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Clocks, Watches/Eli Terry and Seth Thomas Clocks

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Expert: - 6/21/2009


Question

Clock
I have two old clocks; an Eli Terry shelf clock from about 1812 and a Seth Thomas tall clock from about 1820. Both have 30-hour wood movements. I trying to determine if the weights are original and, if not, where I can find original weights. I am also having trouble with leveling the clocks so that they will run for a full cycle. They are very sensitive.
Thanks,
Dick

Answer
I don't have any information on what the weights should look like but I would guess that they are cast iron with a steel hook that was set into the casting.
Check to see if the clocks stop when the weights are in a particular position. There is a phenomenon called the Wednesday effect. Then the weights are about as low as the pendulum bob the weights may start swaying with the pendulum. This causes the entire clock case to sway. As the weights drop a bit lower they will sway out of sync with the pendulum. This can cause the pendulum to stop.
If this is causing the clock to stop you may have to strap it to the wall to hold the case firmly so it won't sway.
I hope this information is helpful to you.
Michael

Michael Radi

Expertise

Clock repair and clock parts questions

Experience

I have been professionally repairing clocks for 11 years. I owned and ran a clock shop for 6 years. I have been the owner of a clock parts supply company for the past 11 years.

Organizations
National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors

Education/Credentials
High school graduate, some college, graduate of Niles Bryant School of Piano Tuning and repair.

Past/Present Clients
I perform about 20 clock repairs per week.

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