These two “Plymouth” tambour mantel clocks made by Seth Thomas came into my shop just a couple of days apart. They are similar but have different movements. Both have lively hour and half hour strike on two chime rods.
Plymouth was a name that Seth Thomas put on some clocks ca. 1930 – 1950. If anyone has details of this, please let me know.
Our first example is labeled 89IM on the movement. This is a variation on the popular No. 89 movement having hour and half-hour strike, with two hammers that simultaneously strike on two chime rods. The date code is 37-11 which represents November, 1937. The label on the back door has the date 5/21/38 (May 21, 1938) hand written on it. This is probably the date the clock was sold.
Our second example has the later Seth Thomas time and strike movement that was introduced to save on cost. It is labeled 10-40 and 4503, which could be date codes for October 1940 or March, 1945. If anyone can help me interpret these numbers, please let me know! Similar movements have been seen with model number A-200 on them. The label says:
Guarantee and Directions
Covering Clocks Equipped With
4300, 4500 and 4600 Series 8-Day Pendulum
Strike Movements in Tambour Cases
Both cases are 20 inches wide and 9 1/4 inches tall, with bezels measuring approximately 6 1/4 inches outside diameter. Both have “fake inlay” printed on the case front. Both have aluminum dials. The older dial has embossed numerals, but the numerals on the newer dial are printed only. Both clocks have instruction labels inside the back doors and are illustrated below.
Movement Summary
- The No. 89 movement was introduced about 1900, and was made in many variations.
- It was replaced in the late 1930s or the early 1940s with the second movement shown above. This has smaller plates and gears and was probably a cost reduction. It is not as good, as it seems to need quite strong mainsprings to run well.
- In 1955, a flood badly damaged the Seth Thomas factory. They phased out movement manufacturing and began importing many movements from Germany. They used many Hermle movements.
Related posts:
I am looking for a winding key for my seth thomas plymouth model tambour mantle clock. I see from your most excellent and informative website that I need some #s to help locate an appropriate key. The #s on the face are raised. The face is aluminum looking. Is it(the face)suppose to be painted white? There is some tarnish/paint looking material in a few places. There is no printed label on the back inside cover. There are maybe (I’m not home to look at the clock ) 5(?)rods (chimes)in the back on the bottom with a little metal piece that may act as a stabilizer – it folds down across them – when the clock is moved. This clock chimes on the 1/4, 1/2 and full hour with the chime lasting longer at each 1/4 of the hour. I will send you the #s ASAP. I really have no “official” info about this clock. Any referral of info would be apperciated.
Thank you, in advance, for your help.
I have a plymouth mantel clock inside the door it says Mo.4300,4500,4600 in tambour cases is that the info i need to replace the movement?
There is no new replacement for this movement. An older clock like this should have the movement repaired, not replaced (unless it is replaced with the same type of old one).
[...] is another “Plymouth” tambour mantel clock by Seth Thomas (see this post for two others). This one does not have a date code, I estimate that it is from the early 1930s. It [...]
Bill, My 82 year old father has just given me a seth thomas “plymouth” i cant find a date code or very much info on it online. It was mistreated for a long time but still keeps time. I have a couple of questions; could you give me any kind of dollar figure on maintinance for the movement? or even complete maintinance on the wood and face as well. i think it would make a neat heirloom to pass on. I would love any info on this clock that i could maybe put inside of it for future generations to see
Here is information on my clock repair service:
Bill’s Clockworks Clock Repair
The following place can restore the dial:
Dial Restoration
I have a Seth Tamblour Thomas seral#5636, No. 891, 8-day pendulum,with key, and in perfert condition. What is the value?
I have this same clock recently purchased from a flea market that is in working condition. The only issue with it is that the face is faded. it says inside the clock that it’s 3-39 we seem to think that this is number 3 of 39 made. Could that be possible? Would you happen to know what the value of this clock would be today?
Hi!
3 – 39 is probably the date code: March 1939.
The value would be around $200 -$400 in good working condition.
i have a clock just like the one with the gold bars on it & big gears, its just like one my grandmother had when i was a kid, my brother has the one my grandmother had so when i seen it i had to have it, my clock has 891m 37/6 on it and on the bottom of the clock it has d563 stamped in the wood does anyone know a good clock repairman in the tyler texas area it needs a good cleaning and could you tell me how much its worth i give 75$ for it
I have a Seth Thomas Clock that is for the mantel and it looks like a boat wheel around the top. It has written on the inside back 4300 4500 4600 8 day pendulum. In the back it has two bars that make the chime. I really need a key for this clock. Can anyone help. Would be happy to send a picture of it.
RE: Keys. It’s doubtful that you will find an original key for this clock. It may be helpful to know that the key that winds the clock and chime is similar to a skate key it has an inside diameter the same as a 3/16 square bit screw driver. The other end of the key is much smaller for setting the fast / slow adjustment at the top of the dial. I didn’t have the same size screw driver bit, but it is just smaller than 3/32. This may help if you can find a lock smith or someone that can make one out of tubular metal.
It should be noted that on the back of mine it states you must set the clock counter clockwise or if set clockwise, breifly stop at each quarter hour for the chime to work correctly.
I have a seth thomas plymouth mantel clock. It is dark wood w/lighter color inlaid wood. It looks very old but I need more info. The only numbers I can find on inside of door are Z 23 which is on the glued paper from the thomas factory and 10/81/JC which is on those old time label makers that used thick plastic labels like from the 70′s. That’s about all i have. Thanks for any help.
i just got one of the 459A in great shape do you know what the value would be around
i have seth thomas mantle clock,it is dark wood, it has 4 glass sides it looks old. behine the face,dial,roman # its written,made in germany,two-2 jewel and botton of base it has cat#0783-000 , name strahmore.talley indestries company.thomaston,conn 06787 . do you know its value?
[...] run well with weaker mainsprings (see my earlier post for another example of this movement, and this post for another [...]
Plymouth tambour mantel clock #4505 (09-41)was purchased @ yard sale with no pendulum nor a key. The movement looks like your 1945 pictured. Can you me locate a key and a pendulum?
I can get you a key and pendulum for $25 including shipping (in the continental USA). The key will be double-ended for winding and regulating. To order, please send a check to:
Bill’s Clockworks
8 W. Columbia Street
Flora, IN 46929
I have a Seth Thomas “Plymouth” Tambour Mantel Clock like the one shown in example 1 .It has the 891M stamped on the movement with a code of S-7 right below. The clock is in excellent condition but probably need to be cleaned. My aunt bought the clock new (she wrote the date 11/15/34 on the label in the back). I bought it from her estate a few years ago after her 100th birthday. I am interested in selling it but am not sure where to go. Any ideas?