Expert: William J Perkins - 12/9/2008

Question
QUESTION: I recently inherited an old Seth Thomas pendulum, windup mantel clock; it chimes on the hour.  When I am setting the time (turning the hands), I hear a mechanism running at the quarter hour but it does not chime at the quarter or half hour.  Is there a "turn off" mechanism that would explain why it doesn't chime except on the hour?  If not, any suggestions?

ANSWER: I suspect your clock is a strike only.  Do you know the model name?  How many winding arbors does the clock have?  Also let me know how many chime rods and hammers it has.  Regards WJP

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks, but your questions are generally beyond me.  The only further information I can offer regarding this beehive clock is the following:
1.  Above the 12 on the face of the clock is a small rod sticking out perhaps 1/8 or 1/16 inch from the face--perhaps it is to be pushed or pulled to activate the half or quarter hour chime?
2.  On the back of the clock it's numbered 48J on the mechanism.
3.  The chime mechanism is a single, simple hammer (gong)that strikes on a a coiled metal piece that looks like a spring.

Answer
Other than sharing a bit of information I can't do much for you. Per your inquiry the movement is marked DJ.  My catalogs provide the following:  No 48 DJ,-- day, small, pendulum, half-hour strike, spring, solid back plate buffed, brass pillars, spring boxes, long pillar brackets.  Pendulum, from center of movement to bottom of ball, 4", with follower in center of regulator; diameter of ball 1 11/16", Crown 28, center 15/16".  Length 4 1/2", width 4 3/4", depth 2 3/4".  Time mainspring No. 150, 7' x 3/4" x .013".  Strike mainspring No. 151, 5' x 3/4", x .016".
The foregoing is verbatim from a 1907 Seth Thomas catalog.  There are no accompanying diagrams, picture or drawings.
The small rod you mention at above 12 is and arbor used to regulate the speed of the clock.  Your winding key should be a double ended one.  The larger end fits over the mainspring winding arbors and is used to wind the clock.  The small end of the key is entered onto the rod projecting above 12 and turned to regulate the speed of the clock.  By turning this shaft the pendulum is raised or lowered to increase or decrease speed.
By the information given that is all I have.  Regards WJP