhouse Clock: Unveiling its History

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Tips for Antique Shop Proprietors when selling antique clocks (and other items)

May 5, 2023

As an avid antique shopper, I understand the thrill of finding a unique and valuable item, especially at a reasonable price. However, on my recent visit to a local antique shop, I found items priced far above their actual value, which was a disappointment. I expect antique store prices to be slightly higher to cover … More Tips for Antique Shop Proprietors when selling antique clocks (and other items)

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Restoring an Antique Sessions Schoolhouse Clock: Repairing Bushing Wear and Overcoming Common Issues

March 14, 2023

Bushing wear is a common issue that can occur on antique brass clock movements. A bushing is a small hole drilled into the plate that is used to support the pivots and reduce friction between the pivots and the clock’s plates. Over time, the bushings can become worn down or damaged due to friction, which … More Restoring an Antique Sessions Schoolhouse Clock: Repairing Bushing Wear and Overcoming Common Issues

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Time only movement for a wall clock

A diminutive schoolhouse clock by Sessions

March 7, 2023

The Sessions Clock Company of America was one of the leading clock manufacturers in the United States in the early 20th century. Founded in 1903 by William E. Sessions and Aaron Lufkin Dennison in Forestville, Connecticut, the company quickly gained a reputation for producing clocks that were both reliable and affordable. Over the years, the … More A diminutive schoolhouse clock by Sessions

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Sessions time and strike movement with a stiff minute hand

December 16, 2022

Most mechanical clocks have an hour hand concentric with the minute hand with the hour hand making one full turn every twelve hours. The special set of wheels off the centre arbour is called the motion works. Attached to the centre arbour is the minute hand. The hour pipe fits over the centre arbour and … More Sessions time and strike movement with a stiff minute hand

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Sessions Westminster chime circa 1931

Tick Talk Tuesday #44 – What can you tell me about this clock?

December 9, 2022

Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from readers concerning clock issues, challenges faced, a clock you would profiled or advice on your particular clock concern. For those comments and questions that stump even me, I consult within my clock circles for the best possible answer ED writes Good morning,  I … More Tick Talk Tuesday #44 – What can you tell me about this clock?

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Sessions Mission style clock – an interesting challenge to what should have been a routine servicing

November 11, 2022

This is the only mission-style clock in my collection. Made by the Sessions Clock Co. of America in or about the 1920s it reflects classic Mission design and is rather attractive. I was not searching for this clock but a $10 find in a Pembroke, Ontario thrift shop is hard to pass up. Though this … More Sessions Mission style clock – an interesting challenge to what should have been a routine servicing

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Sessions Mission style wall clock – past shoddy repairs make servicing a challenge

October 7, 2022

Between 1903 and 1933 the Sessions Clock Company of America produced 52 models of mechanical clocks ranging from simple mantel clocks and shelf clocks to wall or “regulator” clocks all designed for the home or small businesses. Found in many homes across America Sessions clocks were regarded as relatively inexpensive, simple in design, and decently … More Sessions Mission style wall clock – past shoddy repairs make servicing a challenge

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Mission style wall clock from Sessions – first look

September 30, 2022

Once the Sessions Clock Co acquired E. N. Welch assets in 1902 (for more on the history of E. N. Welch Clock Co. go here) the company was well on its way to becoming one of the biggest clock producers in America. Production began in 1903 and between that time and 1933 Sessions produced 52 models … More Mission style wall clock from Sessions – first look

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Calibrating a typical American spring-driven mechanical clock

August 15, 2022

In our quest to have our antique mechanical clocks run accurately the immediate response is to regulate the clock, but have you thought about calibrating your mechanical clock? It is not as difficult as it sounds. This is not the same as regulating your clock. A properly regulated Anerican-made spring-driven clock will show the correct … More Calibrating a typical American spring-driven mechanical clock

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Servicing a Sessions Grand Assortment time and strike movement

June 7, 2022

The Grand Assortment was sold “six in a case” to retailers who then sold them separately. The name “Assortment” seems appropriate and I am not surprised that some collectors refer to them simply as the Grand. So, was the “Assortment” a choice among a number of Grands (Grand 1, Grand 2, etc.)? Selling clocks in … More Servicing a Sessions Grand Assortment time and strike movement

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Grand Assortment by Sessions – is the assortment really that grand?

May 24, 2022

This is not the first Grand Assortment clock from the Sessions Clock Co. that I have worked on. In June 2019 I repaired a family member’s clock. It is exactly the same model. The Grand Assortment was sold “six in a case” to retailers who then sold them separately. The name “assortment” seems appropriate and … More Grand Assortment by Sessions – is the assortment really that grand?

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A Sessions clock is on the bench 5 years later – what needs to be done?

March 8, 2022

A mechanical clock is a machine and all machines require periodic maintenance. Five years might be considered a long time since the movement on a Sessions time and strike mantel clock was first worked on when 2-3 years is the norm between service intervals but let’s agree that it has not been an easy time … More A Sessions clock is on the bench 5 years later – what needs to be done?

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Sessions 3W electric table clock

Sessions electric table clock refinishing – a father-daughter project

May 15, 2020

In light of current world events the antiquevintageclock.com family wish to convey our sympathy and condolences to those effected by Covid 19 My daughter found this vintage Sessions electric table clock, a model 3W and gave it to me as a Christmas gift. It is made, by the Sessions Clock Co. Forestville, Connecticut in 1936 … More Sessions electric table clock refinishing – a father-daughter project

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