Restated Title: Second-Ranked American Mantel Clock featuring Sessions Design
In a quaint antique shop on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, a treasure was discovered - a Sessions Westminster A mantel clock from 1927. This intricate timepiece, made in Forestville, Conn., has since become the subject of an interesting restoration project.
The clock, a tambour style time, strike, and chime clock, was in need of a thorough cleaning. Diluted Murphy's Soap was used to clean the case, restoring its original shine. As for the mechanical movement, it required professional attention.
Common issues with American No. 2 Sessions mantel clocks from the 1920s include wear and tear of their original mechanical movements, problems with maintaining accurate time through speed adjusters, and physical issues such as glass clips that may be damaged or missing. In this case, the clock faced similar challenges.
Mechanical movement wear was addressed by cleaning old oil and debris, replacing worn bronze bushings, and lubricating with high-quality synthetic clock oils, such as Etsyntha 859. This process not only ensures smooth running but also accurate strike functions.
The glass bezel holding the clock face often uses metal clips to secure the glass. Over time, these clips can become loose, bent, or broken, resulting in the glass becoming insecure. In this instance, the glass clips were either replaced or carefully bent back into proper shape. Care was taken to avoid damaging the vintage and delicate glass.
The speed adjuster, located at the 12 o'clock position, is used to regulate the clock's timing accuracy. Common issues include the adjuster becoming stuck, slipping, or being difficult to fine-tune. Proper functioning was achieved by cleaning the component, ensuring the adjustment mechanism moved freely, and minor mechanical calibration by a clock repair specialist familiar with Sessions movements.
After repairs, the clock was reassembled and oiled. The author, who is currently regulating a 1927 Sessions tambour style clock, reports that the clock is now running well and keeping good time. No information about the clock's current condition or if it keeps good time was provided initially.
Interestingly, the clock did not come with a double-sided key, but the author has a spare that fits. The clock, originally produced between 1903 and 1933, was Tran Duy Ly's book on Sessions clocks identifies it as an "American No. 2" Sessions mantel clock from 1921.
In summary, the primary solutions for restoring these 1920s Sessions mantel clocks involve professional cleaning and servicing of the brass movement with bushing replacement and quality synthetic oiling, repairing or replacing glass clips to secure the bezel and glass, and careful regulation of the speed adjuster to maintain timing accuracy. For these clocks, such maintenance can help restore them to reliable timekeeping and preserve their historical value.
Vintage clocks, particularly Sessions Westminster A mantel clocks from 1927 like the one found in the antique shop, are not only treasures that add to one's home-and-garden aesthetic, but also require careful restoration to maintain their original functionality. The restoration process for such vintage clocks might involve cleaning the case with diluted Murphy's Soap, addressing mechanical movement wear, repairing or replacing glass clips, and carefully regulating the speed adjuster for accurate timekeeping.
