RARE SETH THOMAS WESTMINSTER CHIME CLOCK

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I call this clock a "rarity" because it is the only one I have seen in the past ten years. In 1936 Seth Thomas made an electric clock with Westminster chimes which was called the Falsbury. He then took the same case and put his tried and true #124 Westminster movement in it and called it the Chime #57. Interestingly, the electric Falsbury boasts only minimal value today, however, this clock, the Chime #57 books for near $500.00 . In 1936 the electric Falsbury sold for $32.50 while the Chime #57 sold for $30.00 . Go figure!!! The case of the Chime #57 is solid cabinet grade WALNUT. The face of the clock is finished in grain matched Oriental veneer. The diagonally grain matched veneer is just eye-catching - the light and dark streaks in the veneer contrast each other beautifully. The case is as close to perfect as 71 years of age will allow - t are no scratches, dings, etc.. - it is tight throughout and really EXCEPTIONAL. The silver plated dial is 4.5 inches square and is in excellent condition. It is vividly accented by the 5.5 inch square gold plated sash. The glass is the original (no chips or scratches) as are the hands and the pendulum. The hinges on the sash are tight and do not sag. The sash snaps shut nicely and is very solid. T is a fast/slow adjustment just above the 12 on the dial - the small end of the winding key, provided with the clock, fits this adjustment. The movement is Seth Thomas' workhorse #124 movement. The movement has been recently (within the past 45 days) completely serviced. The movement was ultrasonically cleaned and ALL worn parts replaced. Because this process requires disassembly of the movement, when it is reassembled it is once again cleaned. It was then lubricated and run on the test stand. Adjustments were made while the unit was on the stand.. After running for a week it was then replaced in the case w final adjustments were made. The movement is running strong and keeping good time. It should require only a light oiling in three to four years to keep it in top running condition. This movement has withstood the test of time - it remains today one of the most durable and dependable of Seth Thomas' chiming movements. The Westminster chimes are extremely pleasant to the ear. It is a sixteen note sequence, sounding four notes on the quarter hour, eight notes on the half hour, twelve notes on the three quarter hour, and the full sixteen note melody on the hour. The melody is then followed by the correct number of strikes for the hour. Both the Westminster melody and the hour strike are struck on the beautifully tuned 5-rod Seth Thomas chime rods, which are noted for their clarity of sound. These chime rods are thought to be the standard by which others are judged. This clock measures 10.5 inches high by 8.5 inches wide by 6 inches deep. It has the original full label inside the back door which contains complete instrustions for setting up and maintaining your clock. In addition to being a genuine "rarity" this clock is in SUPERB condition both inside and out. Antique clocks are becoming harder to acquire as the years go by - the quality of materials and workmanship that went into these classics simply is not being duplicated today. Antique clocks are a fine investment - their availability decreases as the years go by and they keep appreciating in value. In addition they achieve a longevity we can only envy - they serve us faithfully through the years. Please look at all the photos - they show this timepiece better than I could ever describe it. Your clock will be carefully packed so as to ensure its' safe arrival to your home. Sturdy boxes and lots of packing material will be used in order to accomplish this. As always, we are available via e-mail or phone to assist you in getting your new timepiece up and running. Should you have questions regarding this auction item or wish additional specific pictures, please e-mail us and we will answer ASAP. . read more

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