About the Seth Thomas “Buffalo” Clock
The Seth Thomas “Buffalo” clock, manufactured around 1886, is a noteworthy piece from the company’s extensive collection of city-named clocks. This particular model showcases a distinctive design, originally crafted in walnut or rosewood during the 1870s and 1880s. As the demand for affordable kitchen clocks grew in the 1890s, Seth Thomas adapted their city series line to cater to a broader market, primarily using oak and incorporating more economical components such as pendulum bobs and bezels.
This specific walnut “Buffalo” clock has undergone cleaning and dial repainting, preserving its originality with an intact nickel pendulum, nickel gong base, and dial ring. The spindles on the railing are brass and remain undamaged. Although some of the black label inside is missing, the hands have been replaced. The movement is an 8-day design, featuring hour strike on the Cathedral Bell and an integrated alarm mechanism. The original door glass remains intact, while the dial exhibits wear at the winding arbors.
This Seth Thomas “Buffalo” clock bears the number Ly-Seth Thomas No. 169 and originates from Thomaston, Connecticut. With its intricate design and historical significance, it serves as a testament to the craftsmanship of the Seth Thomas Clock Company during the late 19th century.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 2 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Buffalo” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Seth Thomas “Buffalo”, ca 1886.
One of the companyÕs large series of clocks named for cities. The early models, made in the l870Õs and 1880Õs, were generally made of walnut or rosewood and had very distinctive case designs. When “kitchen clocks” became poplar in the 1890Õs and later, Seth Thomas fell in lock step with other clock makers and lowered their standards on the city series line. Primarily made of oak and using cheaper pendulum bobs, bezels, etc. they made the clocks for the masses who could afford a $10 to $20 mantle clock. This walnut case has been cleaned, dial repainted, but it is all original with the fancy swirled Seth Thomas nickel pendulum, nickel gong base, and dial ring. Spindles on railing are brass and all intact. Most of a black label inside, hands are replacements. Movement is 8 day, hourstrike on the Cathedral Bell, has an alarm in place. The door glass is originalto this clock. Ly-Seth Thomas No. 169.
Sold: $351 | Date: July, 2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Buffalo”, 8 day, time and strike spring brass movement city series mantel clock.
Walnut case has lost most of it’s original finish, but is in otherwise nice condition. Original painted dial has loss at the winding arbors. Original tablet, hands and nickel plated pendulum. Remains of original label inside.
Sold: $175 | Date: October 27, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts