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Clocks, Watches/Seth Thomas Schoolhouse Clock
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QUESTION: I purchase an old clock at a yard sale recently, I really know nothing about the clock, but the is a diamond with st inside on the class so I assume its a Seth Thomas. I have try to find one like it on the net but have been unable to so far. Any help or information would be grateful.
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ANSWER: S Knighton, I believe what you have is a 22" high Japanese Seikosha school house clock that was made to resemble the Seth Thomas type clocks. These clocks were made circa 1910. The Seikosha company was the forerunner of the Seiko company. These are collectable clocks. I have a couple of them myself and have worked on a few. I hope this helps a little.
John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for the info, I was curious as to what the ST inside the diamond on the glass stood for? Or maybe not even the orginal glass for all I know.
I'm sure it is the original glass. I'm not sure what the ST Stands for. It could be Seikosha Time. Some of these companies did their best to make the buying public think they were buying another brand. If I find any more information on that I will get back with you.
John Newman
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Answers by Expert:
John Newman
Expertise
As much as I would like to offer values of clocks, I am not a certified appraiser and will not venture into giving an unresearched guess. There is very little published information on what I consider to be the value of "modern production clocks". Considerations are what the clock originally sold for, the condition of the case and movement, and particularly the area in which you live, the demand and the economy. ALSO, WATCHES ARE NOT MY FIELD. However, I can advise the clock owner on proper maintenance of a clock to keep it running, small corrections and adjustments and how to move a clock without damaging it. I can also advise on obtaining parts for clocks. It helps if you can send any information on the clock movement which is usually found on the back plate of the movement. I have been a clockmaker for about 35 years and was plant engineer in the mid 90's and later operations and engineering consultant at Emperor Clock Company in Fairhope, Alabama. I now have my own clock shop.
Experience
One of my greatest accomplishments was traveling to China to assist a clock factory in building clocks to the standards which we required. With the proper specifications and quality control, some beautiful clock cases were built. The factory people from the wood carvers to the plant manager were very congenial, friendly and I left a lot of wonderful friends when I returned from my trips.
Organizations
Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Committee
Publications
Horological Times, a publication of the American Watch and Clockmakers Instute. Collaberated column author, with Photos and ideas for clock movement conversion article.
Education/Credentials
Associate of Science Mechanical Engineering Technology
Emperor Introductory Clock Repair (Eventually taught a portion of the class after becoming employee)
Awards and Honors
Small Business of the Quarter (Prattville, Alabama)
Leadership Class of 2009 (Autauga County, Alabama)
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