Posted 5 years ago
CanCollect
(61 items)
I loved the simplicity of this clock the moment I saw it. Many thanks to CW member slackjack who helped identify this as a ITR Clock with an altered cabinet from the early 1900s containing a Seth Thomas movement!
Remove the hands and dial and post pictures of the movement. This looks like a Seth Thomas time recorder with a heavily modified case. The pendulum/crutch wire connection in the brass slit sounds right.
slackjack: I've added a photo of the movement, but I still think the pendulum is not a match. It is only attached by the midway slender slit, but there is no place where the top of the pendulum hangs from, although there is a "lip" at the top where it should be hung if you know what I mean.
This clock was made by International Time Recorder it uses a movement made by Seth Thomas. The pendulum looks right. It is hung on a suspension spring attached to a stud on the iron frame. Google image for ITR time recorder will show examples as original.
slackjack: Thanks very much for the info! Do you have any idea of the approximate year this would be from? The dial is tin with paper front, I didn't mention that. Is Seth Thomas a good movement, and is it worth taking to have it serviced to get it working?
1900 to 1930 perhaps for the age. The original dials were metal. Yours may be under the paper. Dials and dial surrounds can be found on ebay at times. The movements are very high quality. It's worth having it serviced only if it's worth it to you. I have one here in my shop running for over thirty years. really !
slackjack: Thanks again for the input. I think I will take it to a local clock repair and see what the cost will be to get it running correctly. I see from the example photos of the ITR clocks, that someone has removed the "punch clock" area and perhaps altered the cabinet for a more desirable look for their home. At least that is my guess. In any case, it's still in my view a very attractive piece, working or not, and hopefully the cost won't be excessive to get it running properly.
The case looks like quarter-sawn Oak. The finish (probably shellac) is a little worn and weathered but you can easy coax it with a good, gentle cleaning with Murphy's Oil Soap solution. Allow it to dry and then apply several "coats" of Lemon (or Orange) Oil and Bee's Wax polish. It's very easy to apply and doesn't build up readily but it does require more frequent applications than a good paste wax will. Nice clock. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Bruce99: Thanks for that tip! It is definately Oak, made me grunt just to hang it on the wall, and yes I haven't done anything with the wood as of yet. I will try out your method and see if I can get it gleaming!
One item I forgot to mention. The original springs are way too strong for the movement and promote wear. Your great wheels look very good. Most need replacement. Use springs 3/4" X .018" or .0165". Cheap and easy to find and the clock will run well with them. Don't just wind one spring, wind them both.
You're very welcome CC