Posted 10 years ago
cue606
(5 items)
This is an old favorite of mine I got while helping someone move. It had belonged to their grandparents and they had no interest in owning it. I have no idea why but I accepted it greatfully and it has sat on the shelf in my living room ever since. I had to get a new key to wind it because the double end one that it came with was so worn, but I still have it to adjust the speed.
Just FYI, it looks like you have a model that Seth Thomas called "Rex" from circa 1921. It originally retailed for $15 which would be almost $200 in 2013. Even relatively simple clocks such as this one were definitely not cheap "throw-aways". Here's a link to another example: http://www.greenfieldstore.com/clocks/rex.html
Thanks for sharing.
That's the one, it's a Rex. Definately the workhorse of it's day. There were quite a few models of this particular movement. Amazingly enough mine does not appear to have had any work done. The bearings and everything all appear original and it's runs perfectly and keeps excellent time. Thanks for the link Bruce99!
You're very welcome cue606. This is a quality clock in a modest, unassuming case. As you state, the basic Seth Thomas "No. 89" time and strike movement was a very reliable and successful workhorse for the Company. Tran Duy Ly lists about 15 different versions (like the "89", "89 A", "89 AL", "89 M", etc.) which were widely used in everything from time and gong (or cup bell) strike clocks to a numerous configurations of "ding dong" strikes (on two and three chime rods or cup bells). Very notably they used a version of it, the "89 AD", as the primary movement in their two-movement Sonora Chime Clocks. I think that the 89's only used dead-beat or half dead-beat escapements which made them much more accurate timekeepers (when compared to recoil movements) over the mainspring's week-long torque curve. Seth Thomas even manufactured a version of this movement for Kroeber to use in his company's clocks. Looks like your Rex has found a good home. Enjoy and thanks again for sharing!
Hi, We have a Seth Thomas mantel clock like this one! trying to figure out what year it was made. at is a 89al. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!Christina