About the Seth Thomas “Parlor Calendar No. 3” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas Parlor Calendar No. 3: A Notable Antique Timepiece
The Seth Thomas Parlor Calendar No. 3 is a captivating and functional antique clock that stands as an exemplary representation of the Seth Thomas Clock Company’s craftsmanship. This model, categorized as a mantel clock, combines the practicality of timekeeping with intricate design elements, making it an attractive addition to any collection.
The typical case materials for the Parlor Calendar No. 3 are finely polished hardwoods such as mahogany, walnut, or cherry, lending an air of elegance and sophistication. The clock’s design is characterized by a rectangular shape with an integrated calendar display on the dial face. This unique combination of a mantel clock with a built-in calendar adds practicality to its aesthetic appeal.
Produced primarily between 1880 and 1920, the Parlor Calendar No. 3 is a testament to the industrial revolution’s impact on American clock manufacturing. Its production span reflects the shift from traditional craftsmanship to mass production methods, making it an interesting study for collectors interested in the evolution of antique clocks.
What makes the Seth Thomas Parlor Calendar No. 3 particularly collectible is its combination of functionality, design, and historical significance. The integrated calendar feature sets it apart from other mantel clocks of the era, adding a unique selling point for collectors. Furthermore, the high-quality materials used in its construction ensure that well-preserved examples maintain their charm and value over time.
Notable features of the Parlor Calendar No. 3 include its finely detailed engravings, intricate wooden carvings, and the clever integration of a calendar into the dial face. These features not only contribute to
Auction Records and Price History
The following 32 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Parlor Calendar No. 3” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Antique Seth Thomas Parlor Calendar No. 3 Clock
Jan 2021 – 135
Antique American Clocks
Seth Thomas “Parlor Calendar No. 3”, 1878.
Perhaps the most common of the parlor calendars,
this model is only 27 inches tall in a walnut veneer and is spring-driven.
The veneer on this case is very good but not perfect,
with considerable chipping on the rounded surfaces including the bezels and curved top.
The glasses are old and the painted
dials are chipping.
The hands are correct.
The white instruction label on the back of the door shows that this clock was
completed in late 1878.
The signed 8-day, time-and-strike movement is running and striking on a brass bell, and the calendar
is advancing.
Horton’s sold one in 2017 for $350.
Retail: $300 | Date: 01/01/2021 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
Antique Seth Thomas Parlor Calendar No. 3 Clock
Jan 2022 – #175
Antique American Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co. “Parlor Calendar No. 3”,
A 27-inch case veneered in walnut;
I believe the cornice veneer has been redone, as the OG curve made it particularly prone to peeling.
Both glasses look original;
the dials have been repainted, the hands are ST issue.
The signed 8-day, time-and-strike spring-driven movement is running and
striking the steel bell; however, the lift rods for the calendar are out of adjustment and do not advance the calendar.
a hard fix.
A good label on the back of the door.
AAC sold a No. 3 a year ago for $300.
Retail: $280 | Date: 01/01/2022 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
C.1885, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Parlor Calendar No. 3.
The rosewood veneer on this clock is in excellent condition with only a small piece missing on the top left cornice. Both dials have minor flaking, but for Seth Thomas, are ecxellent. The original calendar rollers have turned dark from age. Original hands and glasses. Interior label partly washed away. Height 26 inches
Sold: $675 | Date: 10/1/2001 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1885, Seth Thomas, Parlor Calendar no. 3 in good condition,
with restorations. The dials have been repainted a bit brightly and with logo too small. The Waterbury hands are incorrect (proper spade hands are available). Minor nicks and scrapes to case. Original finish is dark. Best parts are the two great labels, inside “no oil” and instructions on inside of door. See Millers calendar book, figure no. 31. Height 27 inches
Sold: $400 | Date: 10/1/2001 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1877 (dated label), Seth Thomas “Parlor Calendar No. 3′ in rosewood, as-found.
Although this clock seems to run and strike fine, and the calendar is functional, the case has some problems. The veneer on the top bezel has bubbled and has a couple of chips (now stained in), and the entire case has been varnished over. The time dial is a photocopy, stained to look old. Retains original calendar dial, rollers and hand. Top glass with crack (inexpensive to replace), Height 26′
Sold: $540 | Date: 11/1/1999 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1880, Seth Thomas, “Parlor No. 3′ perpetual calendar clock with time dial at top and lower dial with day, date and month.
