About the Seth Thomas “Arch Top” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas “Arch Top” Clock: A Collector’s Gem
The Seth Thomas “Arch Top” clock, a quintessential piece from the American clock-making golden age, is a mantel clock of exceptional beauty and craftsmanship. This model, which was primarily produced between 1860 and 1920, falls within the later stages of the Seth Thomas Company’s remarkable history.
Characterized by its distinctive arch-shaped top, this clock showcases intricate wood carvings, often featuring floral or geometric patterns, framing a clear glass window that offers a captivating view of the timekeeping mechanisms. The case is typically crafted from high-quality hardwoods such as mahogany or walnut, lending an exquisite charm and durability to the clock.
What sets the “Arch Top” clock apart as a collectible treasure is its blend of aesthetics and functionality. The clock’s ornate design, combined with its robust construction and superior timekeeping abilities, make it an appealing choice for both serious antique clock enthusiasts and interior designers seeking a statement piece. Notable features include the finely-tuned brass movement, the striking bell mechanism, and the elegantly sculpted pendulum bob suspended above the dial.
In addition to its collectible value, the Seth Thomas “Arch Top” clock also serves as a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship and innovation of the Seth Thomas Clock Company during the 19th century. As with any antique, the condition, rarity, and provenance of individual “Arch Top” clocks can greatly influence their value in the collector’s market, making each piece a unique addition to any clock collection.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 19 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Arch Top” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Antique Seth Thomas Arch Top Clock
Jan 2021 – 148 Antique American Clocks Seth Thomas “Arch Top”, ca. 1880. A 15.5-inch shelf clock with a beautiful mahogany or walnut veneer, with much of the veneer on the front showing a burled or flame mahogany grain pattern. These iconic clocks sold for over $600 twenty years ago. The dial glass is old and the contoured metal dial holds very old if not the original paint; it has been touched The 8-day time-and-strike movement is signed and running, striking on a wire gong. There is also an alarm, not tested. There is a good Thomaston label inside. These clocks are lucky to bring $150-$250 today.
Retail: $175 | Date: 01/01/2021 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
C.1860, Seth Thomas Arch Top in restored condition.
This clock has a new dial (chapter is about º’ too large), and the lower ºth of the case has been re-veneered, not the best job, but commercially acceptable, and case refinished. Retains proper movement and a good label; pend is proper replacement. When original, these will bring $700. Height 15.5′
Sold: $425 | Date: 11/1/1999 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1886, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Arch Top, 8-day time/strike mantel clock in generally fair to good condition.
This clock is in need of some restoration. The case looks to be a combination of rosewood and ash veneer. There is general veneer loss and damage along the base. The original dial has had paint loss and was restored, but could use the services of someone more professional. The Thomaston label is very clean. Movement is clean and running Height 16Ó $500-$600
Sold: $0 unsold | Date: 11/3/2002 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1880, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Arch Top”, 8-day time/strike mantel clock.
Condition: Rosewood veneered case in generally good condition with veneer loss on the left side bottom moldings, a small repair on the bottom front edge and area of loss on the top front molding. There is also some veneer raising on the dial surround. Original painted dial has flaking and loss at the edges. Hands are original. Movement is signed. Good label inside case. When these are pristine, they can bring over $600. Height 16 inches [40.6 cm]
Sold: $140 | Date: 4/22/2007 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., “ARCH TOP”, C.1880, 8-day time/strike mantel clock.
case has well figured veneer that has been refinished. The rounded circular bezel on the door has some minor chips filled in. Original painted dial has some stains + discoloration, and small losses at the mounting pins. Hands are original Clean label inside case is darkening but legible. Ht 16″
Sold: $403 | Date: 5/15/2010 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Arch Top” 8 days, time, strike and alarm burled walnut mantel clock, c1880
the case has been nicely refinished and its dial was repainted by the Dial House. There is a good paper label inside. Ht 15.5″
Sold: $500 | Date: April 27, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1885, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Arch Top” 8-day time/strike/alarm mahogany shelf clock, in very good original condition.
The dial has a little paint loss around the mounting screws and a small area on one edge. There are some chips to the veneer on the bottom, also molding on left side, and on the back edge of the top molding, however for this model the veneer is exceptional. The hands and glass are original. This is in very nice condition when one usually sees this model with serious veneer problems. Height 15 1/2″
Sold: $625 | Date: April, 2002 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas “Arch Top”, ca 1886. Great 16 inch case with different shades of wood.
