Revamping the Exterior Casing of Session Electric's Model 3W Clock
In the beginning of 2020, a unique addition joined the author's collection of timepieces. This exception, an electric clock, was a Christmas gift from the author's daughter. The vintage Sessions electric table clock, model 3W, was made by the Sessions Clock Co. in Forestville, Connecticut in 1936.
The clock, standing at 4 1/2 inches tall and 8 1/4 inches wide, is time-only with an Arabic dial, a sweep second hand, and has one control in the rear. Its case was found in an antique store in Calgary, Alberta (Canada), where it was in a less than ideal condition. The case was in poor condition, detached hands were a problem, and a missing prong on the electric plug added to the clock's issues.
However, this clock was given a new lease of life through a father-daughter project. The case was refurbished with Brazilian Rosewood stain, several coats of shellac, light sanding with 0000 steel wool, and two coats of Minwax paste wax. The refurbished clock is now the author's "official" office clock.
The Sessions Clock Company was a prominent American clock manufacturer active primarily in the early to mid-20th century. It was known for producing a variety of clocks, including wall clocks, mantel clocks, and electric table clocks. The Sessions electric table clocks from around the early 1900s to mid-1900s were among the early adopters of electric clock technology, representing a shift from purely mechanical timekeeping to electrically powered movements.
The model number 3W likely refers to a specific electric table clock design or movement produced by Sessions, which would have been notable for its reliability and possibly for its use of synchronous motors, a standard in electric clocks to maintain accurate time. These clocks are considered collectible today because of their historical role in the transition to electric clock technology and their craftsmanship.
Despite the lack of specific information about the Sessions electric table clock, model 3W, in current search results, its historical significance and the author's personal connection to the clock make it a valuable and cherished addition to the collection. For those interested in detailed historical and technical specifications of the Sessions 3W model, consulting vintage clock collector guides, Sessions company catalogs from the 1920s-1950s, or antique horology references would be the best approach.
