About the Seth Thomas “Cottage C” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas “Cottage C” Clock Model: A Collector’s Guide
The Seth Thomas “Cottage C” clock, introduced in the late 19th century during the Victorian era, is a timeless mantel clock that graced many homes during this period. This model is a classic example of the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail that characterized Seth Thomas’s work.
The “Cottage C” clock is primarily distinguished by its elegant design and the use of high-quality materials. The case, usually made from mahogany or walnut, features a delicate, hand-carved floral motif adorning both the base and hood. The glass hood protects the dial, which displays Roman numerals and a finely crafted brass pendulum visible through an opening in the base.
What sets the “Cottage C” apart from other mantel clocks of its time is its combination of aesthetic appeal and mechanical precision. This clock showcases Seth Thomas’s commitment to producing accurate timepieces while maintaining a refined appearance. Notable features include the 8-day weight-driven movement, which ensures consistent timekeeping for a week without winding, and the striking mechanism that chimes every hour on the hour.
This model is highly collectible due to its timeless design, high-quality materials, and association with one of America’s most respected clock manufacturers. The “Cottage C” clock offers antique clock enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of American craftsmanship that has stood the test of time. As with any antique, condition, rarity, and provenance can significantly impact its value, making each “Cottage C” a unique addition to any collection.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 10 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Cottage C” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
C.1860, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Cottage C”, 30-hour time/alarm rosewood cottage timepiece.
Condition: Stripped rosewood case has never been properly finished; there is a veneer chip on the base, top left. [sides on this example are pine, would have been stained to match originally]. Original painted dial has some minor flaking and loss around the mounting screws. Hour hand is original, but the minute is a replacement. Gilded molding on the door is worn off. Bottom tablet is original. Label dark with corner loss. Height 9 inches [22.86 cm]
Sold: $80 | Date: 4/22/2007 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1865, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Cottage C”, 30-hour rosewood cottage timepiece.
Condition: Case was refinished long ago and with some dirt and crazing.. The door has a small veneer flake on the corner. Original painted dial has flaking and loss. Most of the gilding on the door molding is worn off. Hands (ST) and mirror are original. Height 9 inches [22.86 cm]
Sold: $50 | Date: 4/22/2007 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1855, Seth Thomas, Plymouth Hollow, COTTAGE C, 1-Day, time and alarm mini cottage clock, rosewood octagon top with grained sides.
Condition: the finish has been wire wooled and waxed; looks OK. The tablet is hand made, painted flowers..not too bad. The turned door knob is new. The dial was professionally repainted. Still a nice early example, with a great Plymouth Hollow label. Height 9 inches
Sold: $175 | Date: May 6th, 2006 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Cottage C”, flat top with OG bottom, 30-hour time/alarm cottage timepiece with a C-type movement, Plymouth Hollow label. C.1860
Partially refinished rosewood veneered case with the remainder in an original finish with some veneer loss on the base. Original painted dial with some loss at the mounting pins and at 10 o’clock. Hands are original. Gilt molding on the door has been redone. Len did a pretty nice job of restoring this clock. Height 9 inches
Sold: $150 | Date: November 6, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Cottage C”, 30-hour time and alarm miniature cottage clock. Circa 1870
the rosewood veneer cased has been fine steel wooled, almost through the finish, but it is still there. Original painted dial has several small areas of paint loss. Hands are original. Gilt moldings have some loss. Mirror is original. Height 9 inches
Sold: $69 | Date: November 6, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1860, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Cottage “C”, 30-hour time/alarm flat top cottage timepiece.
Condition – Rosewood veneered case in nice condition with original finish, but does have some veneer loss on the bottom edge of the base. Original dial has been repainted. “ST” Hands are original. Case retains most of the gilt molding around the doors intact. Both glasses are original. For a picture of the C-Type movement see “Seth Thomas Clocks and Movements third edition vol. 1 by Tran Duy Ly”, Page 217. movement signed ST-Plymouth, label indicates “Plymouth Hollow”. An early cottage in clean condition. Height 9 inches
Sold: $80 | Date: October 22, 2005 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1860, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Cottage “C”, 30-hour time/alarm flat top cottage timepiece.
Condition – Rosewood veneered case in nice condition with original finish, but does have some veneer loss on the base, corners and leading edge. Original dial has been poorly repainted, now with floral corners (photogenic but incorrect). Hands are original. Gilt molding around the doors now gold painted. Both glasses are original. For a picture of the C-Type movement see “Seth Thomas Clocks and Movements third edition vol. 1 by Tran Duy Ly”, Page 217. An early cottage with Plymouth movement and Plymouth Hollow label Height 9.25 inches
Sold: $60 | Date: October 22, 2005 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1880, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Cottage “C”, 30-hour time/alarm cottage timepiece.
Condition: Rosewood veneered case in good condition with an original finish with some veneer loss on top and back edge of the base. Original painted dial has general paint loss and is in need of restoration. Hands are not original and mis-matched. Mirror in the door is original. Refer to Tran Duy Ly’s book titled Seth Thomas Clock and Watches 3rd edition volume 1, pages 213-23 for full discourse on ST cottage models. Ht 9.25″ [23.4 cm]
Sold: $90 | Date: October, 22 2006 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1880, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Plymouth Hollow, “Cottage “C”, 30-hour time/alarm cottage timepiece.
Condition: Rosewood veneered case is in nice clean condition, note OG base has been re-veneered with mahogany. The sides of the case are now down to bare wood as the original finish was stripped off. Original dial is now repainted. Hands are original. Mirror in the door is original. Running and retail ready. Ht 9″ [22.8 cm]
Sold: $80 | Date: October, 22 2006 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1865, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Plymouth Hollow, “Cottage “C”, 30-hour time/alarm cottage timepiece.
Condition: Stripped rosewood veneered case in generally good condition with absence of the veneer on the molded base (pine stained to match). Original dial has been repainted. Hands are original, but the minute hand as been repaired. Tablet is original. Gilt moldings on the door now gold painted. Label is there but no longer legible. Ht 9″ [22.8 cm]
Sold: $70 | Date: October, 22 2006 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts