Seth Thomas 8 day mantel clock dated 1899

Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2008 7:17 pm     Post subject: Seth Thomas 8 day mantel clock dated 1899

We recently bought an 8 day Seth Thomas clock and we would like to find information on care and operation of the clock. I have noticed 3 key openings in the face, 2 are at 3 and 9 o'clock to wind the clock and the chime. The 3rd opening is at 12 o'clock and is much smaller than the other two and we don't know what it is for?
Also, the chime is 3 hours behind the actual time, e.g., at 5 o'clock it chimes once, at 10 o'clock it chimes 7 times. any ideas?
Thank you
Glen Williams

Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 5:35 am     Post subject:

Two of the holes (at 4 and are the mainspring winding holes. The right is for the time, and the left is for the strike (there are no chimes). The smaller hole up at the 12 is for regulating the clock. It should have a small "F" on one side, and a small "S" - meaninf :fast: and "slow". CAUTION!!! Some of the Seth Thomas models have locking chops, so if you use the key on the regulating post and the chops are locked, you will break your regulating post. Open the back door and look at the movement. The chops are a sliding prong that rides on either side of that ribbon of steel at the top of the pendulum. What you are looking for is a locking screw that will be just off to the side, with the head pointing straight at you. If you find it, losen it up before you make any adjustments with the small end of the key. As for the strike count being off, this is a "no-brainer". Then next time you hear the hour strike, take the hour hand and just turn it until it gets to the hour that corresponds to the srtike. The hour hand is thick, and WILL move with gentle to moderate pressure - but be careful of hitting the minute hand while you move the hour hand.

Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 2:09 pm     Post subject: Seth Thomas 8 day mantel clock dated 1899

Thank you very much for your help. This clock has been in my family since it was new. We bought it from my father's cousin to help them out as they are moving into an extended care facility. Along with this one, we also have a beehive clock that belonged to my wife's great grandparents but it needs to be worked on if we can find a local shop near Kansas City. Thank you again for your help and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas.
Glen Williams
gwill65074@aol.com