
The Seth Thomas Clock Company has been a household name for over a century, known for its high-quality timepieces that have been keeping perfect time for generations. Founded in 1813, the company was named after its founder, Thomas.
Seth Thomas was a skilled clockmaker who had a passion for innovation and precision. He introduced the first mass-produced clock in 1816, revolutionizing the industry with his affordable and accurate timepieces.
The company's clocks were not only functional but also beautifully crafted, featuring intricate designs and ornate details. Many of these clocks have become highly sought after by collectors today.
The Seth Thomas Clock Company's commitment to quality and innovation has left a lasting legacy in the world of timekeeping.
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The Company Clock Company
The Seth Thomas Clock Company has a rich history that spans over two centuries. It was founded by Seth Thomas in 1813 in Plymouth Hollow, Connecticut.
The company was initially known as the Seth Thomas Clock Company and was incorporated in 1853. This marked the beginning of a long and successful journey for the company.
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Seth Thomas was a pioneer in the clock-making industry, and his company produced a wide range of clocks, including longcase clocks, mantel, wall, and table-top clocks. The company also manufactured clock movements for the Self Winding Clock Company from 1886 to the early 1890s.
Here's a brief overview of the company's leadership:
- Seth Thomas (clockmaker) led the company from 1853(?) to 1859.
- Seth Thomas, Jr. took over the reins from 1915 to 1932.
The Seth Thomas brand has been protected by a trademark since 1926, when the company filed for registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The trademark is still active as of the last renewal date of February 17, 2017.
The History
Seth Thomas started working as an apprentice for clockmaker Eli Terry in 1807 at the age of 20.
He quickly proved himself to be a skilled clockmaker and, after only three years, he and his friend Silas Hoadley bought out Terry's factory.
In 1813, Seth Thomas established his own clockmaking company, The Seth Thomas Clock Company.
This company would go on to become one of the most enduring and prolific clock manufacturers in history.
The Seth Thomas Clock Company was founded in Plymouth Hollow, Connecticut, and began producing clocks in 1813.
It was incorporated as the "Seth Thomas Clock Company" in 1853.
The company was later owned by the Colibri Group, but returned to business under the ownership of CST Enterprises in Cranston, Rhode Island, in 2009.
Here are the notable owners of the Seth Thomas Clock Company:
- Seth Thomas (clockmaker) 1853(?) to 1859.
- Seth Thomas, Jr. 1915 to 1932.
The Seth Thomas Clock Company was granted a trademark in 1926, which is still active as of 2017.
This trademark has been a valuable asset for the company, allowing it to protect its brand and reputation.
The Seth Thomas Clock Company ceased operations in 2009, but was revived under new ownership in 2009.
Understanding Clocks
The Seth Thomas Clock Company was founded in 1813 by Thomas, who began by making wooden clock cases.
Clocks have a long history, with the first mechanical clocks appearing in the 13th century.
A clock's accuracy depends on its escapement mechanism, which regulates the release of the clock's gears.
What is a grandfather clock?
A grandfather clock is a tall, freestanding pendulum clock that's housed in a wooden case. These clocks are often crafted from fine woods like cherry, oak, or mahogany.
They're known for their intricate detailing and ornate embellishments, which make each one unique. Many grandfather clocks have complex watch mechanisms that allow them to keep precise time.
Some grandfather clocks are equipped with melodious tunes, such as Westminster chimes, that fill the house with warmth and memories.
Determining a Clock's Age
Determining a clock's age can be a fun and rewarding process. You can easily identify Seth Thomas clocks by finding specific markings on them, such as a maker's mark, label, or signature on the clock's dial, movement, or case.
These markings can be compared with historical records or online resources to estimate the age of the clock. This can give you a good idea of when the clock was made.
The style and design of the clock, including its case material, shape, and decorative elements, can also provide clues to its age. If the movement is wood, the production date of the clock is likely to be between 1817 and 1830.
You can also search for a serial number on the clock's movement or case, which can be cross-referenced with production records or databases to determine the manufacturing date. This can be a more precise way to determine the age of the clock.
Dating antique clocks can sometimes be challenging, but consulting experts such as experienced clock collectors, appraisers, and horological experts can be helpful.
Alliance Time
Alliance Time is a retail distribution company based in New York City. They specialize in jewelry, watches, and accessories, and are the exclusive worldwide distributor for European watch brands Milleret and Golana.
Their distribution channels include mid-sized and large market retailers, national chains, and high-volume e-commerce sites. This extensive network will help promote and sell a range of products, including clocks from Seth Thomas.
