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A shelf clock by Seth Thomas constructed of mahogany and bentwood plywood and veneer top. Brass mounted glass with white painted metal face that reads, "SETH THOMAS MADE IN U.S.A.". Has a rich bell chimes and a soft ticking sound when running. See maker biography below. Size: 9.25" H. x 8.25" W.. x 5.25" D. Weight: 4.5lbs ************************************************************* Seth Thomas (1785 � 1859) was an American clock maker and a pioneer of mass production at his Seth Thomas Clock Company. Thomas was born in Wolcott, Connecticut, in 1785. He started in the clock business in 1807, working for clockmaker Eli Terry. In 1810, he bought Terry's clock business though chose to sell his partnership in 1812, moving in 1813 to Plymouth Hollow, Connecticut, where he set up a factory to make metal-movement clocks. He died in 1859. Company History: Seth Thomas Clock Company was one of the most prolific and long lived clock companies. The quality of their products was always maintained at an above average level. Many American clock factories in the 19th century suffered factory fires but Seth Thomas was fortunate in this respect. Through conservative growth and taking advantage of the new ideas of others, Seth Thomas was able to enjoy financial stability, whereas many other companies faced financial difficulties. Seth Thomas was born in Wolcott, Connecticut in 1785, went to work for clockmaker Eli Terry in 1807, bought out Terry�s factory (together with Silas Hoadley) in 1810, and in December 1813 bought out Heman Clark�s clockmaking business in Plymouth Hollow. Thomas continued Clark�s wooden movement tall clock production, and about 1817 began making the wooden movement shelf clock. These were cased in pillar and scroll cases until 1830, when the bronze looking glass and other styles became popular. In 1842, brass movements were introduced, and first cased in the popular O.G. case (which was made until 1913). Wood movements were phased out in 1845. In 1853 Mr. Thomas incorporated the Seth Thomas Clock Company, so that the business would outlive him. Mr. Thomas died in 1859, and Plymouth Hollow was renamed Thomaston in his honor in 1865. Mr. Thomas was very conservative, and after his death many new styles of clocks were introduced by his sons. Regulator clocks were introduced in 1860. The patterns and machinery for these had been purchased in 1859 from the creditors of bankrupt clockmaker Silas B. Terry. Spring driven clocks were introduced ca. 1855�1860. Perpetual calendar clocks were made from ca. 1863�1917. Some of the most popular later types include walnut kitchen clocks, made from 1884�1909; marble clocks, 1887�ca. 1895; black (Adamantine finish) wood mantel clocks, ca. 1885�1917; black enameled iron cased clocks, 1892�ca. 1895; oak kitchen clocks, 1890�ca. 1915; tambour clocks, introduced in 1904; chime clocks, introduced in 1909; and electric A/C clocks, introduced in 1928. Many Seth Thomas clocks from 1881 to 1918 have a date code stamped in ink on the case back or bottom. Usually, the year is done in reverse, followed by a letter A�L representing the month. For example, April 1897 would appear as 7981 D. In 1930 a holding company named General Time Instruments Corporation was formed to unite Seth Thomas Clock Company with Western Clock Company. In 1955, a flood badly damaged the Seth Thomas factory. They phased out movement manufacturing and began importing many movements from Germany. Hermle, in the Black forest of Germany, has made many movements for Seth Thomas clocks.
Condition: Very good, some patina on face frame and mount. Clock is fully functional with original key. Original finish. Circa 1900.
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| Estimate | $50 - $100 |
| Starting Bid | $20 |
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