About the Seth Thomas “Chicago” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas “Chicago” Clock Model: A Collector’s Guide
The Seth Thomas “Chicago” clock, produced between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is a classic mantel clock that graces many antique collections. Known for its distinctive design, this model represents the height of American clockmaking during the Industrial Revolution era.
The “Chicago” clock boasts an elegant and sturdy construction, primarily made from mahogany or walnut wood with brass accents. The case design features a rectangular shape, often adorned with decorative carvings on the hood and base, giving it a refined yet robust appearance. The dial is typically white enamel, with black Roman numerals and finely crafted hands.
What makes the Seth Thomas “Chicago” clock particularly collectible is its combination of aesthetics, quality, and historical significance. As one of the most iconic models from Seth Thomas Clock Company, this mantel clock represents a period in American history when clockmaking was both an art and a science. Notable features include the high-quality movement, which ensures accuracy and reliability, as well as its intricate craftsmanship that showcases the skill of American clockmakers during the Victorian era.
Collectors appreciate the “Chicago” clock not only for its timeless design but also for the story it tells about the development of American industry and craftsmanship. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced collector, this model offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of American history that continues to captivate enthusiasts today.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 17 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Chicago” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Antique Seth Thomas Chicago Clock
Jan 2020 – 312
Antique American Clocks
Seth Thomas “Chicago”, ca. 1880.
This model came in two styles, with a full door glass, as found
here, and with a decorative round tablet in a wooden door.
This one has been stripped from top to bottom and the 17.5-inch walnut
case refinished nicely.
The door glass is old.
The columns have been repainted.
The painted, signed, and dated dial
is likely original and in nice shape, with no flaking.
The dial board does not match that shown for this clock (Ly,
Seth Thomas
Clocks & Movements, Vol. 1
, page 188).
The pendulum is ST issue but the swirled pattern on the bob has been polished to
The 8-day lyre movement is running and striking on the nickel bell.
The backboard has been recovered in black paper,
there is no label to be found.
Retail: $76 | Date: 01/01/2020 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
C.1885, Seth Thomas “Chicago’ model shelf clock, as-found.
The tablet is virtually all worn away and the gilt columns are mostly down to gesso. Retains good label and orig pendulum; ST hands are from a C1930 clock; will restore OK; height 18′
Sold: $160 | Date: 11/1/1999 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas ” CHICAGO”., circa 1875
Case: Rosewood with gilt trim. Great glass, 17.5″ high Works:Seth Thomas 8 day time and strike on bell. One of the “CITY” series. Condition:Case: Fair to Good, The gilt finish is in bad shape, but restorable. Works, excellent, Original dial with some flaking of paint. Additional keywords: American
Retail: $300 | Date: 3/15/2000 | Source: AntiqueClocks.com
Seth Thomas Clock Co., ‘CHICAGO’ model from the City Series, time and gong strike, 8-day and in a rosewood case, c.1875
overall excellent original condition. There is some minor deterioration to the original finish that keeps it from being outstanding. Ht 17.5″
Sold: $288 | Date: 5/15/2010 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn. one of the first City Series they made, the “Chicago”, ca 1874.
The rosewood veneered case is excellent but has had some “improvements” which I wish they had not done. This model has always been one of my favorite City Series clocks, and they did not need to paint the trim around the door edge, or tinker with the nice brass diamond shaped ornaments around the lower glass. They put some black paint around that brass, not good. Also, instead of having the flaked dial repainted they glued on a sorry plastic looking dial. Those things can be easily fixed, but that is the way it is. Near perfect label inside, very nice glasses, correct hands, and coil gong. 8 day movement is signed, running, and striking correctly. At least redo the dial and you will have a beautiful clock. Ly-Seth Thomas, page 188.
Sold: $100 | Date: 7/31/2010 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Chicago” walnut 8 day, time and strike city clock, Japanese dial, c1890
There is an old surface that could use some polish, and there are no losses, but the gold on the front columns is newer. The reverse paint butterfly tablet is very nice, with just a few flakes, and the newly painted metal dial shows Japanese symbols on 24 hour tracks. No labels remain, but we recognize this model. The movement ticks and strikes. Ht 17 1/2″
Sold: $55 | Date: April 22, 2012 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Chicago” 8 day, time and strike rosewood City shelf clock, c1890
The bold grain finish has been restored, but the gilt columns are worn originals. The repainted dial had some embellishments added around the center. The tablet is colorful and old, but perhaps not original. There is a good paper label and an alarm movement. The movement may need cleaning, and does need a simple pendulum. Ht 17 1/2″
Sold: $60 | Date: April 22, 2012 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1875, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., 8-day time/strike rosewood shelf clock.
