albert city clock

hey everyone.i found this clock at a garage sale...needless to say this clock is a mess..its fallen apart the finish looks like a 2 yr old slapped it on..anyway..im not finding alot of info on this clock...nearest i can figure with what i have is it was made between 1875 and 1880 and its an albert city clock..the only markings on the movement is a circle diamond with ST inside situated under the 12.and says S.Thomas thomaston CT.with the number 6 3/4...there are no markings on the case..painted glass on the bottom of the door..with a black background..white circle and a green/yellow bird..looking for parts and any other info on how to fix it..not sure of the wood..but looks to have a very thin veneer..thanks for your time.

 

Upload some photos

 

Here is how:
https://www.antiquers.com/threads/posting-a-thread-and-uploading-pictures.15990/

 

sorry about that im waiting for a friend to get pics of it thanks for your patience

 

Sounds like a Seth Thomas clock.

Often there is a paper label.

Look forward to photos

 

need pics of the innards too !!

 

Take your time.

Seriously, we don't mind. We'll get there, and it looks like you will get an answer.

 

Just a follow up.

It sounds like you have a wall clock.

You should be able to find similar Seth Thomas clocks online.

Look how many key wind holes there are, ideally more than one as that will mean it strikes.

There will probably be a pendulum rod and bob. If it hasnt got a key you can buy a spider multi size key cheaply.

If trying to fix then you need to think case and movement.

The case is the easy bit, if the glass is intact it is a job for a competent cabinet restorer or even competent diy..er

The movement is another matter, it may be that with winding it will work. But it almost certainly needs a service and clean and that is a job for clock repairer, which will not come cheap.

 

here are some pics..please forgive me on this lol its the first time ive done the pic thing so i dont have them all yet..hopefully this will be a start

 

Whoosh, that is in quite a state!

It is a striking movement.

This is a project and a half!!

You have a paper label, there is a site which should enable you to date it fairly precisely.

Good luck.

 

The term "basket case" was coined for restoration projects like this one. I can see why you'd snag it however; it will be pretty when it's done.

 

Welcome Leah! I love the bird!

@afantiques could likely give a good idea of the movements condition issues but he will need a clearer picture.

Clock people really like original finishes on these so if this one could preserved somewhat that would be a bonus in some people eyes. Sometimes a little touch up stain and reguilding of the gold parts can work wonders.

How tall is the clock?

 

It is a late 19th C Seth Thomas shelf c;ock. They did tend to name the models but the exact model is not important. The pictures are amazingly bad, but it does seem 'basket case' is generous. A skilled hobbyist clock restorer may be able to do something with it, but the effort would vastly exceed the value and could be better applied elsewhere.

I would use it, were I learning about clock movements as a study object. If you took it to pieces and could not re-assemble it it would be no great loss. Reading a good book on practical clock repair and then trying to apply what has been learned is the way to go. Mess this one up and you can try another cheap movement till you can do a rebuild and know just what you are doing.
Whatever you do with the movement, ensure the springs are fully run down before splitting the plates or it will explode in a shower of parts.

 

thanx everyone for your time..ill try and get better pics..stay warm

 

ok sorry it took so long hope these pics are better