Posted 8 years ago
ekim
(6 items)
I purchased this Seth Thomas, Clock 10 years ago. The clock works perfectly
and it keeps great time. About 2 weeks ago I oiled and cleaned the 89C movement this is the second time I oiled the movement. Notice the Babbitt
Bearing repair done on the Escapement. The Bearing repair was done long before I owned the clock. 60 Years ago?? You would have had to be very good with Babbitt to make such a small repair. This Seth Thomas, Clock has been running for 10 years. I just love it.
I would like to know the model and the year it was made. There are no stenciled numbers or letters on the bottom of the clock.
Hi. What are the measurements of the case?
Bruce99,
The measurement are.
9 3/4 Tall.
8 1/4 Wide at the base.
5 1/2 Deep at the base.
Thank you. ekim
Hi ekim.
Thank you for the measurements and for sharing your Antique Clock with us. It looks like you have a Seth Thomas "Dana No. 1" from circa 1913. Your model originally listed for $6.50 which would have been about $155 in 2015. Their "Dana" series had at least 15 different, distinct models in the line. Do a web search on "Seth Thomas Dana 1" and you'll find photos of the No. 1 as well as some of the other Dana models. This model line is among Seth Thomas' "Adamantine" Mantel Clocks. See this link for more information: https://clockhistory.com/sethThomas/products/adamantine/
As you note, they used the Seth Thomas No. 89 8-day Time and Strike Movement. That was a very popular, robust and accurate time-keeper. As a clock "fixer" I don't share you enthusiasm for what was done to the Escape Wheel's bushing (or bearing) but it has been running for you for 10 years and that's hard to argue with. I think it is an excellent example of just how well the No. 89 was engineered and manufactured.
With antique clocks, I try to make repairs invisible and keep everything as original as possible. The solder repair is part of the clock's provenance now, but if it ever came across my bench I would try to reverse it. That wouldn't be easy since solder superficially bonds metallurgically to Brass.
I'm not trying to sell you anything and I don't want to be overly critical of what was done to your clock but it was, at best, an amateur repair which would reduce the value of the clock to most Seth Thomas Collectors.
Enjoy your Seth Thomas and know that the No. 89 Movement (which came in many versions and was used in a very wide variety of their clocks) was/is a real workhorse for the Seth Thomas Clock Company.
If you ever want to clean and polish the Adamantine, I like using something like "Goop" hand cleaner without pumice. I apply it with clean, soft cloth until the cloth no longer lifts any dirt or film. A good Auto Wax will go a long way towards restoring the original appearance and finish and it will help protect the "plastic" veneer from oxidation. You have to be careful with the edges though because you can easily snag and break off chips of the Adamantine.
Keep the clock out of direct sunlight. Here's a link with a good discussion on Adamantine Finish Care and Protection: http://mb.nawcc.org/showthread.php?119427-Adamantine-Finish-Care-and-Protection
Thanks again for sharing your clock ekim and welcome to Collectors Weekly.
If this solves your mystery, please indicate "Mystery Solved" in your write up. If you have more questions, ask away. :)
Regards,
Bruce
Bruce99,
Thank You very much for the information.
As for the Babbitt repair I agree with you.
ekim
You're very welcome ekim. I'm glad we could help. Obviously the old-timer is in good hands now. :)