Rittenhouse Trent
Rittenhouse Trent Westminster Door Chime 1956
The Rittenhouse Trent is a Mid-Century Westminster door chime designed by Jean Otis Reinecke (1909-1987) and introduced in 1956. Reinecke is best known for cutting edge designs for a variety of products including Toastmaster toasters and the ubiquitous plastic scotch tape dispenser for 3M.
His work for Rittenhouse was described in marketing materials as:
Modern, functional, simplicity styled by Jean O. Reinecke, national known leader of contemporary design.
The Trent was described as:
Trent: New modestly priced hall clock chime of superb quality. Contemporary design by Reinecke. Cabinet available in ebony, rich walnut or limed oak finishes. Both chime and self-starting Telechron clock operate from 24-volt transformer, included. Provides 8-note Westminster melody for front entrance, single-note for rear and different single-note for third door. Volume control and shut-off switch. “lifetime Floating Striker Mechanism.
| Manufacturer | Rittenhouse Company, Inc. |
| Location of Manufacture | Honeoye Falls, New York, USA |
| Date of Manufacture | 1956 |
| Cover | Limed Oak |
| Bells | Brass |
| Height | 57 inches |
| Width | 9.5 inches |
| Depth | 4.125 inches |
| Notes | ElectraChime Collection. Original Condition |
My mom has a Rittenhouse Trent Clock which I assume to be from 1964 or so. While the clock is no longer keeping accurate time, the doorbell works perfectly.
We have the same item and same situation. Did you get your clock repaired?
Hello, the problem is most likely in the Telechron H Rotor. Replacement is relatively simple with an old stock or rebuilt rotor. Telechron Clock sells them. At best, these old clocks are a little noisy. I haven’t had any luck with other cures for these gummed up gear motors shown online that involve heating the rotor and injecting new oil. Best to go with a professionally rebuilt unit.
Another practical solution is to convert the clock to a modern battery operated quartz movement which can be had for a few dollars. You will likely need to modify your existing hands or replace the hands with an appropriate new set. The downside is that your clock chime will be less than original, but if you do the job carefully and keep the old parts, the clock could always be restored at a later date. Attached is a photo of a similar of a quartz conversion on a Rittenhouse clock.
Good luck!
I currently own one of these clocks. it’s been in our family for day one it was bought new by my grandfather and grandmother recently the clock move it stopped working. the doorbell is working beautifully though. I was wondering if you give us any information on where to get it fixed or how to fix it?. thank you Scott
Please see answer above.