Posted 5 years ago
cobramax
(1 item)
Stumbled upon this working (mostly) Sessions 8-day half-hour strike mantel clock. Any idea what year and model it is?
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Hello cobramax. Welcome to Collectors Weekly.
You have a model called the "Crawford" from circa 1915. Of course your particular example could have been manufactured several years before or after that date.
A lot can happen over the course of a century. For some reason, someone along the way has replaced both the Minute and Hour hands on your clock. They are of mis-matched styles. The hour hand is called the "Maltese" Style. I've seen the Minute hand's style before but I don't know what it is called. It is really a little too long for the dial.
Otherwise, a nice looking clock. Very interesting "Marquetry Transfers" patterns on each side of the dial.
What are your plans for it?
Thank you for the information!
I would like to get it back into original-looking and working shape. Even though it does run and chime, I haven't looked closely at the movement. If necessary, I'll get a full fix and cleaning. It needs 2 new feet and now correct hands. Can you tell me the correct style name for the hands? Also, should I find a replacement sticker for the back? Once it is good to go, I will either keep it and use it or sell it. Any idea of the value?
You're welcome cobramax. The hands illustrated in my reference are kind of Session's take on a style called "Fleur de Lis". See this auction listing for an example of the original hands:
https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/654/91325/46663914_1_x.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&version=1468959976
I wouldn't mess with the label on the back other than trying not to damage it further. It's original and age appropriate.
If your plan is to sell the clock, you may wish to just sell it as is and let the new owner restore it, or whatever.
While restoring the case and servicing the movement will definitely improve the value of the clock, it won't increase the value to completely off-set the amount of money you'll put into the clock.
If you like it, and want to keep it, I'd say look into having the movement examined and serviced. It probably won't be cheap, but if you plan to run the clock you'll definitely want to have it looked at first. In my opinion anyway.
You can carefully clean and wax the case yourself.
As far as pricing is concerned, see completed eBay listings for Sessions Black Mantel Clocks:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sadis=15&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&_stpos=17331-2501&_from=R40&_nkw=sessions+black+mantel+clock&_sacat=0&_sop=16
eBay can also be a good source for replacement parts like your missing feet.
If this solves your mystery, please indicate "Mystery Solved" in your Posting. I think there's a check-box in there somewhere.
Thanks for sharing your antique Sessions.
Regards,
Bruce
Thank you for the great advice!
You're very welcome cobramax.
If you have any follow-up questions, please feel free to post them here.
Best,
Bruce