About the Seth Thomas “Lincoln” Clock
Title: The Seth Thomas “Lincoln” Clock Model: A Collector’s Delight
The Seth Thomas “Lincoln” clock, introduced in the late 19th century, is a striking example of American craftsmanship and historical significance. This model falls under the mantel clock category, designed to be placed on a shelf or tabletop, making it a popular choice for home decorators.
The Lincoln clock is typically crafted from mahogany or walnut, with intricate carvings that depict President Abraham Lincoln and other notable figures of the American Civil War era. The case design is characterized by its elaborate details, including a richly decorated hood and an open-faced dial. The overall aesthetic is reminiscent of the Victorian era, which prized ornamentation and grandeur in design.
Produced between 1865 and 1900, the Lincoln clock’s historical context and high-quality craftsmanship make it a highly collectible piece. This model was produced during a time of significant cultural change, making it a reflection of American values and national pride in the aftermath of the Civil War. Notable features include its 8-day movement, which requires winding once every few days, and the large, ornate pendulum swinging below the dial.
The Seth Thomas “Lincoln” clock is more than just a timepiece; it’s a historical artifact that showcases American history and craftsmanship. Its collectibility lies in its unique design, historical significance, and the quality of materials used, making it a valuable addition to any antique clock collection.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 20 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Lincoln” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Antique Seth Thomas Lincoln Clock
Jul 2021 – #32
Antique American Clocks
Seth Thomas “Lincoln” ca. 1890.
A 28-inch golden oak case that has been cleaned, but not
perfectly – there is still dark stain in the edges and corners.
The door glass has been replaced and the gilt bank stencil added.
The zinc dial has been repainted with the ST logo; the hands are as shown in a catalog illustration.
The dial bezel is brass,
as is the gong mount, weights, and faintly damascened pendulum bob.
I don’t believe the weights are ST issue, and the strike
weight is larger and the top rim is detached.
But they work; the clock is running and striking on the hours.
A-frame movement is signed and there is a dark white label on the inside bottom.
No date on the back.
OVERVIEW PAGE
Retail: $451 | Date: 07/01/2021 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
Antique Seth thomas Lincoln Clock
Jul 2021 – #31
Antique American Clocks
Seth Thomas “Lincoln”, 1884.
A 28-inch walnut case with a cleaned finish; there
is still some gunk in the corners and edges.
The door glass appears to be original but the dial is paper
; the hands are Seth
The dial bezel is nickel, as is the cathedral gong mount, damascened pendulum bob and proper weights.
four weight pulleys and a blue label inside; the date of manufacture is stamped on the back.
The 8-day, time-and-strike movement
is signed and running, striking on the hours.
Horton’s sold one in 2018 for $695, and it had mismatched brass weights.
OVERVIEW PAGE
Retail: $612 | Date: 07/01/2021 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
C.1896 Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, CT: LINCOLN model shelf clock with 8-day time and strike weight movement in walnut.
Condition: The clock is in good original condition with an original repainted dial, original finish to case, partial label on the bottom (just legible), nickel-plated damascene pendulum bob and two original brass covered weights. The top got wet and lost some of its finish, does not show in foto. Pictured in Tran Duy Ly’s Seth Thomas Clocks and Movements Third Edition, Vol. 2, p.720. Height 27 inches
Sold: $950 | Date: 11-08-2008 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1895, Seth Thomas Clock Co., LINCOLN, 2-Weight shelf clock in walnut.
Condition: an exceptionally clean and original Lincoln. The case has been rubbed down and over-coated to a sheen, but no evidence of stripping. The original dial is super for a Thomas clock. Retains damascene pendulum, with nickel finish, and also nickeled bezel. Old weights are brass finished, no dents. Clean and runs OK. There is no label in this clock. For reference, see Tran Ly’s 3rd edition Seth Thomas Clocks and Movements, Vol 2, page 729 fig 2483, current price guide $1800. Height 27 inches [69cm]
Sold: $2,000 | Date: 4/22/2007 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn, C.1896, “LINCOLN”. 2-weight time and gong strike shelf clock, in an ebonized case.
there are a couple of flakes on the original dial that have been filled in and coming loose again. Some portion of the case have had the black refreshed and the entire case rubbed out nicely. Case hardware, cathedral gong, pendulum and weights are original. For reference, see Ly’s Seth Thomas book, 3rd edition, page 720, fig 2483. Price guide for 2004 = $1800. Note the Lincoln movement is identical to that used in the Flora and the Garfield. Ht 27″
Sold: $978 | Date: 5/15/2010 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1880, Seth Thomas “LINCOLN”
in walnut and in generally very good condition. The dial was repainted around 20 year ago and with some wear (actually looks very good). The original finish is intact, but the base got damp and the base molding lacks finish; other minor nicks and scrapes. Retains original hands, nickel finish pendulum with sharp damascening With old weights and running and striking fine. Height 27″ Reserve $800
Sold: $1,195 | Date: 5/8/2000 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1880, Seth Thomas Clock Co, LINCOLN, 2-Wt, 8-day shelf clock in walnut and in very good condition with original finish.
At some time a little water dropped on the top, rear and raised the finish on part of the top. The dial has been professionally repainted. Otherwise this is a clean original clock with a great look. Retains orig weights and pendulum with damascene pattern; clean and running robustly. About 2/3 label remains in case bottom. Height 27″
Sold: $2,200 | Date: April, 2002 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Walnut Seth Thomas “Lincoln” Parlor Clock
9 day time and bell strike; 8″ marked painted tin dial with nickel trim; damascene nickel pendulum, key and 2 weights; partial interior label; Roman numerals. (Dial crazed and faded on 2.) 28″
Sold: $850 | Date: July 27, 2011 | Source: Tom Harris Auctions
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Lincoln” oak 8 days, time and strike, weight driven shelf clock, c1890
the solid wood case and metal dial have been nicely refinished, and the old surfaces remains on the backboard and brass beat scale. The black label is in the base, but no longer legible. The brass weights are newly polished. Ht 28″
Sold: $550 | Date: May 4, 2013 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Lincoln” 8 day, time and strike, weight driven movement, painted dial, damascened nickel plate pendulum bob and brass weights, shelf clock in walnut, c1896
Walnut case in very nice condition in original finish with a small ding on the base. Original painted dial with a small flaked area near five o’clock and another flake near six. Hands, pulleys and the nickel plated pendulum are original. Weights are original. Movement is signed. Ht 27″
Sold: $800 | Date: May 4, 2013 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1896, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “LINCOLN”, 2-Weight, gong strike shelf clock in walnut.
Condition: Excellent. If you are looking for a nice Lincoln, this could be the one; original finish, dial, weights and pendulum. The dial does have a fingernail flake at 5 and a couple of other small imperfections, but is extraordinary for a Seth Thomas. For additional information on this model, see Tran Ly’s book on Seth Thomas, 3rd Edition (2004), Volume 2, page 729. Height 27 inches
Sold: $1,700 | Date: May 6th, 2006 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1896, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Lincoln”, empty case, mahogany or walnut (too dirty to tell), in as found condition.
Included is an original ST gong. The beat scale is still inside the case. A complete clock sells for $1500. Ht. 28″
Sold: $280 | Date: May 8, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1896, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Lincoln”, 8-day weight time and gong strike shelf clock.
Condition: Refinished walnut case has some scratches.. Original dial has been repainted, not to proper proportions. Hands are original. Weight pulleys are replacements. Nice nickel-plated, damascene pendulum. One weight has shot in it, needs to be filled with molten lead, backboard was not stained when case was refinished. Has a metal brkt for hanging on the wall which can be removed. For reference, see Tran Ly’s Seth Thomas book, [3rd ed], page 729. Price guide, when perfect = $1800. Ht. 27″
Sold: $400 | Date: May 8, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1880, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “LINCOLN”, 2-Wt, 8-day shelf clock in walnut and in very good condition with original finish.
There is some distress on the top where something damp was set on the clock. The dial has been professionally repainted. Otherwise this is a clean original clock with a great look. Retains orig weights and pendulum with damascene pattern (some of the nickel is worn to brass). Most of the original label is still in the case bottom . Suspension spring will need replacing, otherwise complete and sound. Height 27 inches
Sold: $1,300 | Date: May 8th, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., “LINCOLN”, 8-day time/strike shelf clock in walnut, C.1890
case in nice clean condition w/ original finish, but some deterioration along the bottom board. Original painted dial has some flaking and paint loss at 12 o’clock from a bump/dent it took in that area. Hands, pulleys and nickel plated pendulum are original. Pretty good label still in case bottom, with abrasion from tossing the key in after winding. Brass covered weights are not original; replacements are available from Timesavers, cat No. 23587 + 23588. Height 28 inches
Sold: $690 | Date: November 6, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Lincoln” model shelf clock with an 8 day weight driven time and strike movement in a walnut case.
The walnut case retains some original finish. There is some cracking to the dial support board. The underside of the base shows some repair, perhaps due to a weight that hit the bottom of the case. The original painted dial is in good condition with no loss. The hands are original. The movement is signed. The weights appear to be oversized for this clock and may not be original. The door glass is original. The clock strikes on a cathedral gong.
Sold: $750 | Date: October 22, 2016 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston. Conn., “Lincoln” walnut shelf clock with 8 days, weight driven brass movement, c1890.
The walnut case retains a nice original finish. The dial has been repainted and shows a significant paint loss at 5 o’clock. The hands are original. The door glass is original. The strike gong, normally a cathedral gong on a sturdy brass base, is mounted on a tall (8″) rod attached to the base of the case. This is an unusual configuration and may not be original. There is no label. Ht 27 1/2″.
Sold: $450 | Date: October 25, 2015 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Lincoln”, 8-day, time and strike, walnut shelf clock, c1884
Refinished walnut case in very nice condition with a couple small dings on the edge of the base. Original painted dial with some small loss in the center area and a small chip at 12 and 2 o’clock. Nice original nickel plated bob. Hands are original. Original paper label inside the case with a partial overpasted 1914 service label of H. Edson Wheeler, jeweler, Milford, MA. One of the weights has some small dings. Includes a shelf. Ht 28″
Sold: $950 | Date: October 26, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Lincoln” walnut 8 day weight driven time and strike shelf clock, dated 1888
there is an old possibly original finish that is dull and dry, but inside the case the wood looks good, and the glass is wavy. The dial is restored, the hour hand is too short, the door pull is absent, the weights are tarnished and may not be original, and there is tape residue across the pendulum bob. There is a good bottom label, and a stamped date code on the back. Ht 28″
Sold: $650 | Date: October 28, 2012 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Lincoln”, 8 day, time and strike weight shelf clock in walnut, c1890
Refinished walnut case in nice clean condition. Original painted dial is very nice for its age. Hands are original. Original nickel plated pendulum with some dings on the edges and some small dings on the face. Movement is signed. Bottom board has been replaced. Ht 28″
Sold: $1,000 | Date: October 28, 2012 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