Looks good from top to bottom. Minor veneer peeling up about an inch from the bottom. Base is dark so peeling hardly shows. 8day, gong strike, runs well. Full label, dial flaking as you can see in the picture. Paint the dial ($25) and it will look great. Ly-Seth ThomasNo.1011.
Sold: $390 | Date: January, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas “Arch Top”, ca 1886. 8 day, strike and alarm.
Unlike any other “Arch Top” I have seen, this one has 2 iron bells, one for the strike and one for the alarm. I don’t see a hammer for the alarm. 16 inch burl walnut case has only a couple of miniscule chips, otherwise this case is original and near perfect. The old zinc dial is holding the paint real well, full label, old pendulum, lock, and glass. Clock and movement are like those shown in Ly-Seth Thomas No.1011-1013.
Sold: $500 | Date: January, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co. “Arch Top” shelf clock, ca 1886.
15 1/2 inch cabinet clock made of beautifully figured and burled, mahogany, cleaned and polished, and in excellent condition. Key lock on the side. 8 day strike and alarm. Strikes hours on a coil gong and alarms on an iron bell. Full label, brass pendulum, original zinc dial has not been repainted and has only a couple of flakes. Ly-Seth Thomas No.1011.
Sold: $565 | Date: July, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas “Arch Top”, C. 1886.
We have a 16″walnut veneer case, a nice original repainted zinc dial, the original gong and base, and a nice full label. Missing the movement, hands, and pendulum. Ly-Seth Thomas #1011.
Sold: $250 | Date: July, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Arch Top” mantel clock, 8 day, time and strike with alarm, spring-driven movement in a burl walnut case with painted metal dial, c1880.
The case has been nicely rubbed down. The dial was repainted in the late 1970s. Small veneer losses along side of arch. There is a good paper label inside. Movement retains stop works. Ticks and strikes, but was not tested long term.
Sold: $225 | Date: May 19, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1876, Seth Thomas, ARCH TOP, 8-Day time and gong strike, walnut veneered shelf clock.
Condition: overall very good original condition; minor chips in veneer can be easily filled; good label. The only item that keeps this from being excellent is the flaking dial which has around 15% loss and lifting more. Includes original retailers card from Pittston, PA, dated Oct 24, 1876. Ht 16″
Sold: $400 | Date: May 8, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1885, Seth Thomas “ARCH TOP”, 8-day rosewood veneer mantle clock in good restored condition.
This clock had lost part of its veneer prior to restoration, and the refinisher sanded the top arch and the front surfaces of the bottom trim and painted in the grain prior to applying the final finish. From a distance, it looks quite good, but up close you can see the restorations. The dial has been professionally repainted with aged and crackle finish and is excellent. The movement appears to be clean and running; excellent label inside case. Height 15.5 inches
Sold: $300 | Date: May 8th, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1886 Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Arch Top”, 8-day time, strike & alarm mantel clock in very good condition.
This walnut and walnut burl veneer case is in nice shape with original finish. The veneer is quite good with minor roughness on the bottom and some chips on the case sides. The dial has some paint loss around the winding arbors and the mounting screws; numerals have been strengthened. Good label. Way above average condition for this model. Height 15.25 inches
Sold: $700 | Date: May 8th, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1886 Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Arch Top”, 8-day time, & strike in generally good condition.
There are some corner chips to the veneer, and a small gouge in the top arch, otherwise the veneer is quite nice. The original finish is missing in a few spots, and the case is dirty. Dial, movement and label are good, some wear to dial from setting hands. Not quite as nice as previous lot, but still above average for an arch top. Height 15.25 inches
Sold: $425 | Date: May 8th, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Arch Top”, 8-day time, strike and alarm mantel clock. Circa 1880
walnut veneered case retains original finish, with some finish lost on the rounded bezel area. . Original dial has been repainted. ST hands are original. Movement is signed. Very dark label in side case. Height 15.5 inches
Sold: $288 | Date: November 6, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Arch Top”, 8-day, time and strike walnut mantel clock, c1880
Refinished walnut and walnut veneered case with some small chips on the bottom front edge and a small chip on the wood bezel surrounding the dial. This example is nice despite the small veneer loss as many of these cases have serious venereal disease”. Original painted dial with some minor loss at the mounting pins and the winding arbors. The numbers may have been strengthened Hands are original. Nice label inside the case. Ht 16″
Sold: $300 | Date: October 26, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Arch Top”, 8 day, time and strike mantel clock, c1880
Cleaned finish ash and rosewood veneered case in nice condition with a small repair on the left side of the arch. Original dial has been repainted. Hands are original. Nice label inside case. Ht 15.5″
Sold: $230 | Date: October 28, 2012 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts