Antique Round-Top Cottage Clock by Seth Thomas
A Rare 1870s Seth Thomas Round Top Shelf Clock Acquired at NAWCC Conference
A remarkable piece of American clockmaking history has recently been added to a collector's collection. The Seth Thomas round top shelf clock, characterised by its large round shape, vibrant appearance, and distinctive lyre movement, was acquired at the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) conference in Springfield, Massachusetts, in June of 2019.
This particular clock, produced by the renowned Seth Thomas Clock Co., is an example of the high-quality, reliable, and aesthetically appealing clocks that the company was known for during the late 19th century. The round top shelf design, with its curved top and lyre-shaped pendulum, is a testament to the craftsmanship of the era.
The historical significance of these clocks lies in their representation of industrial-era clockmaking in the United States. The Seth Thomas Clock Co. combined mass production techniques with fine craftsmanship, producing clocks that were widely sought after for domestic use due to their durability and attractive designs.
The lyre movement or pendulum became a hallmark feature in some models, symbolising refinement and a nod to classical motifs popular at the time. These clocks served as important household timekeepers in middle-class American homes and showcased the technological and stylistic advancements of clockmaking during that period.
The Seth Thomas round top shelf clock with lyre movement, acquired at the NAWCC conference, is no exception. The case is made of Rosewood veneer with a mirrored rectangular lower tablet, and the clock measures 15 inches in height, 10 inches wide at the base, and 4 inches deep. The movement, die stamped "S. Thomas, Plymouth Conn.", is fitted with Geneva stops and runs well. With a thorough cleaning and addressing the broken alarm spring, the clock can be restored to its former glory.
The clock's dial, which looks new, was restored by Frank Machera in 1995. The clock also bears a good label affixed inside the case, stating "Spring Brass Eight Day Clocks", "Made and Sold by Seth Thomas, Thomaston, Connecticut". This clock is one of six Seth Thomas clocks in the collector's collection, representing several styles from the period between 1865 and 1930.
In conclusion, the Seth Thomas round top shelf clock with lyre movement is a significant artifact reflecting American innovation in the clock industry during the late 19th century. For collectors, these clocks are highly prized for their historical value, craftsmanship, and aesthetic appeal.
- The collector's collection now includes a vintage clocks piece - a 1870s Seth Thomas Round Top Shelf Clock - that showcases the fusion of mass production techniques and fine craftsmanship in American clockmaking, as seen in home-and-garden items of the era.
- This collectible item, with its unique lyre movement, symbolizes not only a step forward in technology but also an esteemed fashion-and-beauty element of the time, similar to books that have enriched lives or entertainment that has captivated audiences.
- Aside from being a timekeeper, the Seth Thomas clock, with its Rosewood veneer case and mirrored lower tablet, also represents the intersection of food-and-drink and lifestyle, as such pieces often adorned homes during social gatherings.
- The addition of this mantel clocks to the collector's collection further solidifies their admiration for the outstanding clockmaking legacy of the Seth Thomas Clock Co.,Just as fashion-and-beauty evolves over time, so too does the appreciation for the antique clocks that define a bygone era.
