Posted 3 years ago
pauliHisto…
(3 items)
I just acquired this clock and I know nothing about it. I haven't been able to find a similar on online, and I was hoping that someone could help me identify it, about how old it is, etc. I was told that it was a kitchen/shelf clock. It is a n8 day spring driven clock with alarm and runs great.
Hello. Welcome to Collectors Weekly, Clocks. As you have already indicated, you have wood mantel clock by Seth Thomas. I think that it is from their "Metal Series" which are adorned with metal decorations. Specifically it is their Metal Series No. 5. It is an 8-day Time and Strike with an optional alarm. These clocks are commonly known as Gingerbread Clocks or Kitchen Clocks and were very popular during the late 20th century. Just about all of the major American Clock manufacturers offered a wide variety of models and styles.
Here are a few other examples found on the Internet:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/7169607_a-seth-thomas-metal-series-no-5-mantle-clock
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/56604165_a-seth-thomas-metal-series-no-5-kitchen-clock
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/20610414_seth-thomas-oak-metal-series-no-5-clock
If that solves your mystery, please indicate "mystery solved" in your listing.
Thanks
It says right on the dial AND the label. It's a Seth Thomas Kitchen Clock. Google that.
Popular in late 19th EARLY 20th century, not late 20th!
Like Bruce said - they made 100s of styles. It's weird, you will rarely find two EXACTLY alike.
Right you are, late 19th, early 20th century. My mistake. In the Metal No. 5's case the circa is 1900. The poster put his (or her) clock in the Seth Thomas category so they already knew that much. Not weird at all to find two exactly alike as they really cranked out these popular, relatively inexpensive clocks. Sometimes, however, the same clock will show up at different auctions with the same auctioneer or through a different auction house from subsequent owners.
Thank you all so much! Yes, I knew it was a Seth Thomas Clock. On the back it is ink stamped 8981B. When I wrote the post, I only had photos to go on, it wasn't yet in my possession. It is now.
It is my understanding that they put the date backwards so its manufacture date
should be Feb. 1898.
Can you tell me about the optional alarm? How does it work?
The clock seems to be keeping good time, but the chime is way off. It strikes one time on the hour, then strikes the hour on the half hour. Other than that, it seems to be in perfect condition. Only some wear on the label on the bottom of the inside of the case.
Yes, you are absolutely correct on the date of manufacture stamp!
You can re-synchronize the time with the hour strike by carefully moving the hour hand (clockwise, or counter-clockwise) to the last hour struck. From there you can just set the time. Do NOT move the minute hand counter-clockwise, only clockwise please. Stop at each strike point (top of hour and half-hour?) to let the movement finish striking before advancing any further.
To set the Alarm Feature turn the little brass alarm disk (in the middle of the dial) so that the time desired for the alarm to sound is directly beneath the hour hand. They are not terribly precise although you can fine tune them. Also, the alarm will continue to sound until its spring winds completely down so you may not wish to completely wind it up if you choose to use the alarm feature. Here is a link with some more details about the mechanism and how to set it up: https://mb.nawcc.org/threads/kitchen-clock-alarm-•.105625/
Note, the alarm setting disk will only turn in one direction when the release lever is in the bottom of the cam slot. I think that you'll only be able to turn it clockwise. Don't force anything. If it won't go in one direction, it should go in the other.
Keep in mind that this is a machine with many moving parts. It will need periodic lubrication, cleaning and service. You may want to have it looked at by a good clock shop before putting it back into regular service. The mainsprings store a lot of power and they can do some damage to the clock and to your hand if, when winding, they suddenly let loose due to some mechanical failure.
Hope that helps. Please let us know if you have any more questions.
Thanks for sharing!
Bruce
Regarding the 'upside-down' striking. The clock should strike just once on the half-hour and the number of hours at the top of the hour. It sounds like you're also out of sync as far as that setting goes. While it is busy striking the hour at half-past, quickly move the minute hand clockwise to the top of the hour. Again do NOT force anything. If something jams, STOP moving the hand and back off a little. Let the movement come to a stop, and try again if necessary.
These are great suggestions! There used to be a great clock shop in the next town, but the owner passed away. I'll have to look for another one somewhere near me. In the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy looking at the clock. It is something that I have always wanted and it fits so well in my historic Queen Anne farmhouse.
Just tried your suggestions and it now chimes correctly. Thank you so much!
You're very welcome Pauli!
I'm glad that we could help solve your Mystery.
Thanks again for sharing your antique Seth Thomas.
Regards