Posted 5 months ago
KatharineC…
(5 items)
This clock is from the Thomas CLock Works. before they became "Seth Thomas".....it has hung in our living room since 1939 and was in the family for years before that. I suspect it is quite old.
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Seth Thomas ClocksSeth Thomas (1785-1859) began his clockmaking career in 1807 as an apprenti…
That is a beautiful mantel clock!
The patriotic lower glass really adds interest AND value.
I'd date this one from about 1845- 1870.
scott
Is there a label and if so, what does it specifically say? The Seth Thomas Clock Company was formed on May 3, 1853. Where is the place of manufacture "Plymouth Hollow" (prior to 1865) or "Thomaston"?
Does it run? If so, how long does it run between windings? What are the case measurements?
Just out of curiosity, has it been refinished and if so, do you know what type of finish was used?
Depending upon your answers I generally agree with Scott. My references tend to place it circa 1865 give or take 10 years.
These clocks are generally referred to as "Column" clocks. Your heirloom is a very nice example. Thanks for sharing it.
It doesn't run..or at least has never since I have been here. And therefore I do not know how long it would run.. The only refinishing I could see is the small metal circular attachment for the big visible spring has been "spray painted gold" and probably by my mother in law who was a "crafter" meaning..give her spray paint and she would change the world..otherwise I don't see that the case has ever been refinished and there are some minor blemishes..so all in all it is in fine shape and looks good for its age if it is as old as you think. The case is 32.5" h and 16.5 " w and about 5" deep.. The works marking that is visible says S (? bad vision so not sure) Thomas Plymouth Mass USA and above this the marking is an eagle. That is all the info I can find without taking off the face plate which I am not able to do. I love knowing the info you have confirmed and thank you so much. I will make a record of your thoughts for our son (when he inherits this beauty).
Scott was pretty much spot on. Plymouth, MA would indicate that the clock was made prior to 1865. Seth Thomas was relatively slow to move from wood to brass movements so I would revise my guesstimate to 1855 give or take 10 years....possibly a very nice Civil War era clock! The glass tablets and dial all look original. I think that the wood case may have been refinished at some time. It's kind of shiny to be original to the clock is...unless you have some type of oil or polish on it. (Lemon Oil and Bees wax is generally good for wood) I'd be very careful with the gilt finish though. Whatever your family has been doing obviously works! :)
If you haven't already done so, check out http://www.collectorsweekly.com/clocks/seth-thomas for a very good, and concise historical account of Seth Thomas.
Thanks again for sharing your beautiful heirloom.
Its a gem.