Note this mechanism corrects for both short months and leap year. The movements are good and the rollers are original. Unfortunately the case was stripped with a rotary brush and there are deep scratches in the mahogany which will never come out. The dials are neatly repainted; original labels (2) intact. Estimate reflects condition; height 27′
Sold: $450 | Date: 11/1/1999 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1874 (dated tag), Seth Thomas “Parlor Calendar No. 3” ,
light rosewood and in excellent original condition. The only minor restoration the clock has received is the calendar dial numerals touched up (base paint is original), and the case rubbed out. Retains a great label with instructions, original rollers, and with a faded typed index card from 1949 when the clock was purchased for $15 in Woodstock, Vt. Clipped to that card is the original Seth Thomas tag advising the clock has been set for April 15th, 1874. See side view of lively rosewood graining; height 26″ Condition warrants this estimate: $650-850
Sold: $850 | Date: 11/1/2000 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1910, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., Parlor Calendar No. 3.
This case, veneered in walnut is in beautiful condition. The dials appear to have been varnished at some time and show the effects of yellowing and loss of the varnish. There is one tiny veneer chip in the upper left corner of the case. Overall very good+ condition. Height 29″ $600-800
Sold: $600 | Date: 11/1/2000 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas clock, “PARLOR CALENDAR no. 3”, circa 1875
Case: Rosewood veneer with old glass, 27″ high Works: Calendar with 8 day time and strike Time and strike works marked Plymouth, CT The time dial is repainted and the calendar dial is in pretty good shape. Reference:Seth Thomas Clocks and Movements by Tran Duy Ly. Condition:Case: Excellent; Works: Excellent; Additional keywords: American
Retail: $825 | Date: 3/15/2000 | Source: AntiqueClocks.com
Seth Thomas clock, “PARLOR CALENDAR no. 3”, circa 1875
Case: Rosewood veneer with old glass. 27″ high Works: Calendar with 8 day time and strike Time and strike works marked Plymouth, CT Reference:Seth Thomas Clocks and Movements by Tran Duy Ly. Condition:Case: Very good, Original dials are repainted, flaking and touched up but OK; Works: Excellent, the end of calendar hand is missing; Additional keywords: American
Retail: $775 | Date: 3/15/2000 | Source: AntiqueClocks.com
C.1875, Seth Thomas, Parlor Calendar No. 3 shelf clock
in generally good condition. The dials have been papered over (twice, and still brown with age), rollers are original. The rosewood veneer has some minor chips, and a small piece missing top left, but is overall intact and with original finish. Original desk lock door latch intact with key, and the original label is mint. Has not run in a while, and will respond well to restoration. Height 26″
Sold: $600 | Date: 4/21/2001 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1910, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Parlor Calendar No. 3”, 8-day, double dial calendar clock,
striking The rosewood veneered case is in very nice condition, but stripped of its original finish, and needs finish applied. The lower dial has been repainted on the original pan. The upper dial appears to be original, however, interestingly it has stenciled spandrels, and was probably taken out of the “OG” dial bin. Since there are no extra holes and the dial is old, we feel it is original (spandrel area does not show when the door is closed). The hands, latch and case hardware are original as well. The calendar wheels have turned dark from age. Retains excellent inside label. Height 27 inches
Sold: $800 | Date: 4/26/2003 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1885, Seth Thomas, “Parlor Calendar No. 3”
in rosewood, with restorations. Both dials have been papered over (originals were painted), and the rollers recovered; time hands are from an OG. The rosewood veneer has a couple of small chips on the top, but is overall excellent and well colored. Case retains original finish and inside label is intact. Full details on these perpetual calendar mechanisms can be found in Tran du Ly’s yellow book titled Calendar Clocks. Height 27″ Reserve $450
Sold: $625 | Date: 5/8/2000 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas “Parlor Calendar No. 3” shelf clock
with walnut case
Sold: $650 | Date: 6/10/2000 | Source: Jones and Horan Auction Team
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Parlor Calendar No. 3” rosewood 8 day, time and strike double dial shelf clock, c1870
The nicely refinished rosewood has bold grain and just a few tiny edge nicks. The rollers are toned originals, the two painted metal dials have been restored. The complete black and gold label is inside the door. Movements will need service. Ht 27″
Sold: $475 | Date: April 22, 2012 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1880, Seth Thomas Parlor Calendar No. 3, in fair to good condition,
with incorrect restorations, missing gong.. This clock has been partially stripped. The veneer on the top cornice needs to be restored. The rosewood veneer on the rest of the case is fine, with lively grain pattern. Both dials have been repainted in the format of a Fashion No. 1, which this clock is Not. The door glasses are original; inside label with tear, but OK. Height 27″
Sold: $425 | Date: April, 2002 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1880, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Parlor Calendar No. 3 “, 8-day time/strike rosewood calendar clock, very good restored condition.
The case has been refinished. The veneer has been repaired on one corner of the cornice molding, and other minor repairs. The veneer on the calendar bezel has been sanded in one spot where it was damaged and blended, but really needs a proper repair. The upper dial is original while the lower dial has been repainted. There is a nice label on the back of the front door. Looking past these conditions, the clock has been recently serviced and is in good running order. Height 27″
Sold: $600 | Date: April, 2002 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas, “8 Day Parlor Calendar No. 3”, ca 1863.
8 day spring, hourly bell strike, perpetual calendar. Good label on the door. The clock is all original. Dials have some original paint but have been poorly touched up. If this is a keeper for you, have the dials painted by a good dial painter. If it is to resell, you can probably get by with these. Hands, pendulum, and glasses, are correct. 27 inches high, polished walnut veneer case. It is about as good as you will find, but has had some glue down places on the rounded top edges, where it always tends to pop off. Ly-Calendar, page 259. Currently selling for $1000 to $1500. Our estimate
Sold: $626 | Date: January, 2005 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Parlor Calendar No. 3 1879 Clock
double dial; 8 day time; spring strike; unmarked dials; metal dial is 8 1/4″; paper dial is 8 1/2″; has pendulum; rosewood and walnut case; label inside door; top is a painted metal dial; lower is a paper dial; not tested. (Very slight marring to case.) 27 3/4″
Sold: $350 | Date: July 27, 2011 | Source: Tom Harris Auctions
Seth Thomas, “Parlor Calendar No 3”, C. 1876.
Rosewood veneer case is 27″ high, simple case, yet the top, base, and door edges, two bezels, have rolled edges. Normally the veneer on this model would be chipped on the bezels, top and bottom, but this case is 99.9% perfect. I may count a half dozen tiny chips, all on the top. The perfect label on the door says this clock was put to running in 1876. There is a second label in the case. The only knock to the clock is the dials. Original paper on original zinc pans has some wear, some bubbles, some discolorization, but, they are original and not all that bad. Key lock door, original pendulum and hands. 8 day, bell strike, perpetual calendar. We haven’t had a better Parlor No. 3. Ly-Seth Thomas, page 47; Ly-Calendar, page 259.
Sold: $0 unsold | Date: July, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Parlor Calendar No. 3”, 8-day time/strike calendar shelf clock. c.1875.
exterior finish has been heavily cleaned and waxed; there was some deterioration and some finish loss, and some touch up with shellac. Top dial is original with wear to the numbers and a rough appearance with some paint touchup. Calendar dial has a rough appearance also with some paint touchup. Calendar hand is a proper replacement. The roller papers have been replaced. Ht. 26.75″
Sold: $325 | Date: May 15, 2011 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “No. 3 8 Day Parlor Calendar” time and strike spring driven mahogany shelf clock, dated 1887
old finish, worn yellowed dials, missing small simple top side piece are the hurts, but this is a basically complete example worthy of attention. Retains original paper labels on backboard and inside door, including warning against oiling the calendar mechanism. Perpetual calendar rollers look good. Movement may need cleaning. Ht 27″
Sold: $350 | Date: May 15, 2011 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Parlor No. 3” double dial calendar shelf clock with an 8 day, spring driven movement with Randall Thomas Andrews 1876 patent perpetual calendar mechanism in a rosewood veneered case, c1877.
The case retains its original finish. There is minor veneer damage/repair on the top and bottom returns and on the calendar window bezel. The paper dials have aged and are darkened by a varnish. The hands are period and likely correct. The movement is signed. The door glasses are original. The case has original setting up label dated Dec1, 1877, thus an early example of the Andrews patent calendar mechanism.
