About the Seth Thomas “Eclipse” Clock
The Seth Thomas “Hanging Balltop” or “Eclipse” wall clock, produced around the early 1900s, is a unique timepiece that has been noted in various auction listings yet remains unnamed in any of the official Seth Thomas catalogs. This model, characterized by its distinctive Eclipse pendulum and walnut case, varies slightly from other known models.
The clock features an 8-day movement with both strike and alarm functions, striking a gong and alarming on a brass bell. The original dial and glass are intact, while the case has been meticulously cleaned and polished to preserve its elegance. Notable features include the original label inside the case and the replacement of a small piece of wood at the bottom spear to complete the design.
This “Eclipse” or “Balltop” clock, as it is commonly referred to, showcases Seth Thomas’s craftsmanship and attention to detail. It is worth noting that this model was produced as a sales premium and shares similarities with the clock depicted in A Treasury of American Clocks by Palmer on page 300. Despite its unofficial catalog status, the “Eclipse” wall clock remains an attractive addition to any collector’s inventory.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 37 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Eclipse” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Seth Thomas “Hanging Balltop”, or “Eclipse” wall clock, c. early 1900’s
Not pictured in any of the Seth Thomas catalogs which I have never understood. It was made in the very early 1900’s and they are not all that uncommon. I have seen 50 or more myself. The shelf model is pictured in Ly-Seth Thomas No.2080. The movements in all of them have been 8 day, strike and alarm, and not always the same type movement. This one is the Lyre style, No. 5 7/8, and an Eclipse pendulum. Runs very well. The movement feet moved from all 4 original holes.Walnut case, 27 1/2 inches high. Finials, glass, and inside label, all original. New paper dial on the old zinc pan I would call this case a variant as it is different than others I have seen. A small piece of the bottom spear was made to complete that one small piece of wood, and was made to match the 2 spears just above it. A very attractive Balltop.
Sold: $550 | Date: 1/1/2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co. wall clock, ca 1900. Called the “Eclipse” and “Balltop”,
Called the “Eclipse” and “Balltop”, both names are obvious. The pendulum has the word Eclipse on it. Seth Thomas did not show this model in their catalogs, hence no real name for it. This clock has everything. It is 8 day, strike and alarm on a bell and a gong. Full label, original dial and glass. 27 inch walnut case has been cleaned and polished to perfection. It runs and is ready to hang and enjoy. Ly-Seth Thomas, page 479.
Sold: $725 | Date: 1/1/2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas parlor clock, not named in the Seth Thomas catalogs, but commonly called the “Balltop” or “Eclipse” clock.
Walnut case is 24 1/2 inches, label inside, correct Eclipse pendulum and door glass. The dial has been repainted. Case has not been cleaned. 8 day, time, strike, and alarm. Strikes a gong, alarms on a brass bell, running. Identical to the clock pictured in Ly-Seth Thomas No.2080.
Sold: $365 | Date: 1/1/2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
C.1895, Seth Thomas ECLIPSE walnut gingerbread clock, with restoration.
The case has been refinished, the dial re-papered and tablet replaced. This is a time, strike and alarm example, with original instruction label inside back of case (now dark). Still has its original cast “Eclipse” pendulum. This model was produced as a sales premium and often referred to as a “ball top”. One is pictured in A Treasury of American Clocks, by Palmer, page 300. Height 25Ó $200-$250
Sold: $255 | Date: 11/3/2002 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas with “ECLIPSE” pendulum, circa 1890
Case: Walnut, 24″ high; Works: Seth Thomas original 8 day works with chime on gong. Condition: Case – very good, a few chips in the veneer; Works – excellent. Additional keywords: American
Retail: $375 | Date: 3/15/2000 | Source: AntiqueClocks.com
C.1900, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Eclipse”, 8-daytime/strike/alarm mantel clock.
Condition: Refinished walnut case is in clean condition. Paper dial has been replaced. Hands, tablet and pendulum marked “Eclipse” are original. Movement is signed. Although this model is not in the ST catalogs, thousands were sold to the large mail order firms of the day. Overall good condition. Height 25 inches [63.5 cm]
Sold: $250 | Date: 4/22/2007 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., c.1885, ECLIPSE model walnut parlor clock, time, gong strike and alarm, 8-day, button latch door.
the dial has been papered over, and the central trim ring got a bit distorted in the process. Otherwise the clock is in very good original condition, with proper cast pendulum, hands, alarm and tablet, + original finish intact. This model was made as a soap premium in the late 1800s and thousands were produced, yet it endures as one of the most popular shelf models. Inside instructions intact, some loss and water stain. Suspension spring needs attn {minor}, Ht 24″
Sold: $207 | Date: 5/15/2010 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co. hanging, “Eclipse”, ca 1890.
This “no name” clock was not given a name until recently, and only then because of the name “Eclipse” cast on the pendulum bob. Most everyone called it a “hanging balltop”. Whatever it is, ST made it special for someone or some purpose. All the cases have a special label with a serial number on the door. This is the only model of the hundreds they made that had a special label with serial number. This walnut case is as nice and clean as any I have sold. It is 27″ high, complete, original, and in immaculate condition top to bottom. It has a complete label inside, correct “Eclipse” pendulum bob, original dial and hands, 8 day movement, coil gong, alarm movement and brass bell, and a near perfect glass. As good as they come. Ly-Seth Thomas No. 1057.
