This is a BEAUTIFUL SUPER CONDITION near MINT example of a Sessions Clock Co. Westminster model #416 Chime Mantle Clock. It is a real treasure to find one this old in near Mint and working condition as it was made 1930s It is not pictured in Tran Duy Ly's Sessions Clocks, and I have not seen too many of these, which means this model is decently rare.
You can imagine you are in the 1920s, as this clock style was very popular then, and still is today, plus it looks very beautiful and like new. There are a few nicks on the case, largest one is barely visible in one of the close up pictures - pretty rare, considering how old this clock is, and a sliver of veneer missing on the back right arm of the case. The veneer is in near-perfect condition, except as noted above. One thing I really like is the scrolled base on this clock with raised overlay on the front side (see picture). There are no extra screw holes anywhere on this case, indicating this is the correct movement.
All the screws are snug, and the dial screws are silver plated to match the inner dial ring. It has a signed Sessions Clock Co, Forestville, Conn. USA 8-day time and Westminster strike movement that runs like new. The works are marked Patent No.
17000506, which was filed 13/31/1924, and issued January 29, 1929. Sessions filed another one, US Patent # 1,837,462, filed 5/10/1926, issued 12/22/31 It has a wide pendulum swing and a very even, pleasant ticking sound as it runs, not too loud of ticking. This is a labor intensive service where the entire movement was disassembled, cleaned, each gear was inspected for damage, pivots polished, holes pegged out, bushings added where needed (pressed in from the inside of the plate - see close up picture of new bushings), mainsprings cleaned and lubricated, and re- assembled.
This was done for you so you can enjoy it right away rather than waiting on a repair shop. Not many of the other two train Sessions Westminster movements you may find elsewhere get this detailed treatment. After cleaning, the entire movement was oiled with synthetic clock oil, and then adjusted to 9724 beats per hour with an electronic clock timing tool and tested with weekly windings.
It should not need cleaning again for about 5-10 years. I have included a couple pictures of the movement on the test stand so you can see its "inner beauty" and cleanliness.
Everything remains original to this movement to preserve its antique value, including the longer mainsprings used by Sessions on this movement to ensure very accurate time keeping between weekly windings. This is rare, as sometimes the mainsprings are replaced with shorter, stronger ones by now, which generate excess wear and don't keep time as well. The Westminister Chimes sound every quarter-hour on long, ORIGINAL chime rods with a beautiful sound. It plays 4 notes at the first ¼, 8 notes on the half-hour, 12 notes on the ¾ hour and 16 notes plus the hour on the hour. Even the chime hammers have new leather cushions to ensure a mellow, beautiful sound for years to come! Note that there are only two winding holes (instead of 3)! This is a new development for the clock industry and is a really neat invention (second patent # listed above) that also allows the chimes to self-synchronize if allowed to run down or if the chimes are switched off and on. This particular unit can have all of its 4 chimes shut off, while the hour will still strike on the 5th rod - your choice by using the small end of the key in the silent/chime hole on the dial and demonstrated in the video. The Seth Thomas #124 movement also shuts off only the quarter hour chimes and does not shut off the hourly strike. The Sessions movement shifts to the chime gear for the chimes and then automatically shifts into the strike gear when its time to strike. It's great fun to watch this movement as it strikes. The Strike gears are also very quiet and don't moan and groan like most 8-day Kitchen or Gingerbread clocks. The large, aluminum dial is in near-MINT, condition - with sharp looking, raised, gold and black colored numbers, and perfect black text and minute marks. Only a few faint scratches are on the dial - I took close-ups to show the extent of the scratches, which are mainly around the adjustment holes. Usually the numbers are faded by now, and having a good clean dial is what gives a clock great value. The dial has an adjustment for fast and slow on the dial, which can be turned by the small end of the key - that way you don't have to take the clock off the shelf to adjust it.It also has an adjustment on the dial for chime or silent, using the same key. This is very handy if someone should take a nap or sleeps over and is not used to hearing chimes. The 6 1/2-inch bezel (solid brass) around the dial is original, stays closed properly, polished like it was new, and was re-lacquered to prevent tarnish. It retains a clean, nearly perfect convex glass, with only minor chips and scratches that in my opinion do not detract, but nevertheless should be mentioned. The silver ring around the dial is also in perfect condition (no extra screw holes).
The hands are original and even have the original nut holding them and are a dark black steel for strength and great visibility across the room. Has the original back door in great condition. The door has the original knob, and a bottom latch that holds it securely closed.
All hinges are original and in perfect working condition (they do not sag either). There is no warping on the back door, so the door stays shut when closed (see pictures). Complete with the original cast-iron Session "S" pendulum and a large winding key and a double ended winding key two keys included! The larger end of the key is end to wind the clock and the smaller end of the key to make the dial adjustments. This is very rare, usually the key is lost and replaced with narrower keys by now.
The extra wide key makes it easier to wind, especially important for the elderly. Has its 100% complete label on the back door with the full instructions as well as a guarantee by the Sessions Clock Co! The label is clearly readable. The clock measures 10 inches high, 6 inches deep (from front glass to back knob, although it will easily fit on a 5 1/2 inch deep shelf) and 21 inches wide. The minute hand measures 2 3/4 inches long, and the diameter of the bezel 6 1/2 inches (measured from top to bottom edge). It is a classic style also known as a mantel, tambour, humpback or camelback clock. This clock must have been cherished its entire life, and it is looking for a new home on your shelf or fireplace mantel, and most of all, it runs great! Also check my other listings for more clocks and metronomes I listed.Nestled in the hills of New England, for generations, the Sessions Company has developed its factory and exemplified the best in workmanship and accuracy for its product. Real New England workmanship are your assurance of the best in satisfaction. From coast to coast, more than a dozen radio stations broadcast daily the captivating notes of Sessions Westminster chime clocks during 1928. These old or antique clocks with brass movements are amazing - can you imagine any other mechanical item made today still working well after 75 or more years? Another amazing fact is with proper maintenance and care they will work easily for another century, as these movements are made to be serviced as easily or easier as other American clocks from long ago!
The mainsprings can even be removed for cleaning without disassembling the whole movement. There are no plastic or rubber parts in these, only brass plates and gears with steel pinions, pivots and arbors. Even the pivot holes have oil sinks to allow for long periods between service. The case must have been made by a master craftsman or furniture maker by the quality of the construction and detailed trim.This clock would also make a great present! Clocks are an excellent investment and valuable asset in your estate. Each one is unique in its quality and characteristics, often due to the different manufacturers each having their own patented movements.
It is pretty neat how these patents are for minor differences and that the basic design of the movement has been copied and really hasn't changed much for more than 150 years. These clocks should only appreciate in value and beauty with age as long as they are not abused. Your family will have joy in the choice of this clock you choose today and it will be cherished for years to come. Even vintage clocks can be handed down to the next generation and so on, eventually becoming true antiques. Clocks are one of the few antiques that serve many purposes besides what they were designed to do (telling time): Their beautiful cases and trim decorate your home and they fill your home with pleasant sounds as the movement does its wonderful work.
Your children will remember these sounds as they grow up. This clock will be packed well.
All my items are from a non- smoking and pet-free home. I will include an instruction sheet describing how to unpack, set-up and run this clock. The item "Professionally Restored Rare Antique Sessions Westminster Chime Mantel Clock 416" is in sale since Tuesday, April 7, 2020. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Clocks\Antique (Pre-1930)\Shelf, Mantel". The seller is "clocksavior" and is located in Fenton, Michigan.
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