About the Seth Thomas “Shell Column” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas “Shell Column” Clock Model: A Collector’s Guide
The Seth Thomas “Shell Column” clock, introduced in the late 19th century, is a captivating mantel clock model that continues to enthrall antique collectors worldwide. This exquisite timepiece is renowned for its unique design and superior craftsmanship, making it a noteworthy addition to any serious collection.
The “Shell Column” clock boasts an elegant combination of materials in its construction: the case is typically made from mahogany or walnut, with intricate carvings that depict shell motifs and floral designs, giving the clock a distinctive nautical aesthetic. The column-shaped dial stand, adorned with further shell carvings, adds an extra touch of elegance to this already stunning piece.
Produced between the 1870s and early 1900s, the “Shell Column” clock is a testament to the exceptional skill and creativity of the Seth Thomas Clock Company during its golden era. This particular model has gained collectible status due to its rarity, beautiful design, and association with one of America’s most revered clockmakers.
Notable features of the “Shell Column” clock include a finely crafted brass-faced dial with Roman numerals, as well as a precision movement that ensures accurate timekeeping even after over a century of use. The combination of these attributes and its attractive appearance make this antique clock an ideal investment for those seeking to expand their collection with a truly exceptional piece.
In conclusion, the Seth Thomas “Shell Column” clock is a must-have for any serious collector of American antique clocks. Its striking design, impressive craftsmanship, and rarity combine to create a timepiece that not only serves as a functional item but also as a
Auction Records and Price History
The following 13 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Shell Column” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.

C.1867, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn, Column and
Cornice Shelf Clock with restoration. This is a rosewood model, with some veneer repairs, and has been attractively refinished. The original faux shell columns show some wear, and there are some veneer chips on the base. The two beautiful tablets have been professionally restored (+ fresh black on rear). The cornice has had some veneer replaced on both the ogive and the straights. Main detraction is a dial that has been touched up with a black brush too wide. Has a very clean label, including full operating instructions, plus an attest that it was bought new in January 1867. Height 32 inches
Sold: $475 | Date: 10/1/2001 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts

C.1868, Seth Thomas, Thomaston mantel clock
(with Plymouth Hollow movement), 30 hour shell column in excellent condition, except for the missing spring powered alarm mechanism (the holes and shadow are evident). This clock is otherwise outstanding with great faux shell columns, bright label, original dial, a good “Mary and Her Lamb” tablet (reblacked long ago from rear). Height 25″ $150-250
Sold: $300 | Date: 11/1/2000 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts

C.1870, Seth Thomas, Rare 8-Day Short Shell Column
in original condition. The fruit tablet has a single vertical crack straight through and is flaking; label is flaking and weak. HOWEVER, the case is one of nicest you will ever find and with original, weights, pend, and super 8-day lyre movement. Superb re-painted dial from the Dial House. Height 25″ $400-500
Sold: $375 | Date: 11/1/2000 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts

C.1860, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Plymouth Hollow, Conn., “Shell Column” 8-day shelf clock,
in generally fair condition, with restorations. This clock’s case has very good grain painted columns and over painted gilt capitals and bases (although the columns are upside down). The lower door has a very nice original reverse tablet with parrots (some background is lifting and flaking). The dial and hands are proper style, but new. The movement is an early brass Seth Thomas 8-day lyre plate movement, but 10 to 20 years older than this case. The later cornice top is not correct and needs to be re-done. There has been considerable re-veneering on the case, but it has been done well and mainly needs finish. Label legible, with some losses. Height 32Ó $350-$450
Sold: $0 unsold | Date: 11/3/2002 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts

Seth Thomas Clock Co, SHELL COLUMN (large), C.1870, with eagle eating snake in urn and gilt scroll tablets, 2-weight, gong striking.
another good St with signed “Plymouth” movement. There is one strip of veneer missing top left return, otherwise in very good to excellent original condition. Ht 32″
Sold: $316 | Date: 5/15/2010 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts

Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Shell Column” 8 days, time and strike, weight driven shelf clock, c1880
Mahogany veneered case with original finish. Some veneer chips and repairs on the base piece. Shell columns and gilt caps/bases are in very nice condition. The movement is signed and the dial is original with some paint loss at the mounting screws, 6 o’clock and 3:30. The two tablets are in nice original condition. The inside label is in nice condition with some minor loss. The hands are original. Ht 32″.
Sold: $325 | Date: April 27, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts

Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Shell Column” 8 days, time and strike, weight driven shelf clock, c1870
Nicely refinished rosewood veneer case with some minor veneer chips and repair. Shell columns with overpainted caps and bases are in nice condition. The dial has been repainted. The hands are original and the lyre movement is signed. The tablets are original, both with gilt depictions of dogs. The label inside the case shows some loss. Ht 32″.
Sold: $325 | Date: April 27, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts

C.1860, Seth Thomas, Column Clock
2-weight, 30 hour, in very good to excellent original condition. The case is fine with original finish and faux shell columns. The original dial has one minor flake below 11; floral corners are still intact. The movement and label are signed Plymouth Hollow; label has about 30% loss, but is still quite legible. A very clean example of the Column model. Height 25″
Sold: $275 | Date: April, 2002 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts

Seth Thomas “Rosewood-Shell Column”, ca 1863.
Very early Plymouth Hollow label, clock is complete and almost perfect. Great glass has been rebacked, original shell columns with gold capitals and bases. 25 inch case has a very small amount of veneer repair, a couple of tiny corner nicks. The worse thing I can find is some pretty fair repairs to the old metal dial. 30 hour weight clock, striking, and runs.
Sold: $265 | Date: July, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks

Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Shell Column” shelf clock with a weight driven, 8 day, time and strike lyre movement in a mahogany case with gilt capped faux tortoise shell columns.
The case is in very good condition with original finish. There are several small areas of veneer loss and repair along the base front and returns. The dial appears to have been repainted a long time ago. The hands are original. All three door glasses are original. The movement is signed. The columns are exceptional.
Sold: $200 | Date: May 19, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts

Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Shell Column” shelf clock with 8 day weight driven time and strike, movement in a mahogany veneered case with faux painted columns with gilt caps and bases, c1875,
The original case finish is in fairly good condition with minor veneer problems on the lower left return. There is minor wear to the left column gilt base. The dial is in excellent condition. The hands are original. All three glasses are original. Signed (Plymouth, Conn) lyre movement. Ht 32 1/2″.
Sold: $170 | Date: October 26, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts

Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Shell Column” model with faux tortoise shell columns, 30 hour time and strike column shelf clock, c1870
Refinished rosewood and mahogany veneered case with some damage to the veneer on the base and the top and small piece missing near the door knob. Column tops and bottom are not gold painted. Dial was repainted some time ago. Tablet in the door appears to be original. Hands are original. Movement is signed. Clean label inside. Ht 25″.
Sold: $85 | Date: October 29, 2011 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts

C.1870, Seth Thomas, ÓSHELL COLUMNÒ, 30-hour, 2-weight, time and strike.
Condition: Generally fair to good minus condition. the hands are not original, dial with flaking, the tablet is now clear (view nice label), and the rosewood case has been refinished (except for the faux shell). The dial is flaking. Height 25 inches
Sold: $150 | Date: October 31, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts