Posted 4 years ago
Chippawa
(1 item)
My Aunt gave me this Seth Thomas Clock before she past. I know it’s a Seth Thomas, Plymouth model, with a #124movement. Can’t find the date of make or even if it was worth fixing, but I cleaned it up ( it was so dark from wax build up, I thought it was black). Would like to know anything you might have on this clock.
Hello Chippawa,
Welcome to Collectors Weekly: Clocks!
Your Aunt's clock may have a Plymouth Dial, but the case is identical to the Seth Thomas "Falsbury 2W" from circa 1939. If Plymouth had their own model name for this case, I can't find it.
Here's another example with a slightly different dial that was marketed under the Seth Thomas name: http://antiqueseththomasclocks.com/Seth-Thomas-0465.php
Here's some information on Plymouth Clocks sold under Seth Thomas and later by General Time Company, which is the company your heirloom was manufactured by:
https://pineknollclockshop.blogspot.com/2012/01/plymouth-clock-company.html
As an heirloom, the clock is probably worth most to you.
Thanks for sharing your family clock with us.
Hope that solves your mystery.
Bruce
Thanks Bruce99, so the case is a Flasbury w2 case for sure? But the face is from a Plymouth clock. So now I need to desire if I should go further to put it back to original, or just keep it as my Aunt had it.
Hello Chippawa,
I suspect that your clock came from the Factory that way.
"Plymouth" was a subsidiary of Seth Thomas which had been purchased by General Time by the time your clock was manufactured. Clock manufacturers often used up stock to make their products before manufacturing more parts, cases, movements, dials, etc. General Time Clocks was trying to turn a profit so I suspect they were cranking out clocks left, right and down the middle as quickly as they could.
If this clock were in my collection, I would want to leave it as original as possible. Otherwise, what do you really have?
Does it run? If so, how well does it keep time? It should run one full week on a full spring winding. How do the chime rods sound?
Keep in mind that mechanical clocks are machines and like any machine they need periodic inspections and oiling. When dirt and wear is observed, more extensive cleaning and maintenance is indicated. Unfortunately, a lot of clocks which have been handed down need servicing and are subsequently dumped on the market because of the expense involved.
If you're going to keep and run the clock, you should probably have it examined by a good clock shop for an estimate. If it needs servicing and the expense is not in your budget, it could also serve as a nice static heirloom decoration in your home until some point in the future. They usually have very pleasant Westminster Chimes and provide a presence all their own which you'll probably enjoy hearing. Some folks think clocks should be seen and not heard. This is not a clock for them.
If you're planning to sell it, you probably should just sell it as is because you'll never get the money "back out" that you put into it. Servicing of these types of mass produced clocks should be considered as an operating expense. Not an investment.
I hope that answers your questions. If not, ask away. If so, please indicated "Mystery Solved" in your Posting.
Thanks,
Bruce
Thanks again Bruse99, I was wondering if someone had Frankensteined the clock, so I’ll keep it as it is, and it does keep good time. The chimes are soft to the ear. But I like it. I’ll take it to a clock doctor to have it looked at. This will be with me until I can pass it on.
You're very welcome Chippawa. I'm glad we could help. The Seth Thomas No. 124 is a good, reliable movement. Shops that know how to work with them can help you get the most enjoyment out of your Family's clock. I'll be e-mailed if you post here in the future with questions or updates.
Good luck and thanks again for sharing your Aunt's clock.
Bruce
Oo I found out that the face was a anniversary made clock for Seth Thomas, but didn’t give a year.
That's very interesting Chippawa. Seth Thomas founded his company in Plymouth Hollow, Connecticut. In 1875 it was later renamed Thomaston in honor of Seth Thomas.
I’ll hAve to find that clock again, I should have saved the link
I never looked at the bottom of the clock. Put a pic of it up. What do you think. I’m confused now. Nothing I read said anything about this type of numbers. And it has a tag I never noticed.
Surviving labels can tell the story. I don't think that the engraved numbers were done at the factory. They look to have been done by hand. I have no idea what they indicate.
If you haven't done so, look through your browser history. Maybe you can find the link there.
Hi Bruce99 can’t find it again. I’m still trying to find that sting link. I also went to the Thomas sit. It had a label dating of the models and can’t find the same one. I fond one close to the type set. But not the same