Alliance Time acquired the entire inventory of goods, intellectual property, and trademarks from Colibri, Seth Thomas, and Linden Clocks as part of a receivership auction for the defunct Colibri Group. This acquisition includes the Seth Thomas brand.
In an effort to rejuvenate the Seth Thomas brand, Alliance Time is reaching out to former employees of The Colibri Group for background analysis and potential work opportunities. This suggests a commitment to preserving the brand's legacy and expertise.
Alliance Time has a successful track record, providing goods to brick-and-mortar and online stores nationwide since 1999.
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Models and Value
Seth Thomas Clock Company produced a wide range of clocks, each with its unique features and characteristics. The company's models varied in terms of materials, design, and functionality.
Some of the most notable models include the Seth Thomas 801 Mantel Clock Walnut, which features a walnut case with ash beryl veneers, and the Seth Thomas Sussex Adamantine Mantel Clock, which boasts a green and black Adamantine mantel clock design.
The value of Seth Thomas clocks depends on several factors, including age, condition, and rarity. In general, antique and rare clocks in excellent condition can fetch several thousand dollars, while more common or modern models may sell for a few hundred dollars.
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Here are some of the notable Seth Thomas models mentioned in the article:
It's worth noting that the value of Seth Thomas clocks can also be influenced by market demand and trends.
Still Makes Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Company still makes clocks, although not in the same way as before. The company ceased manufacturing in 2009, but a new line of Seth Thomas clocks is now available, crafted by another clock builder under the Seth Thomas brand.
The trademark for the Seth Thomas brand was granted in 1926 and is still active as of 2017. This means that the brand name is still protected and can be used by the current owner, CST Enterprises.
In fact, the Seth Thomas brand has changed hands a few times over the years. It was originally owned by Seth Thomas himself, but was later owned by the Colibri Group. Today, CST Enterprises in Cranston, Rhode Island owns the brand and offers a range of Seth Thomas clocks.
Here's a quick rundown of the key people involved with the Seth Thomas Clock Company:
- Seth Thomas (clockmaker) - 1853(?) to 1859
- Seth Thomas, Jr. - 1915 to 1932
I hope this information helps you understand the current state of the Seth Thomas Clock Company and its products!
Models

Seth Thomas Models are a range of clocks produced by the Seth Thomas company, with some models discontinued as early as 1911.
The earliest documented Seth Thomas Model, the Seth Thomas 801 Mantel Clock Walnut, features a walnut case with ash beryl veneers and a round movement with loop end mainsprings.
Some Seth Thomas Models, such as the Seth Thomas Sussex Adamantine Mantel Clock Black And Green Back Escapement, have a simple case design with no pillars, while others, like the Seth Thomas Echo Time, have a nickel leg model case.
The Seth Thomas Echo Alarm, a variation of the Echo Time, features a nickel leg model case and a second hand.
Other Models, such as the Seth Thomas Modern Old Oak and Seth Thomas Modern Mahogany, have a rectangular mantel clock design with an automatic eight day long alarm.
A table of some Seth Thomas Models is shown below:
The Seth Thomas Vigil 8 Day Alarm Bronze, a discontinued model, features a fancy metal cased mantel clock with a bronze finish and an automatic eight day long alarm.
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Approximate Value of a Grandfather Clock
The value of a grandfather clock can vary significantly depending on its age, model, condition, and other factors.
For more common or modern models, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars.
Market demand and trends can also influence the price of a grandfather clock.
Antique or rare examples in exceptional condition can be worth several thousand dollars or more.
If you're looking for a more precise valuation, it's a good idea to consult with an experienced antique clock appraiser or research recent sales and reviews of comparable clocks.
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General Information
Seth Thomas Clock Company has a rich history, dating back almost 200 years. This legacy has earned them a reputation for producing masterfully-crafted clocks.
They've had a presence in the US for a long time, with many public tower clocks installed throughout the country. The most famous of these proudly stands in the center of Grand Central Station in New York City.
Seth Thomas has undergone a change in ownership, with a new company taking over in 2009.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell how old my Seth Thomas clock is?
To determine the age of your Seth Thomas clock, look for a code on the bottom or case back that typically displays the year of production in reverse numbers, followed by a letter representing the month. This code can help you pinpoint the exact year your clock was made.
Where to sell a Seth Thomas clock?
To sell a Seth Thomas clock, contact Fontaine's Auction for a complimentary appraisal and auction estimate. They specialize in selling rare and unique Seth Thomas timepieces.
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