About the Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 2 oak” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 2 Oak” Clock Model: A Collector’s Guide
The Seth Thomas Regulator No. 2 Oak clock is a quintessential example of American craftsmanship, standing as one of the most iconic and collectible mantel clocks produced by the renowned Seth Thomas Clock Company. This precision timepiece, characterized as a regulator, was designed for placement on a mantel or shelf rather than on a wall.
The Regulator No. 2 Oak clock is distinguished by its robust oak case, often featuring intricate carvings and rich patina, adding to its antique charm. The case design includes a rectangular dial surrounded by an ornate brass bezel, giving the clock a refined yet rustic appearance. The pendulum and weights are visible at the bottom of the case, which enhances both the aesthetic appeal and the functional aspect of the clock.
Produced during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this model represents the height of Seth Thomas’s production period, making it an attractive acquisition for collectors. The Regulator No. 2 Oak clock is considered collectible due to its exceptional quality, historical significance, and the rarity of well-preserved examples.
Notable features of the Seth Thomas Regulator No. 2 Oak clock include the fine brass movement with a verge and foliot escapement, the minute hand that moves on the dial’s circumference rather than around its edge (a characteristic of regulators), and the sturdy oak construction that showcases the craftsmanship of the time. Collectors particularly appreciate the model for its combination of practicality, design elegance, and historical importance.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 10 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 2 oak” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Antique Seth Thomas Regulator No. 2 oak Clock
Jan 2020 – 63
Antique American Clocks
Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 2”, ca. 1890.
This example has the early version of the Regulator
No. 2 movement (square and pinned to the iron mount, see page 277 of Ly’s
Seth Thomas Clocks & Movements
, Vol. 1) in an oak case
with two old and wavy glasses, an old brass weight, a repainted dial, correct hands and a brass pendulum bob.
The weight shows
some wear and the bob has a dent.
The little buttons that are always missing from the bottom pieces are missing here as well.
There is a winding crank but no label anywhere.
The clock is running, a bit sensitive to positioning.
Pretty solid overall.
You could do worse.
Retail: $500 | Date: 01/01/2020 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
Antique Seth Thomas Regulator No. 2 oak Clock
Jan 2021 – 54
Antique American Clocks
Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 2”, ca. 1890.
An early oak case, refinished, with two new glasses
and a repainted dial.
The pendulum bob may be new as well, and the weight has a replaced hook.
The early weight-driven
movement is signed and running.
There is an old white label on the bottom of the case.
Retail: $425 | Date: 01/01/2021 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
Antique Seth Thomas Regulator No. 2 oak Clock
Jan 2021 – 51
Antique American Clocks
Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 2”, ca. 1890.
A good example of an oak No. 2 regulator
with an older, dark finish, probably a walnut stain.
There are a couple of veneer chips under the bezel.
Both glasses
are old; the old painted dial is chipping but not yet unacceptably.
The hands are correct.
The pendulum bob and proper
weight are worn and tarnished; there is a worn black label on the bottom inside.
The base has lost its buttons.
movement is running as expected.
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Retail: $500 | Date: 01/01/2021 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
Antique Seth Thomas Regulator No. 2 oak Clock
Jan 2021 – 52
Antique American Clocks
Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 2”, ca. 1890.
A nice example of an oak No. 2 regulator refinished
some time ago with a medium color oak stain.
The painted dial is very old with roughness and smearing when examined up close.
The dial glass is a replacement, the door glass is old, the hands are correct.
All five buttons are present on the base.
The movement is signed and there are a number of service inscriptions dating back to the early 1900’s on the cross bar.
pendulum bob is fine, the weight proper but may be newer, and there is a beat scale and a label on the bottom.
It is running
without problem.
Retail: $500 | Date: 01/01/2021 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
Antique Seth Thomas Regulator No. 2 oak Clock
Jan 2021 – 190
Antique American Clocks
Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 2”, ca. 1890-1920.
An oak and oak-veneer case in nice shape with a medium-tone
No real issues with the veneer; the glasses are old, the dial likely original and very faded in spots, but with little
The 8-day time-only movement is unsigned, running nicely.
The stick has been repaired at the top, the weight
is a newer replacement I think.
A black label on the inside bottom.
Retail: $500 | Date: 01/01/2021 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
Antique Seth Thomas Regulator No. 2 oak Clock
Jan 2022 – #50
Antique American Clocks
Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 2”
Oak veneer in good condition with an old finish
and patina.
Both glasses are old, as is the dial, although it is not likely original to this clock, judging by all the dial
screw holes.
The signed movement is dirty and will need cleaning to run.
Old pendulum and weight, no label.
Retail: $376 | Date: 01/01/2022 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
Antique Seth Thomas Regulator No. 2 oak Clock
Jan 2022 – #47
Antique American Clocks
Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 2”, 1899.
The 36-inch case is veneered in oak with few losses
and no evident repairs, although all the buttons on the bottom are missing.
Both glasses are old, the dial is likely original
and in good shape; the hands are original.
The 8-day, time-and-strike movement is unsigned, the correct weight and pendulum
It is running without problem.
Illegible black label on the inside bottom, the date is stamped on the back.
Retail: $426 | Date: 01/01/2022 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
Antique Seth Thomas Regulator No. 2 oak Clock
Jan 2022 – #49
Antique American Clocks
Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 2”
A later version of America’s clock in quartered
oak with an old finish.
Both glasses are old, dial is yellowed and touched-up.
The 8-day movement is not signed but is
numbered “77A”; it is running fine.
Old unpolished weight and pendulum bob, no label.
Retail: $550 | Date: 01/01/2022 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
Antique Seth Thomas Regulator No. 2 oak Clock
Jul 2021 – #119
Antique American Clocks
Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 2”, ca. 1920?
A 36-inch oak case with a clean finish.
dial glass is old, the door glass modern.
The dial was repainted, not quite perfectly, 50 or more years ago.
movement bears the ST logo, the brass weight, pendulum and bob are factory issue.
A brass beat scale and a white (now yellow)
label inside.
Running perfunctorily.
This clock came out of a Roanoke VA Post Office, according to the letter inside.
Retail: $382 | Date: 07/01/2021 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
Antique Seth Thomas Regulator No. 2 oak Clock
Jul 2021 – #120
Antique American Clocks
Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 2”, 1896.
The date of manufacture is stamped in reverse on the back.
The 36-inch oak case has been refinished with a medium stain; the dial glass is newer, the lower door glass original.
has been repainted, the hands are correct.
The 8-day movement is the early version (see Ly,
Seth Thomas Clocks & Movements
Vol. 1, page 277) consistent with the age of the case; it is running without complaint.
The pendulum, bob, and weight are ST
issue; the bob may be a later replacement.
There is a beat scale and a white (now yellow) label on the inside bottom.
The buttons on the base have disappeared; nonetheless, a nice early example.
Retail: $651 | Date: 07/01/2021 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
