About the Seth Thomas “Dover” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas “Dover” Clock Model: A Collector’s Guide
The Seth Thomas “Dover” clock, introduced in the late 19th century and produced until the early 20th century, is a classic mantel clock that continues to captivate antique collectors today. This model combines exquisite craftsmanship with practical functionality, making it an essential addition to any antique collection.
The Dover clock boasts a distinctive case design, typically made of richly grained walnut or mahogany wood. The case is characterized by its tall and slender form, featuring a rectangular dial opening surrounded by intricate carvings, such as floral motifs, ribbons, and laurel leaves. A finely balanced pendulum swinging from the top of the clock adds to its aesthetic appeal.
The Seth Thomas “Dover” clock is particularly collectible due to its rarity compared to more common mantel clock models and its exceptional craftsmanship. Notable features include the high-quality brass movement, precision-crafted hands, and a dial with Roman numerals. The Dover clock’s striking design, combined with its fine materials and impeccable construction, make it an attractive investment for antique clock collectors.
Additionally, the Seth Thomas “Dover” clock holds historical significance as a product of one of America’s most esteemed clock companies. Its production era, spanning from the Victorian period to the early 20th century, places it in a timeframe rich with cultural and design influences that collectors find intriguing. For antique clock enthusiasts seeking both beauty and historical significance, the Seth Thomas “Dover” clock model is an excellent choice for their collection.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 8 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Dover” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
C.1930, Seth Thomas, “DOVER”, mini spring banjo clock
in excellent original condition. Clock is complete with original eagle, label, finish and good silvered dial. Has Seth Thomas 4 jewel movement number 103A, with 8-day duration. Ticks a while and stops so will benefit from service. Height 18″ $100-150
Sold: $130 | Date: 11/1/2000 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas “Dover”, ca 1890, one of the poplar City Series.
21 1/2inch walnut case with perfect original glass and pendulum. 8 day movement strikes half hours on a coil gong, and alarms on a brass bell, and is running. Black label in the base with an over paste label, “Winward’s Grand Invention, Musical Double Alarm Eight Day Clocks”. I would call it anything but “Musical”. When both gongs ring simultaneously it would wake up the dead. Thank goodness there is a silencing lever on top of the case. Ly-Seth Thomas No.236.
Sold: $307 | Date: January, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas City Series shelf clock, “Dover”, ca 1890.
8 day movement strikes a coil gong and alarms on a brass bell. 21 1/2 inch walnut case is near perfect with the original glass, dial, and pendulum. Old label inside. Stamp on back of case “9881K”, means the clock was made November 1889. This clock came from a long time Seth Thomas collector of City Series clocks. He didn’t own any bad ones. Ly-Seth Thomas No.236.
Sold: $358 | Date: July, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas City Series clock, the “Dover”, ca 1890.
Walnut case is 21.5 inches high, has the original crusty finish, never cleaned. This is a straight clock, no additions, breaks, repairs; it is just old and shows its age. Some of the paint on the old glass has worn off, the dial is only slightly soiled, most of the old label is on the back and inside on the base. It is running up a storm, very strong. This is an unusual clock in that it has the “Woods Patent Alarm”. All the levers and gears are still intact. You should read the article I reference below. 8 day movement, coil gong and brass bell for the alarm. Ly-Seth
Sold: $0 unsold | Date: June, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
C.1895, Seth Thomas Clock Co., DOVER, walnut “city series” mantel clock, 8-day gong strike.
Condition: the door hinges have been changed at some point. Otherwise this clock is in excellent original condition, with great old finish, good tablet, dial, and dark label in base of case. Clock came from England, and has the bonus of being fitted with the later version of “Winward’s Patent Railway Alarum”. (see steeple clock in sale also with Winward’s) The Winward system uses the strike train to sound the alarm which is still set from central disc. Case is date stamped on rear, 1895 (in reverse order). For reference, see Ly’s book on Seth Thomas, [3rd ed], page 193., also page 741, showing “unlisted”, we believe that is a Dover also. Ht 21.5″
Sold: $80 | Date: May 8, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas City Series Kitchen Clock, “Dover”
With an 8 day T&S with alarm movement and a marked paper dial on a brass pan. The door is stenciled with an arch, flowers and greenery. The key and a sunburst pendulum are with the clock. The clock runs when wound. (The time of strike is reversed. The alarm sounds whenever the clock is wound – not at any set time. The dial is discolored.) 21 1/2″ Tall
Sold: $90 | Date: Oct 05, 2013 | Source: Tom Harris
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Dover”, 8 day, time, spring brass movement city series mantel clock with a patent (British) Winward’s Alarm mechanism.
Walnut case in nice condition in original finish. Original paper dial has age darkened a little. Original hands, tablet and pendulum. The movement is signed. The Seth Thomas label has an overpasted label (worn) describing the Winward’s patent. The patent modifies the movement to be a time and alarm movement which deploys an alternating alarm bell strike and hour gong strike when the alarm time is reached. This process can be activated or terminated by use of a lever mounted on top of the case.
Sold: $175 | Date: October 27, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Dover”, 8 day, time and strike city series mantel clock, c1890
Walnut case in as found condition in original grungy finish. Original paper dial has age darkened with some staining. Hands, tablet and pendulum are original. Ht 21.5″
Sold: $140 | Date: October 28, 2012 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts