Clocks, Watches/Seth Thomas Clock

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Expert: Martin Meyer - 7/19/2009


Question
I purchased a SethThomas clock the tag on back says Talley Industries GA No Jewels 429705 model 8403.  It has three key wound holes.  It needs a pendulum hanger.  The holes have been wound don't know if it works.  How can I determine if it works without the hanger?

Answer

Pendulum Leader Assemb
Hi Patti,

You can't determine with certainty if the clock will run, because you can't connect the pendulum to test run the clock. However, with the clock fully wound, you can observe the movement from the back, and move the Crutch (see below) back and forth manually. When you do this, the clock should tick. It is sometimes possible for a clock with worn bearings to make enough power to tick in this test, but not enough power to actually run with a pendulum attached, but most of the time this test will give you an accurate result.

The crutch is a brass strip, wire or bar which emerges from the movement near the very top center, bends to go down vertically, and at its lower end connects to the pendulum leader (pendulum hanger), which is the part that the pendulum actually hooks onto. I have attached a photo showing these parts; the clock in the photo is very different from your clock, but all the basic parts are the same.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com

Martin Meyer

Expertise

Can answer repair and service questions for most types of clocks, antique and modern, mechanical and battery. NO watches, appraisals, identification, history, dating, or questions about cuckoo clocks. Website for Modern and Antique Clock Repair: Clockmasteronline.com

Experience

24 Years as owner and repairman of clock repair business, 28 years in the field. Factory Independent Service Center for Howard Miller, Ridgeway and (formerly) Sligh Clocks. Specializing in Fine Antique Longcase (grandfather) clocks. Clock repair Website: (Please remove "Not" from the address - this is a spam protection): www.NotClockmasteronline.com

Organizations
AWCI (American Watchmakers and Clockmakers Institute) and NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors)

Publications
Am also an Expert in the "AllExperts-Antiques-Antique Clocks" Category.

Education/Credentials
Trained by a former Rolex Asia watchmaker, and by a Master Watchmaker/Clockmaker.

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