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Clocks, Watches/age of Seth Thomas clock

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Expert: - 9/2/2010


Question

Seth Thomas mantle clo
John, I am trying to find out the age of this clock.  It belonged to my grandparents but we do not have any idea
when they purchased it.  The label has been torn off and I could not find a stamp anywhere.  I have attached a picture and hope this is sufficient.  Any info will be
greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Nancy Cain


Answer
Nancy, you have a nice clock.  The finish is something Seth Thomas used called "Adamantine".  It is a celluloid (forerunner to plastic) finish glued onto the wood.  It was developed and patented by the Celluloid Manufacturing Company in 1880 and the patten was bought by Seth Thomas in 1881.  Your clock was from somewhere around the 1889 era.  If there is a number stamped on the back or bottom of the clock like 9881d, that would be the date code.  Turn the numbers around from 9881 to 1889 and the d would be the month, April.  I hope this helps a little.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentWow! I had been trying to find this information on my own and not having much luck. One hour after I asked my question, I had a response. Big help! Thanks John.


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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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