How much is my Seth Thomas mantle clock worth?
An 1880s Seth Thomas clock with mahogany and adamantine in excellent condition sold for $550. It had been serviced and was fully functional. A Seth Thomas clock from about 1905 in “as found” condition sold for about $150.
Are old Seth Thomas clocks valuable?
Antique Seth Thomas clocks—particularly wall clocks and mantel clocks—are treasured by clock collectors and antiques lovers who value craft and sophistication.
What is an adamantine clock?
Adamantine is a veneer developed by The Celluloid Manufacturing Company of New York City, covered by U.S. Patent number 232,037, dated September 7, 1880. This veneer is sometimes referred to as celluloid and is found on clocks in a wide variety of colors that simulate marble or alabaster.
How do you date a Seth Thomas mantle clock?
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.
How do you date a Gilbert mantle clock?
The best way to tell a Gilbert clock’s age is to inspect the back of it. You should see a label displaying the name of the company. Because this company changed its name various times throughout its duration, the name engraved on the back will help you identify the time period it was constructed in.
What is adamantine finish?
Adamantine is a veneered celluloid finish made by Seth Thomas Clock Company with various colors formed in the celluloid veneer. Common colors are black, mahogany and green; other colors such as white and various marbleized colors were also made.
How do you date an Ingraham Mantle clock?
Look at the back of the clock movement for a company name stamped into the metal. Company names Ingraham was associated with from 1844 until his death in 1885 include Brewster & Ingrahams, starting in 1844; E. & A. Ingrahams Company in 1852; Elias Ingraham and Company in 1857; E.
When did Seth Thomas make the adamantine clock?
Seth Thomas Clock Company purchased the right to use the Adamantine veneer in 1881. Below are shown just a sampling of the many models of Adamantine clock made by Seth Thomas.
What kind of veneer does Seth Thomas clocks use?
Seth Thomas is well known for their “Adamantine” black mantel clocks, which were made starting in 1882. Adamantine is a celluloid veneer, glued to the wood case. Adamantine veneer was made in black and white, and in colored patterns such as wood grain, onyx and marble.
When was the first black mantel clock made?
These clocks have become known to collectors as “Black Mantel Clocks”, and were popular from 1880 to 1931. Seth Thomas made clocks in marble cases for a short time, from 1887 to ca. 1895.
Where is the date code on a Seth Thomas clock?
The back escapement type (up to ca. 1901*) has the regulating square above the numeral “12”. The model 89 has the regulating square below the center of the dial. These two types are evident in the illustrations above. Many Seth Thomas clocks from 1881 to 1918 have a date code stamped in ink on the case back or bottom.