Posted 8 years ago
phantomsig…
(2 items)
This is a 1919 ( I think ) Seth Thomas Mantle clock. Has a Sticker within Which Reads: "Wedding Gift to: Carl C. Jensen and Eula B. Jensen September 1919" I think this may be where the auction house got the ideal it was a 1919 clock. Can anyone shed any info on this. I just started collecting clocks and am still learning. Should I restore it or is it more collectable as it is?
Hi, welcome to Collectors Weekly. What are the case measurements? (Use absolute longest case measures for each)
It looks like you have a Tambour 17 (or a Sentinel 3). Circa 1919 is probably about right. The wedding present was probably brand new, don't you think? Nice to have that kind of provenance info on it.
I would say just clean it up and try to remove any foreign paint drops, etc. which don't belong. It has a high quality mahogany case so treat it like fine furniture. After you get it all cleaned up, Lemon Oil and Beeswax makes a nice maintenance polish, which is easy to apply and doesn't result in a lot of waxy buildup.
Most collectors want an original example in good condition. You don't want to refinish it unless the original finish is absolutely ruined. If the clock is for your personal collection, it's more a matter of personal taste as to how much "restoration" is enough.
Does it still run and strike?
I will find out more when it gets here, I hope it will not take much to get it running. I'll post more when it gets here. I only paid $33 for it at auction so I hope it will be a good investment. Thanks for the additional info.
You're welcome. You got these clocks for pretty low bids. If you are going into collecting clocks, just "invest" in what you really like would be my advice. It has been a declining market for several years running now. Rare clocks still do pretty well, but their prices usually run in the thousands of dollars.
If that solves your mystery, please indicate "Mystery Solved" in your listing(s).
Thanks.
Did you have any other questions regarding this clock?
I have a clock almost identical to this one but the Seth Thomas is under the 12 instead of the 6 any ideas as to age it works good and has a 89 stamped on the workings any help would be appreciated.