Sold: $325 | Date: May 15, 2016 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1878, Seth Thomas Parlor Calendar No. 3, in walnut, 8-day time and strike double dial.
Condition: The walnut veneer case has been stripped and could use some finish, however the veneer is in extra nice condition, with a few loose spots and chips along the top cornice. The original dials, roller, hands and label all look good; bottom dial with some flakes. Great label inside case, with date 187_. (final digit blank) Height 27 inches
Sold: $525 | Date: May 7, 2005 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1870, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Parlor Calendar No. 3” 8-day time/strike calendar clock in rosewood veneer with an original and crusty finish.
The owner used Formby’s refinisher and carefully rubbed the smoke and crust off the door (you will still see the original finish intact); balance of clock has dark crusty finish that will need attention The veneer is almost perfect with some loss on the sides at the top. The two dials for a Seth Thomas are in extremely nice condition with a little loss around the mounting screws. The calendar roller covers have darkened, but are still fully legible. There is a SUPER label inside. This clock is worthy of continued restoration. Height 26.75 inches
Sold: $650 | Date: May 8th, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., PARLOR CALENDAR No. 3, walnut veneered double dial perpetual calendar clock, 8-day time and strike. C.1879.
the refinished case is in very clean condition. Original glossy paper dials are showing their age, and with oxidation of the dial plates causing bubbles and bumps on the surface. Has good instruction label inside door, and “Never Oil” message behind the calendar mechanism. Overall a good example of this model. Height 27 inches
Sold: $403 | Date: November 6, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co, “PARLOR CALENDAR No. 3”, rosewood cased double dial perpetual calendar clock, time and gong strike, 8-day. C.1879.
the case has been nicely refinished, with just a couple of tiny veneer chips along the top. The original dials have been repainted by the Dial House. Hands are original. Clean label inside case. Height 27 inches
Sold: $518 | Date: November 6, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Parlor Calendar No. 3” mantel clock in a rosewood veneered case with a spring driven, 8 days, time & strike movement and a Mix Brothers patented calendar mechanism, c1870.
The case retains some of its original finish. There are veneer repairs needed at several locations on both the top and bottom case moldings. The dials have been repainted. The hands appear to be original. The door glasses are original. There is a very nice Seth Thomas label inside the case which has setup directions. The movement is signed. Ht.26 3/4″.
Sold: $300 | Date: October 25, 2015 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Parlor Calendar No. 3”, 8 days, time and strike double dial calendar clock, c1880
Rosewood veneered case in an old finish with some small veneer loss on the very bottom edge, some small loss on the top back edge and a couple of chips on the cornice. Paper dials have what looks to be a coat of varnish that has left the surface with a lumpy feel. The time dial is more soiled than the protected calendar dial. Hands are original. Calendar rollers have age darkened a little. Ht 27″
Sold: $300 | Date: October 26, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Parlor Calendar No. 3”, rosewood veneer, 8 day, time and strike, shelf clock, c1885
the case has an old surface and just a few small areas of veneer problems. The original paper dials and calendar rollers are worn but still quite legible, and there is a very good dated label inside the door. The two round glasses are old and wavy. Calendar hand is now a minute hand; proper replacements are available from Timesavers in AZ. Ht 27″
Sold: $350 | Date: October 28, 2012 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1880, Seth Thomas, ÓParlor Calendar No. 3Ò, double dial perpetual calendar clock, 8-day time and strike, rosewood.
Condition: This clock has received restoration; the cornice top is devoid of veneer, stained dark to match the rest, both dials have been repainted. The inside of the door retains original instruction label in xlnt condition. Paper rollers are original; hands and case hardware are all original. Movements clean and operating. Height 27 inches
Sold: $450 | Date: October 31, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1877, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Parlor Calendar No. 3” , 8-day time, strike and alarm, double dial, perpetual calendar clock.
Condition: Rosewood veneered case in extra nice condition with just a little veneer missing on the bottom edge and with an old finish. Both painted dials have been papered over. Hands appear to be original. Calendar rollers are original. Nice label inside case. Factory set-up date of April 23, 1877. Ht 26.75″ [67.9 cm]
Sold: $475 | Date: October, 22 2006 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
