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Clocks, Watches/Sessions Mantel Clock

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Expert: - 4/23/2010


Question

Session Clock
I have an old Sessions Mantel Clock and am wanting to find some parts for it but the label that went inside the rear door stating what model it is is gone,I am wanting to find either replica or remanufactured parts...I am needing the face that has the numbers on it and the door with the glass in it that closes over the face...Any one know of a source for replica parts and does any one know how i can find out what model this clock is, Thanks Chris

Answer
Chris, the finish on the case looks in rather good condition.  I am reluctant to replace an original face if it isn't torn, worn or stained so the numbers cannot be read.  When they need replacing, I use an ivory dial rather than the white (and especially glossy white) paper dials.  Any replaced parts in a vintage clocks will reduce the value, but add to it if the parts are missing in the first place.  I would not replace the bezel (door) with a reproduction, as there are parts from old clocks that are identical to the missing ones.  I have quite a few of different sizes and some differ only a sixteenth of an inch.  If it is off that much, either the bezel will not close or it will be too loose.  Also I cannot quite tell if the hinge is still in place.  It's better to have the original although some of the old replacements have hinges on them.  I would suggest that if you have a clockmaker near you it is possible that he has old parts like this.  It's difficult to tell from your photo if the glass would be flat or convex.  One way to tell is to place a straightedge across the rim of the dial. If it touches the nut holding the minute hand, then you would need a convex glass.  I can give you suppliers names that do carry the reproductions, like, Timesavers, Merritts, Mile Hi, or R%26M Imports.  I would not replace a dial and bezel that did not match the original.  If you have no luck, get back with me and I might be able to find something.  I would like to see a photo of the dial straight on with a measurement across the outer rim.  My shop email address is below.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com

(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer personal email questions on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)

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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