About the Seth Thomas “Chime Clock No. 1 Special” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas “Chime Clock No. 1 Special” – A Collector’s Delight
The Seth Thomas “Chime Clock No. 1 Special,” a timeless masterpiece from the renowned American clockmaker, is a mantel clock that graces any antique connoisseur’s collection with its elegant presence. Produced predominantly between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this model showcases the pinnacle of craftsmanship and design during the Seth Thomas Company’s golden era.
The “Chime Clock No. 1 Special” is characterized by its exquisite case, primarily made from walnut or mahogany, which adds a rich warmth to any decor. The clock boasts an intricate, hand-carved floral design on the door and base, featuring beveled glass and brass embellishments that create an ornate yet balanced appearance.
What sets the “Chime Clock No. 1 Special” apart as a collectible item is its combination of functionality, aesthetics, and rarity. Unlike many other Seth Thomas models, this clock features a striking mechanism that chimes Westminster quarters, adding an auditory charm to the visual elegance. Notable features include a finely crafted brass pendulum bob, a weight-driven movement, and a dial with Roman numerals and a minutes track.
This coveted Seth Thomas model is not only a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to quality but also a piece of American clockmaking history. The “Chime Clock No. 1 Special” continues to be sought after by collectors due to its enduring design, exceptional craftsmanship, and unique chime feature that sets it apart from other mantel clocks of the era.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 8 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Chime Clock No. 1 Special” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Antique Seth Thomas Chime clock No. 1 Special Clock
Jul 2020 – 141 Antique American Clocks Seth Thomas “Chime Clock No. 1 Special”, ca. 1911. A mahogany adamantine finish on a 13.25-inch tall by 15-inch wide cabinet case with an ivory dial. It plays Westminster chimes on the quarter hours on “four patented resonated And boy, it sounds great. The dial is signed and has an unfortunately noticeable hairline; the case is practically There is a flat replacement glass in the bezel, it should be convex. There is a slide switch just above the ‘6’ on the dial that allows you to turn off the chimes. The movement is signed and running, striking on schedule. model sells regularly on eBay for around $250.
Retail: $232 | Date: 07/01/2020 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
Seth Thomas “Sonora Chime, 4 Bell”, and also called, “Chime Clock No. 1 Special”, ca 1910.
Case has a mahogany adamantine finish, brass ball feet, bezel and sash. 8 day, movement No.89, and chime movement No.90, clock running. 4 hammers play Westminster Chimes on 4 bells, and a 5th hammer strikes the hours. There is a silencing lever on the side. The case is 15 inches wide, 13 1/2 inches high. 5 inch silvered dial has considerable wear. Glass is convex. Ly-Seth Thomas, page 212.
Sold: $535 | Date: 1/1/2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co. “Chime Clock No. 1 Special”, ca 1911.
This clock is a cut above the average mahogany adamantine finished case. The company made about 4 slightly different styles of this model, this being the earliest and the nicest. This clock has four brass ball feet, and a near perfect 13″ high case. Flat glass in the sash and a rarely seen porcelain dial that is signed, “Seth Thomas / Sonora Chimes”. The dial is perfect, no loss of the black painted numerals or minute marks. On the original backboard is a complete paper label of the selling jeweler, and a partial ST label. The two large movements are running and striking the four resonated bells on quarter hours and hours as it plays Westminster Chimes. The running movement is marked, “89M”, the Sonora Chime movement marked, “90”. Ly-Seth Thomas, pages 148-149.
Sold: $445 | Date: 7/31/2010 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co. Sonora “Chime Clock No. 1 Special”, ca. 1915.
Adamatine red mahogany case, 13.5 inches high and 15 inches wide. A few small chips at corners of base, otherwise mint condition. One piece porcelain dial is signed “Seth Thomas” and “Sonora Chimes”, and it also has “chime” and “silent” switch. Dial is clean and crisp, one tiny chip at the fast and slow indicator. Good label on back, additional chime and silent switch on side. 8-day No. 89M movement and Sonora movement No. 90 with 4 bells. Clock is running and striking properly. Overall condition is excellent. Ly-Seth Thomas 3701.
Sold: $0 unsold | Date: January, 2005 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Sonora Chime mantle clock, one of the very poplar 4 bell models, “Chime Clock No. 1 Special”, C. 1915.
The adamantine mahogany finished case is 13″ high, 15″ wide. The surface always looks like it was just polished. We could almost call the clock perfect but there are some corner tics we will blame on Bubba. The 4 round brass feet are in place, there is a full label on the back door, one piece porcelain dial signed, “Seth Thomas, Sonora Chime”. One tiny hairline between 7 and 8. The 8 day movement and the chime movement are both clean, shining, and running. The time movement is No. 80M, and the chime movement is marked No. 90. If it weren’t for the little deficiencies we mentioned we could call this one near perfect. Ly-Seth Thomas #701.
Sold: $675 | Date: July, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Chime Clock No. 1 Special”, 8 day, time, strike and four bell Sonora chime mantel clock, c1915
Adamantine case in very fine original condition. Original silvered dial with scratches mainly at the winding arbors and scattered tiny tarnished sports. Hands are original. Clean label inside the case. Ht 13″
Sold: $650 | Date: October 26, 2013 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Chime Clock No. 1 Special”, 8 days, time and 4-bell Sonora chime clock in red & black Adamantine case, c1911
Adamantine case with minor damage on the base corners, the back edge of the base and the top back edge. Original porcelain dial and hands. Nice setup label on the inside back door panel. Ht 14″
Sold: $250 | Date: October 26, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1910 Seth Thomas Clock Co., ÓChime Clock No. 1 SpecialÒ, 8-day Westminster chime on 4-bells ÓSonora chimeÒ mantel clock.
Condition: Adamantine case is almost perfect with a small chip on the front bottom edge and some roughness on the back edge of one side. The porcelain dial is perfect and the hands are original. Clock ticks, strikes and chimes, but would benefit from cleaning. Height 13.5 inches
Sold: $450 | Date: October 31, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts