
Sessions clocks are a type of mechanical timepiece that has been around for centuries, with the first recorded examples dating back to the 16th century.
These early clocks were often made from brass, a durable and versatile material that was widely available at the time.
The mechanism behind a sessions clock is based on a verge escapement, which uses a series of gears to regulate the flow of time.
The verge escapement is a complex system that requires precise craftsmanship to assemble and adjust, which is why sessions clocks were often considered status symbols in their time.
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Clock Features
The Sessions Clock is designed with functionality in mind. It features a sleek and modern design.
The clock has a large display screen that shows the time in a clear and easy-to-read format. This makes it simple to glance at and get the time quickly.
The Sessions Clock also has an alarm function that can be set to wake you up at a specific time. This is a great feature for people who need to wake up early for work or school.
The clock's display screen is also backlit, making it easy to see in low-light environments. This is a convenient feature for people who like to set their clocks in a dark room.
The Sessions Clock has a battery life of up to 2 years, making it a low-maintenance option.
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Clock Materials
Sessions Clocks are made with high-quality materials that ensure durability and accuracy.
The case of a Sessions Clock is typically made from brass, a durable and corrosion-resistant metal that can withstand the test of time.
Brass is also resistant to scratches and fading, making it a great choice for clock cases.
The clock's dial is often made from a high-quality enamel, which is fired at a high temperature to create a long-lasting finish.
This enamel finish is not only beautiful but also resistant to wear and tear.
The clock's hands are usually made from a high-quality metal alloy, such as brass or stainless steel, which provides a precise and smooth motion.
These materials work together to create a clock that is both functional and visually appealing.
Clock Condition and Era
The Sessions clock is a beautiful piece of history. It's a 19th century clock, to be exact.
You can spot a 19th century Sessions clock by its ebonised timber case, which gives it a rich, dark finish. This type of finish was popular during the 19th century, and it's a distinctive feature of this era's clocks.
The clock's dimensions are also a giveaway of its era - 29 cm high, 49 cm wide, and 18 cm deep. These measurements are typical of 19th century clocks, which were often designed to be compact and unobtrusive.
19th-20th Century Clocks
The 19th-20th century was a significant era for clock-making, with many iconic brands emerging during this time. Sessions Clock Company was one such brand that produced a range of clocks, including mantle clocks and wall clocks.
Some Sessions clocks from this era feature ebonised timber cases, such as the 19th century ebonised Sessions American mantle clock that stands 29 cm high and 49 cm wide. Others, like the Country Sessions wall clock, have a more rustic charm.
The Sessions Clock Company was based in Forestville, Connecticut, and produced clocks with pressed brass dials and faux marble columns, as seen in the Elegant 8-Day Striking Mantle Clock in original condition. This clock runs and strikes on the hour, making it a functional piece of art.
In terms of size, some Sessions clocks from this era are quite large, such as the Ansonia antique American cottage clock, which stands 57 cm high. Others, like the Sessions Kitchen Clock, are more compact and perfect for kitchens.
Despite the passage of time, many Sessions clocks from the 19th-20th century are still functional and running well, as seen in the Sessions Kitchen Clock that still works perfectly after being passed down through generations.
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Early 20th Century Drop Dial Wall
Early 20th Century Drop Dial Wall clocks were made with oak cases, like the Sessions American drop-dial wall clock.
These clocks often featured 8-day time and strike movements, allowing them to keep accurate time for an extended period.
Some Sessions clocks from this era had Roman numerals on the clock face, which added to their classic and timeless appearance.
The Sessions Mantel Wood Clock, for example, had Roman numerals and a black enamel finish, making it a stylish addition to any room.
It's worth noting that some of these clocks may not tick-tock as expected, but can still be manually wound to keep accurate time.
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Vintage Oak - Dawson
The Dawson mantle clock by Sessions USA is a beautiful piece of vintage craftsmanship. It's made of oak and features an eight-day movement with a half-hour strike and cathedral gong.
The Dawson mantle clock stands at a height of 28 cm, making it a compact addition to any room. This is a great size for smaller spaces or for those who want a statement piece without overwhelming the decor.
The clock's oak case is a testament to the Arts and Crafts movement, which emphasized handcrafted, high-quality materials and attention to detail. This style is characterized by its use of natural materials like oak and its focus on functionality.
The Dawson mantle clock needs service to keep it running smoothly, so if you're considering purchasing one, be sure to factor in the cost of maintenance.
Elegant 8-Day in Original Condition
Clocks that are in their original condition can be truly stunning, and the Sessions 8-day striking mantle clock is a great example of this.
These clocks were made by the Sessions Clock Company, which was active from 1903 to 1936. You can spot the company's logo on the clock dial, which reads "MADE BY THE SESSIONS CLOCK CO., FORESTVILLE, CONN, U.S.A.".
The clock's case is typically made of ebonised timber, which gives it a rich, dark color. Some models feature faux marble columns, adding to the clock's elegant appearance.
In terms of size, the clock can range from around 10 inches in height and width to 17 inches in width, depending on the specific model. The depth is usually around 5 inches.
The clock's movement is typically an 8-day striking movement, which means it can run for up to 8 days without needing to be wound. However, it's essential to wind the clock regularly to keep it running smoothly.
If you're lucky enough to own a Sessions 8-day striking mantle clock in original condition, it's worth considering having it serviced by a professional clockmaker to ensure it continues to run accurately and reliably.
