Posted 4 years ago
JMKinden
(1 item)
My dad gave me this clock 10 or so years ago, and I don't know much about it. I've searched pictures of tambour mantle clocks but haven't seen face numbers quite in this style. Anybody know anything about it? I realize it's a little rough, but I'm just more curious than anything. Thanks!
(Also, I'm not sure why my pictures are rotating. Sorry!)
Hi JMKinden,
Welcome to Collectors Weekly, Clocks!
Your heirloom clock is a "Plymouth" brand, which was made by the Seth Thomas Clock Company circa 1940 give or take 10 years. The label narrows down the "Series" number. It's either one of the 4300, 4500 or 4600 range models. The movement is an eight-day time and strike on a single chime rod. That "Fan" decoration on the front of the Mahogany Case was used on several model lines.
Here's an example of a couple of similar Plymouth Clocks: https://clockinfo.com/posts/1962
You might clean the case with a little Murphy's Oil Soap and then apply some Lemon Oil and Bees Wax to it in order to bring it back to somewhere near it's original look and beauty. If you're going to operate the clock, you might want to consider having it looked at by a reputable clock shop for maintenance and repair. These clocks are not very expensive and maintenance is not cheap but it has meaning and value to you so I would say that it is worth keeping in good running condition. If the case is cleaned up, though, it would make a nice decorative piece from the 1940 Vintage era.
Hope that helps a little.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Bruce
Thanks Bruce! This is really helpful. Based on my research I didn't think it was anything terribly out of the ordinary. I am still kind of curious if the face was changed out or if it's the original one. Either way, it is kind of cool, even if it's SUPER loud and scares the crap out of my dog if I wind it up.
You're welcome JMKinden.
I suspect that the dial/face is original. It has the "Plymouth" brand name and it fits the Movement's winding and regulation arbors very well. Also, the font of the Arabic Numerals compliments the style of the hands. I can't say with certainty but it all looks original to me.
Regards,
Bruce