Posted 9 years ago
Nufson
(1 item)
Hello all, this clock has been in my family at least since the early 1900's. I've tried to do some research on it myself and I'm guessing it is late 1860's or early 1870's.
Can anyone help me date it more accurately and/or tell me more about it?
Thank you.
Nufson
Hi Nufson. Welcome to Collectors Weekly. What are the clock's case dimensions? Can you post a photo that shows the entire case from top to bottom?
You're in good hands nufson.
Bruce is the "clock guy" on the forum-- lots of experience and expertise with clocks!
scott
What I have so far: 18 5/8" wide, 32 1/2" tall, 6" deep. These are the measurements of the entire clock. As far as a photo that shows the entire case, perhaps I don't understand. The first photo I posted is of the entire clock. It is sitting on a table. I barely cut off the top and bottom but 99% is showing. If you need me to be more specific, I may need you to ask your question a different way so I understand. Thank you for your help.
I thought I was being clear. The top of the clock is important. If it's just flat across then don't worry about it. I'll look in my references for your measurements when I get a free moment. Thanks for the info.
Based upon what I can see, you have an early Seth Thomas "Column" Clock. Probably circa 1863, perhaps earlier. Since it is an 8-day clock it couldn't be too much earlier than that. Plymouth Hallow, Massachusetts was renamed "Thomason" in honor of Seth Thomas in 1865. Seth Thomas started manufacturing 8-day movements sometime around 1850 so we can say with some certainty that your family clock was made approximately between 1850 and 1865.
Also, your partial label photos suggest that the printer of the label was Francis & Loutrel Stationers and Steam Job Printers at 45 Maiden Lane, NY. They printed labels for Seth Thomas from 1844-67 So again, based on what I can see from your photos, my references have it sometime around 1863.
Here's a history of Seth Thomas: http://clockhistory.com/sethThomas/company/
Collectors Weekly also has a nice history of the Company: http://www.collectorsweekly.com/clocks/seth-thomas
You can probably find similar examples of your clock on the internet by searching key words Seth Thomas: Column Clock, Triple Decker, Column Shelf, Column Mantel, Column Ogee, Column and Cornice, etc. Looking at "Sold" listings for such clocks on eBay might give you some idea of their current market value at auction. Condition, of course, determines value to collectors.
Hope that helps a little
Thank you so much. This is fantastic information. Through my limited search abilities, I had it to a similar time period but what on this clock pinpoints it closer to 1863?
For all the reasons I've already stated. Bear in mind that I'm guessing "circa" 1863. It's very doubtful to me that it would be later than 1865 unless Seth Thomas was using up old label stock printed before the name Plymouth Hollow was changed in honor of Seth Thomas. I would sure want to promote that if I were selling Seth Thomas clocks. That's my story and I'm sticking with it. I could be wrong. Other opinions are always welcomed. Regards.
Great information, bruce!
scott
Thanks Scott! That's very kind of you to say.
Thank you bruce! I have several antique clocks, but it is nice to have someone with your knowledge and expertise on this site.
scott
That's a great Seth Thomas. I hope you will continue to pass it on down the line to your kids. Thanks for sharing.