Here are some key facts about the Sessions 8-day striking mantle clock in original condition:
By understanding the characteristics of the Sessions 8-day striking mantle clock in original condition, you can better appreciate its beauty and value.
Clock Decorations
Clock decorations are a great way to add some personality to your Sessions Clock. You can choose from a variety of styles, including modern, traditional, and vintage-inspired designs.
A well-placed clock decoration can also help to create a sense of balance and harmony in a room. For example, a small clock decoration can be placed on a shelf or mantle to add visual interest.
To make your clock stand out, consider adding a decorative clock face or a unique clock hands design.
Ebonised Cathedral Gong
Ebonised Cathedral Gong clocks are a type of American clock that originated in the early 1900s.
These clocks are often made of ebonised wood, which gives them a distinctive dark finish. The Sessions Clock Co is one notable manufacturer that produced ebonised Cathedral Gong clocks.
An early 1900s Ebonised Cathedral Gong clock by the Sessions Clock Co features an eight-day half-hour strike mechanism.
The clock's dial is typically made of enamel and embossed gilded metal, with gothic Arabic numerals that add to its architectural look.
The architectural body of the clock is flanked by pairs of decorative elements, which can vary depending on the specific design.
Girl on Swing

The Girl on Swing clock is a charming decoration that can add a touch of nostalgia to any room. This novelty clock features a hard plastic case and stands approximately 27 cm high.
The electric clock movement is provided by Sessions, a USA-based company, which gives an idea of its vintage origin in the 1940s.
Clock Mechanics
Sessions clocks are known for their unique architecture, and the American Sessions mantle clock is no exception. The clock's wooden case is a notable feature, with a width of 45 cm and a height of 29 cm.
The striking movement of the American Sessions mantle clock is a key component, allowing the clock to chime on demand. This is made possible by the inclusion of a bell, which is often paired with a key and pendulum.
The pendulum is a crucial part of the clock's mechanics, helping to regulate the timekeeping process.
Striking Movement
Sessions clocks are known for their striking movements, which allow the clock to chime or strike a bell at regular intervals. This feature adds a musical quality to the clock.
The 8-day striking movement is a common feature in Sessions clocks, as seen in Examples 1 and 2, which mention an 8-day striking movement in their descriptions. This means the clock will strike at regular intervals for 8 days without needing to be wound.
The striking movement is often accompanied by a key and pendulum, as shown in Examples 1, 2, and 3, which include these components in their listings. This allows the clock to be wound and maintained.
Architectural wooden cases are often used to house striking movements, as seen in Example 3, which describes an architectural wooden case.
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Key and Pendulum
A key and pendulum are essential components of a mantle clock's mechanism. The key is used to wind the clock's spring, while the pendulum regulates the timekeeping.
Some mantle clocks have a striking movement, which is activated by the key. This movement allows the clock to chime the time.
The width of a mantle clock can vary, but one example has a width of 45 cm. The height can also vary, with one example being 29 cm.
A Sessions Dulciana eight-day timber cased mantle clock has a pendulum and key included.
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Clock History and Brand
Sessions Clock has a rich history that spans over a century. The company was a staple of American production from the 1850's to the 1920's.
One of the notable features of Sessions Clock is their use of the black mantle clock design, which was popular during this time period. These clocks typically had a size of about 12 inches high, 16 inches wide, and 7 inches deep.
The black mantle clock design was often made of wood and painted with a glossy black enamel paint, according to a process invented and patented by Edward Ingraham. Sessions Clock was known for their high-quality production, which is still sought after by collectors today.
If you're interested in learning more about the different types of clocks produced by Sessions, here's a brief overview:
Mystery Family
The Mystery Family Clock is a fascinating topic. The Sessions Clock, for instance, has a rich history that's still somewhat of a mystery.

The clock was given to the owner's mom by her grandmother, and it's been in the family for years.
The Sessions Clock has a unique design with an hourglass picture stamped on the metal cover of the back.
It's believed to have been made around the turn of the century.
The clock's dial is made of tin, which was a common material used in clock-making during that time period.
The back of the clock has some letters scratched into it, reading "jpvt xxx".
Model 313 Horse
The Sessions United Model 313 Horse Mantle Clock is a rare find. It's a 2-watt metal/bronze horse clock made in New York, and it's in mint condition.
This clock has been well-traveled, having been carried from duty station to duty station by a military personnel who inherited it from his grandma born in 1919.
The clock's metal/bronze construction makes it a sturdy piece, and its 2-watt power suggests it's a decent-sized timepiece.
The Company
The Sessions Clock Company has a rich history, producing high-quality clocks from the 1850s to the 1920s. Sessions large advertising clocks are highly sought after by collectors.
The company's clocks were known for their durability and classic design. Many of the clock cases were made of wood and painted with a glossy black enamel paint, a process invented and patented by Edward Ingraham.
Sessions produced a variety of clocks, including black mantle clocks, kitchen clocks, and large gallery clocks. Black mantle clocks were typically 12 inches high, 16 inches wide, and 7 inches deep.
Here's a brief overview of Sessions' notable clock styles:
Cottage clocks, on the other hand, were the inexpensive clocks of their day, designed for the mantle of those of humble means.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Sessions stop making clocks?
Sessions stopped producing spring-driven clocks in 1936 and ceased all clock operations in 1943 to focus on war goods production.
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