This is a clean example of the Chicago model, with gilt columns and brass trim. The are some dings on one side and the bottom molding. The original dial is in great condition for a Seth Thomas, minor loss by winding holes, but no flaking. The new tablet is a paper print of roses, glued to glass, and then sprayed white from behind. The upper glass is original. Inside label with wear but fully legible. Recently cleaned and running. Height 173/4″
Sold: $250 | Date: April, 2002 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas city series, “Chicago”, ca 1875. Seth Thomas exported many clocks to China.
The 8 day movement is Seth Thomas and correct for this clock, but the movement and dial are 24 hour, not 12. One revolution of the hour hand takes 24 hours. There is an extra gear in the movement to accomplish that. One would assume the movement was made that way by Seth Thomas before exporting. The dial could well have been painted before export. Note the Chinese lettering and numbering system. The dial, label, wire gong, pendulum, case, are all original Seth Thomas stock. 17 1/2 inch walnut case is dirty as are the brass ornaments and gold columns. Will need some attention but will make a great addition to a collection.
Sold: $164 | Date: January, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston Conn., “Chicago” city-series 8 days, time and strike, rosewood mantel clock, C.1900
the case was nicely refinished some time ago, and the original striped gilding remains on the half-round columns and curved top molding. The bold fruit painting on the lower round tablet is nice. The dial has been redone by a gifted amateur. A short strip of wood is missing from the back top rear, but not noticeable from the front. The large inside paper label is complete. Ht 17.5″
Sold: $150 | Date: May 4, 2013 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston Conn., “Chicago” city-series 8 days, time, strike and alarm rosewood mantel clock, c1900
the case retains an old finish with some minor nicks and losses, and the upper round glass is cracked. The lower glass is a lovely reverse-paint portrait. The painted metal dial has some edge flakes, and the inside paper label is complete with some stains. Ht 17.5″
Sold: $600 | Date: May 4, 2013 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Chicago” City Series shelf clock with an 8 day spring driven time and strike movement in a rosewood case.
The case retains some original finish with no veneer damage. The original painted dial is in good condition. The hands are original. The movement is signed. Both door glasses are original. Clean label inside. A very nice example of this model.
Sold: $90 | Date: October 22, 2016 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Chicago” mahogany shelf clock with 8 days, time and strike movement made for the Asian market, c1900.
The case retains some original finish. The dial has been repainted. The hands are original. The label is missing. The top glass and lower door tablet are original. Ht 17 1/2″;
Sold: $150 | Date: October 25, 2015 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Chicago”, 8 day, time and strike city series mantel clock, c1879
Walnut veneered case in original finish with some minor dings and scrapes. Original painted dial has some inpainting repairs at the mounting screws, at the six o’clock area and at the time side winding arbor. Hands, tablet and pendulum are original. The gilt column tops and bases have some minor wear. Ht 18″
Sold: $140 | Date: October 26, 2013 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas, Thomaston Conn., “Chicago” city-series 8-day time and strike rosewood mantel clock, C.1900.
Good clock for restoration. Original finish dry and crusty with a few veneer splits and losses. Lower reverse-paint tablet about 50% flaked. Good original inside paper label, Original painted metal dial has just a few losses. Movement, with winding stops, needs service. Ht.17.5″.
Sold: $65 | Date: October 30, 2010 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1885, Seth Thomas, ÒCHICAGOÓ model, 8-day time and strike shelf clock.
Condition: generally fair to good condition, the door is warped and mis-aligned, the gilding on the columns worn; bell now held on with a machine screw. Movement is complete, runs and strikes. Height 17 inches
Sold: $100 | Date: October 31, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1885, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Chicago” , 8-day, city series mantel clock.
Condition: Rosewood veneered case in good condition with original finish, but with some minor veneer loss on the base. Original painted dial is soiled with paint loss around the winding holes and in a couple of places on the outer edge. Original tablet has some flaking and minor touchup; odd tablet of New England winter scene. Old hands incorrect. Original movement is signed. Columns with original gilding and burnishing. For reference, see Tran Ly’s book on Seth Thomas, 3rd Edition, Vol 1, page 188. Ht 17.5″ [44.4 cm]
Sold: $175 | Date: October, 22 2006 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
