American clocks with double dials, often referred to as “double dial” or “two-dial” clocks, were common in the 19th century. There are two categories of double-dial clocks but first, let’s talk about the calendar clock. These clocks typically have one dial for the time and another for the calendar. The reason for this design was … More The American double-dial clock
Assessing the quality of mantel clocks, whether American or German, involves considering various factors such as craftsmanship, materials used, design, and overall reliability. Both American and German manufacturers have a rich history in clockmaking, and each has its own unique characteristics. In my collection, I’ve assembled a diverse array of clocks, featuring both American and … More A tale of two mantel clocks – German vs American engineering
Seth Thomas is a well-known American clock manufacturer with a long history, and they produced a variety of clock movements over the years. The Type 89 movement is one of the many clock movements produced by Seth Thomas between 1900 and 1938. The mantel clock in question features the Type 89 movement. Acquired in the … More Wrapping up the servicing of a Seth Thomas type 89 movement
Seth Thomas is a well-known American clock manufacturer with a long history, and they produced a variety of clock movements over the years. The Type 89 movement is one of the many clock movements produced by Seth Thomas over the years. This type was made between 1900 and 1938. I acquired this mantel clock during … More Seth Thomas type 89 movement servicing
During its prime, the Seth Thomas company produced exquisite clocks, and in my view, clocks from the 1870s stand out as the pinnacle of their craftsmanship. This particular clock embodies the design aesthetics of its era, lending it a timeless and enduring appeal. The clock boasts a sizable round top design, measuring 15 inches in … More Seth Thomas round top shelf clock with lyre movement revisited
In 2018, while exploring Ontario (Canada), I came across a Seth Thomas Regulator #2 in an antique shop in Bloomfield, just a short drive from Picton, a prominent center in Prince Edward County known for its numerous wineries. I had my eye on this clock when I viewed it online over the summer and carefully … More My Seth Thomas Regulator #2 Clock five years later
Why does a mechanical clock movement require servicing? The answer is quite straightforward. Maintaining your clock’s movement is essential to ensure it continues to function properly and extends its lifespan. Regular servicing reduces wear and tear, ultimately preserving the clock’s functionality. Ideally, most clocks should undergo servicing every three to five years to maximize longevity. … More The 7 essential steps to servicing a clock movement
Tick-Talk Tuesday is dedicated to addressing readers’ letters and comments related to clock issues, challenges, and recommendations for specific clocks. In cases where the comments and questions are particularly challenging, I seek advice from my fellow clock enthusiasts to provide the most accurate and helpful response. DS writes Morning, Ron – I’ve wanted to let … More Tick Talk Tuesday #49 – a well-preserved column and cornice clock
I received an email from a blog fan this week who posed an interesting question. She was concerned that a number of clocks offered for sale at a local antique store had radium dials. I assured her that I know of no maker of mantel, shelf, or long case clocks that used radium on their … More Clocks with luminous dials – the danger within
I have been collecting clocks for over twenty years and for the past 11 years I have been building my collection of vintage and antique clocks, repairing them, and restoring them. I often reflect back to that first “real” antique clock that my wife and I purchased at an antique store in Blockhouse, Nova Scotia … More My first antique clock – a Seth Thomas Adamantine mantel clock
Quite honestly an entire book should be dedicated to dating a clock. Some time ago I published an article entitled, “How to Date an Antique or Vintage Clock – Part I”, and I used specific examples from my own collection. I wanted to explore the topic a little further and this post will present a … More Dating an Antique or Vintage Clock – Part II
The time has come to determine the best clock acquisition of the past year. As a clock hobbyist, I have had little difficulty locating interesting clocks over the years, and despite the seemingly never-ending pandemic, I have scored a few in 2021 though the past year has been leaner than most. In the early days … More Best clock acquisition of 2021
I originally assumed this clock was a Seth Thomas since it had a Seth Thomas movement. After a thorough search on the web, I concluded that this was not a Seth Thomas case. I searched for clocks made by other clockmakers, starting with E.N Welch, Ansonia (because it is similar in style to the Syria), … More Waterbury Wren shelf clock – case refresh
I was attracted to the style of this clock but disappointed when I learned that it was a marriage of a Waterbury case with a Seth Thomas movement. Briefly, a marriage is when parts from two different makers come together. Buying a clock from a flea market, antique mall, a shop or what have you … More Servicing a Seth Thomas 8-day movement
This clock is an antique store find not too far from where I live. It was high on a shelf and the price was not visible. I asked the shopkeeper to take it down so that I could check the price ($40) and verify that it had a mechanical movement. I opened the back panel, … More A marriage of two makers, Waterbury and Seth Thomas
Perhaps recognizable as one of the most common regulator clocks in America, the Seth Thomas Regulator #2 was found in many railway stations, offices. libraries and other public places across America during the last century, a testament to its accuracy and dependability. It is a robust, accurate, well-engineered, and dependable timepiece that was made by … More Seth Thomas #2 has stopped – cleaning and bushing work should put it right
Among the most respected and prolific American clockmakers is the Seth Thomas Clock Co. of America. Every collector I know has at least one Seth Thomas clock in their collection. My modest collection consists of six Seth Thomas clocks representing several styles, all unique and from the period 1865 to 1930. This is a Seth … More A veneer repair can make a difference on a Seth Thomas shelf clock
This is Part I of a two part series. Part one covers the first three steps in renewing a Seth Thomas clock dial. In Part II the decorative corner design is restored. Inpainting is the process of reconstructing lost or deteriorated parts of a clock dial. In the museum world, in the case of a … More Inpainting a Seth Thomas clock dial – Part 1
This post explores buying tips for novice antique clock buyers. Those looking for an antique clock in general rather than a specific type or model of an antique mechanical clock will find the following tips very useful. Vintage versus antique According to the United States Government publications, the term “antique” is reserved for valuables that … More Buying an antique clock – how to
This Victorian period Seth Thomas mantel clock was in very good condition when I bought it close to 20 years ago. It sat on an upright piano until it was serviced in December 2017. During servicing 4 bushings were installed. The clock was then relocated to another room. The model is not actually called the … More Seth Thomas mantel clock – detailing makes a difference
Happy Birthday Sir Sanford Fleming, the inventor of Standard Time. Sir Sanford Fleming (January 7, 1827 – July 22, 1915) was Canada’s foremost railway surveyor and construction engineer of the 19th century and a distinguished inventor and scientist. Sir Sanford Fleming played a crucial role in developing a global system for setting time. Fleming advocated … More Happy Birthday Sir Sanford Fleming, the inventor of Standard Time
2018 was a successful year for my horological hobby in many ways. I met interesting people with fascinating stories, discovered new antique clock sources and had fun along the way. The best clock moments, in no specific order, during 2018 were: Arthur Pequegnat Moncton Finding an Arthur Pequegnat Moncton double-spring time-only wall clock was a … More Best clock moments of 2018
One of my newest acquisitions is a Seth Thomas Regulator #2 which I found in Bloomfield during my travels through Ontario. Bloomfield is a few minutes from Picton which is a major centre in Prince Edward County, known for it many wineries. These clocks do not come up very often; the price was right and … More Seth Thomas Regulator #2 wall clock
I discovered this Arthur Pequegnat Moncton in an antique store in Bloomfield, Ontario. I had my eye on it during a visit to the antique shop this past summer (2018), thought about it before taking the plunge later in the fall to buy it. These clocks do not come up very often and the price … More Arthur Pequegnat Moncton wall clock
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