About the Seth Thomas “Berkley” Clock
The Seth Thomas “Berkley” clock, manufactured around 1909 by the renowned Seth Thomas Clock Company, is a striking example of early 20th-century mantel clock design. This timepiece, identified as Ly-Seth Thomas No. 1071, boasts an 8-day time and strike mechanism that chimes the hour on a gong and the half hour on a bell.
The clock’s mahogany case is adorned with gold-plated metal trimmings, standing at approximately 11.5 inches high. The porcelain dial, hands, and beveled glass in a brass bezel, which resembles twisted vines, contribute to the clock’s unique aesthetic appeal. Although it lacks a back door latch, the clock remains in overall excellent condition, having undergone a recent movement cleaning.
The “Berkley” is part of Seth Thomas’ City Series mantel clocks, which were named after small cities in Massachusetts and Connecticut. While not explicitly categorized as such by clock historian Robert J. Lyon in his book, its similarities with other City Series clocks like Salem, Sterling, and Clinton are evident. This makes the “Berkley” a valuable addition to any collector’s Seth Thomas collection.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 4 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Berkley” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
C.1909, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Berkley”, 8-day time and strike mantel clock, in outstanding original condition (movement just cleaned).
The porcelain dial, hands and beveled glass are perfect. The movement strikes the hour on a gong and the half on a bell. The case retains original finish with fine crazing and all ornaments intact. Ready to enjoy. Height 11.50Ó $200-$300
Sold: $474 | Date: 11/3/2002 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas “Berkley”, ca 1909. Mahogany case with gold plated metal trimmings, stands 11 1/2 inches high, 10 inches wide.
8 day, strikes a cathedral gong on hours and brass bell on the half hours. Porcelain dial and the beveled glass in the brass bezel, really sets this clock apart from others. The bezel looks like it is made of twisted vines. Excellent overall, the only negative is a missing back door latch. Ly-Seth Thomas No.1071.
Sold: $304 | Date: January, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas City Series mantle clock, “Berkley”, C. 1909.
Mahogany case with gold plated metal trimmings, stands 11.5″ high. It has an excellent porcelain dial, signed by Seth Thomas, nice metal sash with flat glass. 8 day movement No. 89C strikes hours on a Cathedral gong and half hours on a brass bell. Pendulum is correct, there are 4 metal feet and a full back door. The clock is one of a series of clocks, all very similar in looks, all about the same size, most with columns on each side, that were named for small cities in Mass., & Conn. Mr. Ly did not include this clock in the City Series section of his Seth Thomas book, but it should have been. Check the City Series clocks, Salem, Sterling, and Clinton, all cities in Mass. just like Berkeley, and all are very similar clocks. Ly-Seth Thomas #1071.
Sold: $490 | Date: July, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
C.1909, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Berkley” , 8-day time/strike mantel clock.
Condition: Mahogany case in generally good, as found condition with a crazed original finish, but with a couple of marks where white paint was dropped on the corner and wiped off leaving a light mark, and a small dry split in the front of the case. Original porcelain dial has a small chip near 6 that could be filled in; otherwise OK. Hands are original. Movement strikes the hour on a gong and the half hour on a bell. Complete with all metal trimmings, a popular model. Reliable No. 89-C movement. Ht 11.5″ [29.2 cm]
Sold: $130 | Date: October, 22 2006 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts