How do I identify an old mantel clock?
How to Identify Antique Clocks
- Obtain books about antique clock collecting.
- Look for any markings (or signings) on the clock’s dial or movement.
- Read the label if the clock is unsigned.
- Identify what type of antique clock it is.
- Look at other items on the clock for clues as to when it was made, and who manufactured it.
What is an adamantine clock?
Seth Thomas is well known for their “Adamantine” black mantel clocks, which were made starting in 1882. Adamantine is a celluloid veneer, glued to the wood case. Adamantine veneer was made in black and white, and in colored patterns such as wood grain, onyx and marble.
How do I identify my Seth Thomas mantle clock?
Labels and Trademarks
- Look for the remains of a label or the full paper label on the clock on its back, bottom or inside.
- Study the pendulum inside the clock to determine if it has an etching on it.
- Turn over the clock carefully and look for a metal plate that identifies the clock as a Seth Thomas clock.
How old is my Seth Thomas mantle clock?
Many Seth Thomas clocks from 1881 to 1918 have a date code stamped in ink on the case back or bottom. Usually, the year is done in reverse, followed by a letter A–L representing the month. For example, April 1897 would appear as 7981 D.
How do I know if my clock is valuable?
Examine the clock for the marker’s signature or label. Check the face, mechanism and case. Clocks that are labeled or stamped with the name of its maker or a trademark are more desirable than unmarked clocks. If you can’t find a label or a stamp, you’ll need to identify the type of clock yourself.
What is the best mantel clock?
Best Mantel Clocks in 2020
- Embassy Brass Mantel Clock. Embassy Clock.
- Presidential Clock in Brass. Presidential Clock in Brass.
- Ship’s Bell Clock and Barometer in Nickel. Ship’s Bell Clock and Barometer in Nickel.
- The Chatham Quartz Clock. The Chatham Quartz Clock.
- The Harbour Master Time-Only Clock.
How much is a Seth Thomas mantle clock worth?
A very large, limited edition Seth Thomas mantel clock from the early days of the clock maker’s history sold for $2,000 on eBay. It was in excellent condition. An 1880s Seth Thomas clock with mahogany and adamantine in excellent condition sold for $550.
How do you clean adamantine?
NAWCC Business I use Meguiar’s clear coat swirl remover for Adamantine. I start by getting as much dirt off as I can and then remove any ornaments that come off. Swirl remover has a very fine abrasive that really polishes adamantine up like a piano.
Are Seth Thomas mantel clocks valuable?
Not surprisingly, the earliest clocks, especially those actually made by Seth Thomas, are worth the most money. If you can get a sense of the date your clock was made, either from the label, style, or date stamp, you have an important factor in assigning value.
Are antique mantel clocks worth anything?
There are many types of antique clocks: advertising, anniversary, atmos, bracket, carriage, cuckoo, deck kitchen, lantern, longcase, mantel, pendulum, skeleton, wall. For your antique clock to be worth anything, it must be the real thing.
How do you identify an antique clock?
Using the Maker’s Name or Company Name to Identify an Antique Clock
- Engraved or printed near the center face of the dial.
- Engraved or printed around the edge of the dial’s face and may be covered by the bezel.
- Stamped or engraved on the clock movement’s backplate.
- A paper label pasted on the back of the clock.
Where should I put my mantel clock?
Mantel clocks—or shelf clocks—are relatively small house clocks traditionally placed on the shelf, or mantel, above the fireplace. When your mantel clock chimes, count the number of times it chimes. Move the hour hand to the hour indicated by the hourly chime (count the number of gongs at the hour).
Are grandmother clocks worth anything?
How much is a grandmother clock worth? Just like other antiques, the value of grandmother clocks differs. These antiques could sell between $250 and $5,000. You will find that some markets would price them for $2,500, while in other markets, you could get them for $100.
How do you clean a marble clock case?
For black marble & slate clocks. Ensure the clock case is free of dirt, grease and waxes by using White Spirit. Dry the case with a soft clean cloth whilst the surface is still wet, then leave for 2-3 hours (Wire Wool can be used with the White Spirit for badly marked cases).
How do you clean a cuckoo clock case?
To clean the case of your cuckoo clock, you can use canned or compressed air to blow off the majority of the dust. Do this with caution as some parts might be loose and you could launch them into the next county with the compressed air if you are not careful.
How do I find out what my clock is worth?
Tips to Find Your Antique Clock’s Value
- Look for a Label or Signature. One of the largest factors in your clock’s value is the manufacturer.
- Look for Evidence the Clock is Handmade.
- Find Out What Category Your Clock Fits Into.
- Look for Signs of Age.
- Use Online Pricing Guides.
- Get a Reliable Appraisal.
