About the Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 6 Double Time” Clock
Introducing the Antique Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 6 Double Time” Clock, an intriguing timepiece hailing from the late 19th century, approximately dated to 1884. This American clock, crafted by the renowned Seth Thomas Clock Company of Thomaston, Connecticut, boasts a substantial walnut or mahogany case measuring 49 inches in height. The case is in excellent condition, featuring a polished finish that accentuates its timeless elegance.
The clock’s dial and hands show signs of age, with the ST logo present on the repainted dials. The bezels are brass, complemented by a brass weight and pendulum bob. Notably, the railroad time and local time plaques are painted metal. The upper movement, an 8-day time-only mechanism signed by Seth Thomas, operates with a seconds hand. However, the lower movement exhibits some discrepancies compared to records from Schmitt’s, Harris, and Ly’s “Seth Thomas Clocks & Movements” Edition.
The unique feature of this clock is its ability to display both railroad time and local time simultaneously. While the drive shaft between the two movements requires attention, the independent setting of the local time is facilitated by a spring-loaded mechanism. However, there is a slight discrepancy in the synchronization of the hands on the two dials.
This Antique Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 6 Double Time” Clock, with its rich history and distinctive design, offers a captivating blend of antiquity and functionality. Despite being a scarce model, it has been recently serviced and is currently in fine running condition. For further discussions or queries regarding this clock, we invite you to post comments and questions on the Antique American Clocks (AAC) Facebook page.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 2 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 6 Double Time” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Antique Seth Thomas Regulator No. 6 Double Time Clock
Jan 2021 – 77 Antique American Clocks Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 6 Double Time”, ca. 1884. A 49-inch walnut or possibly mahogany case in excellent condition with a polished finish. The door glass is likely a replacement, the dials likely old repaints with the ST logo; the hands are proper. The bezels are brass with a brass weight and a brass pendulum bob, the railroad time and local time plaques are painted metal. The upper movement is time-only, 8 days with a seconds hand and is signed; the lower movement does not match those shown in three sales (Schmitt’s and Harris) and in the photos shown in Ly’s Seth Thomas Clocks & Movements Edition, Vol. 1, page 284. The drive shaft between the two movements differs from those shown for two sales, but matches that shown in the most recent sale It will only run for a few minutes and so needs attention; I suspect the problem lies in the lower movement or drive. If you move either minute hand the corresponding hand on the other dial moves as well, but the two hands are slightly off in time. I believe that the drive shaft is spring-loaded to allow independent setting of the local As noted, there are only three sales records, the most recent being in 2018 at Harris for $6000. $5000-$10,000. Post comments and questions on the AAC facebook page!
Retail: $2,500 | Date: 01/01/2021 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 6 Double Time” 8 day timepiece, weight driven with nickel plated bezels, weight and damascened pendulum bob, c1881. This clock is similar to the one pictured in Tran Ly’s 3rd Edition on Seth Thomas Clocks, page 284, c1884, shown from the Wasserman collection.
The case retains its original finish with some areas of wear, scratches and paint marks. The original upper painted dial shows loss at the main center arbor, 4PM and 7PM. The lower dial shows similar paint loss. The hands all appear original. The central base finial has been replaced and the other two lower finials have been repaired. The top crest has been secured with a small nail. The porcelain plaque stating “Local Time” is intact below the lower dial. The upper plaque is missing. The driving rod (and beveled gears) from the upper movement to the lower movement are professional replacements. The door glass is old and appears to be original. The clock has been recently serviced and is in fine running condition, The standard Seth Thomas Regulator No. 6 is itself a scarce model. The Regulator No. 6 Double Time is considerably rarer. Minor restoration to this clock would result in a prized timepiece in any collection. We sold the most recent Regulator No. 6 Double Time example out of the Wasserman collection at our October 2011auction for $34,000 plus 15% Buyer’s Premium. Ht 47 1/2″
Sold: $8,500 | Date: October 26, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts