About the Seth Thomas “Drop Octagon, 12 Inch” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas “Drop Octagon, 12 Inch” Clock Model
The Seth Thomas “Drop Octagon, 12 Inch” clock is a quintessential mantel clock from the prolific American clockmaker. This model, produced primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, belongs to the category of mantel clocks due to its compact size designed for placement on a table or mantelpiece.
The typical case materials for this model are walnut, mahogany, rosewood, and pine, with brass accents. The drop octagon design features an eight-sided case that slopes downwards towards the base, giving it a distinctive appearance. The dial is often white enamel with Roman numerals or a painted dial with bold Arabic numerals.
This model holds significant appeal for collectors due to its timeless design, excellent craftsmanship, and association with the esteemed Seth Thomas Clock Company. Notable features include the finely-tuned movement, which ensures accurate timekeeping, and the delicate pendulum swing visible through a glass panel in the case door.
Furthermore, the Seth Thomas “Drop Octagon, 12 Inch” clock is often adorned with intricate carvings, adding to its aesthetic value. Collectors appreciate the historical significance of this model, given that it represents a period of American craftsmanship and industrial progress. As with any antique, condition and rarity can influence its market value, but specific pricing varies depending on factors such as materials, age, condition, and provenance.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 28 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Drop Octagon, 12 Inch” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Seth Thomas Clock Co. short drop, school house clock, or as the catalogs call it, the “12 Inch Drop Octagon”, ca 1909.
It has an 8 day, time only, movement, and is running. 75% of the label is intact inside the case. Pendulum bob has been replaced. I wonder how many clocks have the original pendulum? The paper dial is new.The 23 1/2 inch old oak case has a coat of varnish or brown paint on it which sure didn’t improve its looks. The case is solid, very serviceable, and could make someone a fine first clock. It is probably as good as my first clock. Ly-Seth Thomas No.505.
Sold: $301 | Date: 1/1/2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co. “12 Inch Drop Octagon”, ca 1881.
We often call this clock a school house or short drop clock. This one is 8 day, time only, and it is running. Dial paper was replaced long ago, now looking old. A label inside the case, correct pendulum. A pretty nice old mahogany veneer case that is 23 1/2 inches high and only has one small bruise on the case, bottom left side. A factory date stamped on the back, “1881”. Ly-Seth Thomas No.505.
Sold: $300 | Date: 1/1/2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
C.1885, Seth Thomas, 12-Inch Drop Octagon
in oak in very good condition. There are some minor gouges along the edge of the case (barely visible), and the dial pan has come loose from the bezel at 1 o”clock. Otherwise this is a great original school clock with super label and original dial, hands, pend, etc. Original deep golden oak color. Height 24′
Sold: $300 | Date: 11/1/1999 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1890, Seth Thomas “12 Inch Drop Octagon’, in mahogany, as-found.
This is basically a clock with good potential, the dial repainted and the movement clean; screws are missing from the dial pan The case has dried out and several glue joints need attention. The original finish is in good shape and will wax up nicely; 8-day time; height 23′
Sold: $275 | Date: 11/1/1999 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1909, Seth Thomas, “12 Inch Drop Octagon” wall clock
in very good original condition. The oak case retains original medium brown finish; interior label is excellent, dial with some flaking, maybe 3 percent. 8-day time only movement needs cleaning but is complete and sound; original suspension wire is loose in case. Very good interior label. This model was sold to many rural schools early in the 20th century. Height 23″ $250-350
Sold: $275 | Date: 11/1/2000 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1888, Seth Thomas “12 Inch Drop wall clock
(dated on rear), in very good as-found condition. This clock came from a loft in Wayland, Mass, and is really untouched. We typically associate this style with 1910, however, the pinned minute hand and the type of 8-day movement in this clock are typical of 1888. There is some minor flaking on the dial, and the black has been strengthened. Tablet is original; label inside is coming loose from back, but is there. Time only. Case is either mahogany or rosewood, but has so much dirt it is hard to tell. Height 23 “
Sold: $425 | Date: 4/21/2001 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1900, Seth Thomas Clock Co. 12 inch drop octagon wall clock
in oak and in very good restored condition, a RR contract clock. Clock was used by Western Jersey and Scenic RR. It has no. 44 and W.J.&S.R.R. stenciled on the original dial. At some point the case was painted green and if you look in sunlight you can find green in all the joints. No evidence of ever having a label. However, it is a great original dial (numerals touched up), and with original bezel and case hardware intact. With pinned minute hand, this could not have been made much later than 1900. Height 24″
Sold: $750 | Date: 4/21/2001 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1890, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Drop Octagon 12 Inch”, 8-day wall timepiece.
Condition: Rosewood veneered case in nice condition with a small piece of veneer missing the bottom corner of the pendulum door. The segments that make up the drop area have separated a little and will need attention. ST movement is original to the case and hands are original; also orig tablet and great label. The dial is the right size and style for this case, but has an extra winding hole at two o’clock (filled in) and another small hole near the center; bezel with hinge repair.Good potential if you can deal with the dial. Height 24 inches [60.96 cm]
Sold: $150 | Date: 4/22/2007 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1909, Seth Thomas, 12 Inch Drop Octagon wall clock
(no additional information available)
Sold: $250 | Date: 6/10/2000 | Source: Jones and Horan Auction Team
Seth Thomas Clock Co. “Drop Octagon 12 Inch”, ca 1906.
A poplar clock made for many years, this one stamped by the factory on the back, 1906. The 24″ mahogany case is near perfect, considering it is over 100 years old, and I was sorely tempted as I usually am, to keep this clock. I know it is a cheap clock as clocks go, but it is time and strike, an 8 day movement, original railroad dial that is signed, “PRR / Freight Representative / Corner North and Duke Streets / York, Pa.”. I would guess that PRR stands for Pennsylvania Railroad. There is a good portion of the paper label inside, brass pendulum bob, coil gong, and the 8 day brass movement. The clock is identical to No. 1162 in Ly-Seth Thomas, except it has different railroad advertising.
Sold: $375 | Date: 7/31/2010 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co. “Drop Octagon 12 Inch”, ca 1890.
Stamped on the back of the case, “0981J”. This walnut cased clock is almost perfect. The only negative thing is a replaced dial paper. Have the dial professionally repainted and you will have yourself a keeper. One of my very favorite clocks, perhaps because my first clock was one like this. They are excellent timekeepers, it does not strike so you don’t have to stop it when company comes, and it fits in any d/(c)cor, office, kitchen, den, etc. The movement is signed, running, clean, and has the correct or original brass bob. Complete paper label inside, both glasses are original, so are the hands and both door latches. Excellent clock. Ly-Seth Thomas, pages 356-357.
Sold: $125 | Date: 7/31/2010 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Drop Octagon 12 inch”, 8 days, spring brass movement schoolhouse wall regulator, c1890
Oak case in nice condition in original finish. Original painted dial in very nice condition. Hands are original. The backing on the original tablet has been restored in an attempt to stabilize the lifting background. The knob to the bottom door is missing. Ht 24″
Sold: $110 | Date: April 27, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas “12 Inch Drop Octagon”, ca 1924.
Walnut case in near perfect condition, 24 inches high Dial pan covered with a new paper dial and sports a new pendulum bob, otherwise original 8 day, time only, running Would sure be nice with a painted dial Ly-Seth Thomas No.521 or 505
Sold: $352 | Date: January, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas “12 Inch Drop Octagon”, ca 1924.
8 day, strike 24 inch walnut case The case, dial, glass, pendulum, and label all mint Running I have never said mint before I hope I am not sorry Ly-Seth Thomas No.521
Sold: $425 | Date: January, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas hanging clock, “12 Inch Drop Octagon”, ca 1909.
Big 8 day movement has the Geneva stops and strikes the hours. Old oak, polished case, is 23 1/2 inches high. The clock is very clean, all original, and running. Just to keep from saying the clock is near perfect I will say the bezel is tarnished and needs to be polished. Ly-Seth Thomas No.505.
Sold: $575 | Date: January, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas “12 Inch Drop Octagon”, ca 1909.
24 inch oak case, a great use of the grain, darkened over the years. Original painted dial has a little discoloration and paint loss where fingers rubbed. 8 day, time only, running. The old case dried out and separated slightly at the base. Rather than pull it together and glue, someone filled the cracks and stained. It is fine, just not a proper repair. Ly-Seth Thomas No.505.
Sold: $268 | Date: July, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas “12 Inch Drop Octagon”, ca 1909, or 1903 stamped on the case.
It is an 8 day time only movement, cleaned, serviced, and running. 24″ case is made of Old Oak and polished. Paper dial on the old pan. Glass possibly replaced as solder joints on the clips have been strengthened, maybe to hold the glass better. The case has not been hurt, and is all original. Ly-Seth Thomas No. 505.
Sold: $201 | Date: July, 2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co. “12 Inch Drop Octagon”, ca 1881, per the factory stamp on the case.
Brown label inside, over 95 percent good. Everything original, pendulum, maybe even the key. Walnut veneer case is almost 24 inches high. Some scuffing and veneer damage on the left side near the bezel latch, and on the left side down on the base. A little stain on the places would probably disguise them, although not obnoxious as it is, just enough to keep the clock from being great. Wonder of wonders, the old painted dial is original and has very good paint, no chipping, and the bezel still has original putty holdingthe glass. Ly-Seth Thomas No. 505.
Sold: $349 | Date: July, 2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Schoolhouse Clock, ca.1909, Model “12 inch drop octagon”.
23.5 inch mahogany case; refinished in good condition, strong label.Good old lower glass, upper glass replaced. The old zinc dial has old repaint. 8-day time and strike movement with old pendulum bob, runs fine, recommend cleaning. Ly-Seth Thomas #505.
Sold: $0 unsold | Date: June, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., ÒDrop Octagon 12 InchÓ wall hanging clock with an, 8 days, timepiece movement and Santa Fe RR dial in an oak case, c1902.
The case retains the original finish. The movement is signed. The hands are original. The dial has paint loss on the upper half The bottom door glass is original. Ht/ 24Ò.
Sold: $375 | Date: May 16, 2015 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1890, Seth Thomas, Drop Octagon, 12 Inch, in oak, 8-day time only, spring driven.
Condition: about as good as it gets for this model; nice original crusty finish, good label and dial. Ht 23.5″
Sold: $400 | Date: May 8, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., DROP OCTAGON 12 INCH, short drop octagon timepiece in oak, 8-day. C.1910.
the oak case has a very old finish that is not original. The original painted dial has a small damaged area at five o’clock and small chip at the winding hole. Hands are original. Bottom door glass is a replacement. Label inside case with 2 glued on repair labels from Philadelphia. Height 24 inches
Sold: $150 | Date: November 6, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., 8 days, time only, spring driven “12 Inch Drop Octagon” in rosewood veneered case, c1890
This one owner clock came from a house in Agawam, Mass. and is in excellent original condition. Some yellowing of the dial, otherwise fine, minor nicks to case commensurate with age. Dark label inside case is complete. Ht 23 1/2″
Sold: $300 | Date: October 26, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Drop Octagon 12 Inch” 8 day timepiece in rosewood veneered case, c1889.
The original finish has been rubbed to a soft luster dial has been professionally repainted. The hands are original. The bezel and dial pan have been buffed and luster This is a very attractive clock. Ht 24″.
Sold: $325 | Date: October 26, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Clocks- 2 (Two) Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., 8 day, time only, “Drop Octagon 12 Inch” wall clocks, c1885
the darker one is mahogany with a newer paper dial and still legible inside label. The lighter color case has an old finish, probably on gum wood, and a painted metal calendar dial, but the upper clear class is cracked. Hts 24″
Sold: $230 | Date: October 28, 2012 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Drop Octagon 12” oak time only school clock, c1900
the old finish has a soft shine, with just a few scratches and scuffs. The inside paper label is excellent. Glasses, dial and brass bezel are original with correct signs of minor aging. The date stamp on back is indistinct. Movement has broken mainspring so will need service. Ht 24″
Sold: $250 | Date: October 29, 2011 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1910, Seth Thomas, “12 INCH DROP OCTAGON” , oak cased, 8-day schoolhouse timepiece.
Condition: the lower access door and tablet have been restored (done around 1970), and there is no latch to hold the door closed. The recent paper dial has been pasted onto the original dial pan. The balance of the case retains original veneer and finish in excellent condition. Good label inside case with some water stains. Running and with a cleaning label dated 1920 from Holyoke, Mass. Ht 23.5″ [60cm]
Sold: $200 | Date: October, 22 2006 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1904, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Drop Octagon 12 Inch”, 8-day wall timepiece.
Condition: Veneered oak case in very nice as found condition with original finish. There is a small dent on the bottom front molding. Original painted dial has some minor stains and flaking. Hands are original. Bottom glass is original with some loss to the gold ring. Nice label inside case. Ht 23.5″ [59.6 cm]
Sold: $260 | Date: October, 22 2006 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
