About the Seth Thomas “Chime Clock No. 1” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas “Chime Clock No. 1” – A Collector’s Delight
The Seth Thomas “Chime Clock No. 1,” often referred to as the ‘Grandfather’ or ‘Mantel’ clock, is a quintessential masterpiece in American horology. This iconic timepiece was first produced around the mid-19th century, making it an antique of significant historical value.
The Chime Clock No. 1 typically features a wooden case with intricate carvings and ornate details, often showcasing floral motifs or geometric patterns. The case material could be either walnut, mahogany, cherry, or pine, each lending a unique character to the clock. The design is versatile enough to complement various interior styles, making it an attractive addition to any collection.
What sets the Seth Thomas Chime Clock No. 1 apart is its combination of functionality and aesthetic appeal. Its distinctive Westminster chime mechanism adds a melodious touch to its timekeeping capabilities, while its sturdy construction ensures durability over time. Notable features include the finely crafted brass-faced dial with Roman numerals, the weight-driven movement, and the pendulum visible through a glass window in the front of the case.
This clock model is highly collectible due to its historical significance, superior craftsmanship, and timeless design. The Seth Thomas “Chime Clock No. 1” offers antique clock enthusiasts not only a functional timepiece but also a piece of American history that continues to resonate with collectors worldwide.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 11 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Chime Clock No. 1” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.

C.1915, Seth Thomas Chime Clock No. 1, Special,
4-bell sonora in good original condition. There are some corner and edge chips to the adamantine veneer. The cream colored porcelain dial is excellent. You may see full details on the No. 1 in Ly’s Seth Thomas book (1996), page 212, including photos of the no. 89 time and strike movement and the no. 90 chime movement. Minor variation is that this case has ball feet used on the standard no. 1. Height 13″ $350-450
Sold: $300 | Date: 11/1/2000 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts

C.1910, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Chime Clock No. 1”, 8-day Sonora chime on 4 bells mantle clock.
The imitation rosewood adamantine case is pretty nice with only some very minor chips on the back edges of the base, a little roughness on the front corners of the base, a chip on the back edge of the top and tiny chip on the rigHeight side of the top edge. (these faults are only noticeable on close inspection). The porcelain dial has a very small chip on the time-side winding hole. The hands are original. Both movements have been recently cleaned and the clock is running and chiming. Height 13.75Ó $300-$500
Sold: $400 | Date: 11/3/2002 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts

C.1915, Seth Thomas CHIME CLOCK No. 1-SPECIAL, chiming Westminster tune on 4 cupped bells, in mahogany shade Adamantine case.
Condition: excellent original condition; from a local collection, this clock has been professionally cleaned, both movements working well, great tone. Ready to enjoy. Good label. For reference, see Tran Ly’s book on Seth Thomas, 3rd edition, page 149. Ly current price guide $650. Height 13 inches [33cm]
Sold: $650 | Date: 4/22/2007 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts

C.1910, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Chime Clock No. 1”, 8-day Sonora chime mantel clock, in generally fair to good condition,
the case with damage along the top front edge, and assorted corners. The porcelain dial has some small chips around the winding holes, the slow/fast adj hole and strike/silent setting lever. The backboard is a replacement. However, the movements have been professionally cleaned and are running/chiming well on the 4 cupped bells. Despite the cosmetic problems, ready to enjoy. Would be 500 dollars if perfect. Height 12.5 inches
Sold: $275 | Date: 4/26/2003 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts

Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Chime Clock No. 1”, 8 day, time, quarter hour strike on four bells Sonora chime mantel clock, c1911.
Mahogany adamantine case with a small chip on the right side base and some minor repair on the top corner edges. Someone has colored the incised design in the base with black when they should have used gold. Original porcelain dial is perfect and the hands are original. Clean label on the backboard. Ht. 13 3/4″
Sold: $270 | Date: April 22, 2012 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts

Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Chime Clock No. 1” mahogany Adamantine 4-bell Westminster chime 8 days, mantel clock, c1910
the case is in very good condition with some minor losses at the corners. The porcelain dial, with its S/T hands, looks fine. Both movements are correct. and we hear ticking and chiming. The rear paper label is complete but yellow and stained. Ht 13.5″
Sold: $425 | Date: April 27, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts

C.1915, Seth Thomas Chime Clock No. 1, Special,
in generally good original condition, clean and running well, chiming Westminster tune on 4 cupped bells. The minor hurt on this clock is that someone dropped a sharp object on the top in several places and the celluloid has been pierced and needs some restoration. From the front it still looks OK; also there is a small crack in the crystal which might travel. Note the difference between the No.1 and the special amount to (no columns on the special and no incising). This clock sold for $25 in 1915. Height 13″
Sold: $300 | Date: April, 2002 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts

Seth Thomas Sonora “Chime Clock No. 1”, C. 1910.
This clock is in very good original condition, brass never cleaned or polished, but not bad as it is. There are some very minor nicks on the corners of the base. One piece porcelain dial is signed, “Seth Thomas” and “Sonora Chimes”. 8 day Seth Thomas movement No. 89M, and Sonora movement No. 90, with 4 bells. Correct back door with a label. Case is finished in Adamatine mahogany, rusty red with black swirls. 4 nice brass feet, gold gilt metal columns. Large heavy case is 13.5″ high, 15″ wide. Way above average overall condition. Ly-Seth Thomas, page 212.
Sold: $595 | Date: July, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks

Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Chime Clock No. 1” shelf clock with a spring driven, 8 day time and 4 Bell Sonora strike movement in an adamantine mahogany finished case.
The adamantine case finish is in very good condition with some minor loss on the edges. The porcelain dial has one hairline and is chipped around the strike arbor. The hands are original. The movement is stamped 89M and the striking unit is stamped 90.
Sold: $225 | Date: October 21, 2017 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts

Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Chime Clock No. 1”, 8 day, time and strike 4 bell “Sonora Chime” Adamantine mantel clock, c1911
Adamantine case with some chips to the finish on the edges of the case in various places. Original porcelain dial has a small hairline crack on the strike side. Hands are original. Ht 14″
Sold: $325 | Date: October 26, 2013 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts

Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Chime Clock No. 1” shelf clock with a spring driven 8 day time and Sonora strike (4 bell) movement in an adamantine mahogany finished case.
The case is in excellent condition with some very minor surface chipping along several edges, The adamantine color is vivid. The signed porcelain dial is in very good condition with a hairline crack adjacent to the strike winding arbor. The hands are original. The signed movement is an 89M and the Sonora unit is a model 90. The case has a nice instruction sheet on the inside of the case back.
Sold: $225 | Date: October 27, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts