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How to Repair Seth Thomas Banjo Clocks

Seth Thomas Banjo Clocks are iconic clocks made in Connecticut, starting in the 19th century. The banjo clock is a timing strike clock with two key winding holes and comes in a variety of styles. The most predominant characteristic of the clock is its distinct banjo shape with a square or rectangular bottom, elongated center, and rounded clock face top. These clocks were mass produced in the 19th and 20th centuries. They can be collected for a few hundred dollars.

Things You'll Need

White cotton gloves
Small pliers
Clock oil

Instructions

- 1
  Put on a pair of clean white cotton gloves, the kind used for gardening. The gloves will prevent unsightly fingerprint marks on dark vintage wood. Work on a flat table surface. Carefully turn the Seth Thomas Banjo Clock over and open the back by gently pulling through the finger slot, or with a small pair of pliers.
- 2
  Examine the clock to determine what kind of strike mechanism it has. Look to see if it has a rack and snail or countwheel strike movement. A rack and snail strike will have a cam mounted on the hand shaft movement, in the shape of a snail.
- 3
  Look for a curved bar with a small wheel and what appear to be teeth. Examine how the parts move. When the wheel turns, it looks like a ladder lifting up. Add clock oil to the gear parts or the teeth of the wheel, if the wheel fails to move or is moving too slowly.
- 4
  See if there is a countwheel. Look for a large gear, located over the strike mainspring. This is the countwheel in Seth Thomas Banjo clocks and will have a wire lever that falls into slots to stop the chiming sound. Oil the gear and the pivot points of the strike mainspring with clock oil. Close the back of the clock after oiling.
- 5
  Adjust the pendulum on the front. Make sure the rounded bottom, which is the bob, has the shiny side facing forward. Remove the pendulum from the pendulum hook and reattach. Adjust the time on the banjo clock by setting the small minute hand to the hour you want the clock to chime. Wind the minute hand around one time, setting it on the 12. Do not over-wind.

Antiquing