Is it OK to put a mirror above a fireplace?
Don’t Position the Mirror Too High – Avoid positioning the mirror too high over the fireplace so it could be used functionally. Placing it too high means it could be reflecting the ceiling, a bare wall, a doorway, etc. Don’t Tilt the Mirror Above the Mantel – The mirror should not be tilted above the mantel.
What’s a tambour clock?
: a clock enclosed in an upright drum-shaped case with an extended base.
What are the most valuable antique clocks?
Here is a list of the five most expensive clocks ever sold at auction.
- Flamingo and lotus automation clock – $1.2M.
- Magpie’s treasure nest – $2.3M.
- Thomas Tompion Clock – $2M.
- #2. Chinese Ormolu clock (1736-1795) – $4M.
How old is my mantel clock?
Compare Your Clock An antique clock is at least 100 years old. If your clock is younger, it’s considered vintage. You can learn more about the age of your mantel clock, as well as its likely origins, on the DiscoverClocks.com website and clock forum.
How do you date a Gilbert mantle clock?
The best way to tell a Gilbert clock’s age is to inspect the back of it. You should see a label displaying the name of the company. Because this company changed its name various times throughout its duration, the name engraved on the back will help you identify the time period it was constructed in.
What is a tambour mantel clock?
How do you date a Waterbury mantel clock?
Waterbury clock movements vary, and sometimes may be stamped or engraved with the maker’s name. They may also be stamped with the clock’s manufacture date, underneath Waterbury’s patent marking. (The patent marking is a # followed by a number.)
Where were Ansonia clocks made?
Connecticut
Ansonia Clocks were made by a clock manufacturing business which started in Ansonia, Connecticut, in 1851 and which moved to Brooklyn, New York, in 1878.How much is a regulator clock worth?
Regulators For Sale. Prices, Appraisals & Auctions
Lot # Estimate / Price Realized 540 Seth Thomas Regulator #30 Fine Art, Antiques & ClocksPrices Realized SOLD: $2,360 405 Seth Thomas Regulator #6 Vintage Automobiles, Advertising, Collectibles, Paintings & Clock Auction SOLD: $2,300 How much does it cost to repair a clock?
On average, the cost to have a clock repaired can vary anywhere from $25 to as much as $2,500+. A simple oiling and adjusting can cost $100 or so, while extensive repairs and overhauls can start at $250 and go from there. Refer to our table below to see what the average clock repair could cost.
Who was the inventor of the adamantine clock?
Adamantine veneer was developed by the Celluloid Manufacturing Company of New York City, and was covered by U.S. Patent number 232,037, dated September 7, 1880. Seth Thomas Clock Company purchased the right to use the Adamantine veneer in 1881. Below are shown just a sampling of the many models of Adamantine clock made by Seth Thomas.
When did Seth Thomas make the black mantel clock?
These clocks have become known to collectors as “Black Mantel Clocks”, and were popular from 1880 to 1931. Seth Thomas made clocks in marble cases for a short time, from 1887 to ca. 1895. They also made clocks in iron cases finished in black enamel, from 1892 to ca. 1895.
What kind of veneer does Seth Thomas clocks use?
Seth Thomas is well known for their “Adamantine” black mantel clocks, which were made starting in 1882. Adamantine is a celluloid veneer, glued to the wood case. Adamantine veneer was made in black and white, and in colored patterns such as wood grain, onyx and marble.
Where is the date code on a Seth Thomas clock?
The back escapement type (up to ca. 1901*) has the regulating square above the numeral “12”. The model 89 has the regulating square below the center of the dial. These two types are evident in the illustrations above. Many Seth Thomas clocks from 1881 to 1918 have a date code stamped in ink on the case back or bottom.
Adamantine veneer was developed by the Celluloid Manufacturing Company of New York City, and was covered by U.S. Patent number 232,037, dated September 7, 1880. Seth Thomas Clock Company purchased the right to use the Adamantine veneer in 1881. Below are shown just a sampling of the many models of Adamantine clock made by Seth Thomas.
When was the first black mantel clock made?
These clocks have become known to collectors as “Black Mantel Clocks”, and were popular from 1880 to 1931. Seth Thomas made clocks in marble cases for a short time, from 1887 to ca. 1895.
Seth Thomas is well known for their “Adamantine” black mantel clocks, which were made starting in 1882. Adamantine is a celluloid veneer, glued to the wood case. Adamantine veneer was made in black and white, and in colored patterns such as wood grain, onyx and marble.
The back escapement type (up to ca. 1901*) has the regulating square above the numeral “12”. The model 89 has the regulating square below the center of the dial. These two types are evident in the illustrations above. Many Seth Thomas clocks from 1881 to 1918 have a date code stamped in ink on the case back or bottom.