Sold: $466 | Date: 7/31/2010 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas “Eclipse” Parlor Mantel Clock, circa 1895
Solid walnut case; brass movement; 24″ tall x 14″ wide; condition: excellent; with replaced door glass; refinished case and no label inside. Professionally refinished and runs perfectly. It stikes once on the half-hour and the full strike every hour.
Date: 8/28/2000 | Source: Old Timers Antique Clocks
American Seth Thomas Ball Top “Eclipse” Wall Clock,
Circa 1885 5 inches replaced paper dial, 8-day, brass spring driven movement with alarm, rare case variation of the Eclipse, similar to lot No. 31, excellent restored condition, movement complete and in fine working order. Height 26 1/2 inches
Sold: $400 | Date: February 18, 2004 | Source: Mark of Time
American Seth Thomas Ball Top “Eclipse” Wall Clock,
Circa 1885 5 inches replaced paper dial, 8-day, brass spring driven movement with alarm, a good Victorian walnut wall clock, for the intermediate collector, excellent restored condition, movement complete and in fine working order. Height 26 inches
Sold: $425 | Date: February 18, 2004 | Source: Mark of Time
American Seth Thomas “Eclipse” Walnut Parlor Mantle Clock,
Circa 1885 5 1/2 inches replaced paper dial, 8-day, brass spring driven movement with alarm, one of the hard to find Seth Thomas “Ball Top” walnut parlor clocks, nicely restored case, good restored condition. Height 24 1/2 inches
Sold: $275 | Date: February 18, 2004 | Source: Mark of Time
8-day “Eclipse” mantle clock.
Although two books have been published on Seth Thomas clocks, the shelf or mantle “Eclipse” seems to elude publishers. Since it is one of the more popular of the Seth Thomas line, we wonder why there isn’t more information available on this handsome and elegant clock? This beauty has a solid Walnut case with the distinctive Eclipse five-ball top or crown. It includes an eight-day movement with a full strike on the hours and one strike each half-hour. The door glass is also original and in the unique ECLIPSE design. This is also true of the pendulum which has the name ECLIPSE impressed into the cast metal ‘bob’. Overall, this is a clean, attractive and much-prized mantle clock that we are pleased to offer to our customers who value the best. Height: 25 in. (63.50 cm) Depth: 5 in. (12.70 cm) Width: 14 in. (35.56 cm) Weight: 6
Date: February 23, 2005 | Source: Old Timers Antique Clocks
Eight-day solid Walnut Seth Thomas “Eclipse” shelf clock
The Seth Thomas Clock Company varied the pattern on their “Eclipse” door glasses and also on a few other minor details such as the door ‘catch’. On this clock, the door is released with a push-button as compared to the hook and eye on the other “Eclipse’ in our current stock. This clock has a wonderful solid Walnut case in near “Mint” condition. The gold door glass pattern is original and the movement runs and strikes properly. There is a working alarm mechanism which although rarely used by owners because they run continuously until completely wound down when set, adds to the value of the clock. Height: 24 in. (60.96 cm) Depth: 5 in. (12.70 cm) Width: 15 in. (38.10 cm) Weight: 4
Date: February 23, 2005 | Source: Old Timers Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas “Eclipse” walnut mantel clock with 8-day mechanism.
The dial has been recovered professionally and the pendulum may be a later addition although in the correct original pattern. The very clean, recently serviced lyre shaped movement runs well and keeps good time.It is signed with the following details S. THOMAS THOMASTON, CT. USA PAT. Dec. 28, 1875. There is a readable paper label inside the case (see photograph) and the strike sounds one time each half-hour and the full count on the hours. Height: 24 in. (60.96 cm) Depth: 5 in. (12.70 cm) Width: 15 in. (38.10 cm) Weight: 4
Date: February 23, 2005 | Source: Old Timers Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas “Balltop” or “Eclipse” shelf clock, ca about 1900.
This clock is not shown in the Seth Thomas sales catalogs and Tran Duy Ly doesn’t show it with the other shelf clocks, but put it in the back of his book with the dials. I have seen a hundred or more just like this one. They are very popular. This clock is 100% original, case never cleaned, full label on the backboard and another on the door that says, “No 5. 548”. They aren’t all alike, just like the other Seth Thomas shelf clocks aren’t alike. This is the most original I have seen. 8 day, strike and alarm, running. 24 inch walnut case, they are generally found in oak. Ly-Seth Thomas, page 479.
Sold: $550 | Date: January, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Walnut Seth Thomas “Eclipse” Mantle Clock
8 day time; hour and half hour gong strike with alarm; 5 1/2″ unmarked painted dial with Roman numerals; has “Eclipse” pendulum; has key; gold leaf and berry decorated glass door; push button door; very nice. (Dial looks somewhat touched up.) 24″ and running at this time
Sold: $190 | Date: July 27, 2011 | Source: Tom Harris Auctions
Walnut Seth Thomas “Eclipse” Mantle Clock
8 day time; hour and half hour strike with alarm; 5 1/2″ marked paper dial with Roman numerals; has “Eclipse” pendulum; has key; gold leaf and berry decorated glass door; hook and eye door latch; very nice; interior label. (Dial is stained and yellowed.) 24″ and running at this time
Sold: $200 | Date: July 27, 2011 | Source: Tom Harris Auctions
Seth Thomas shelf clock, “Eclipse” or Balltop, ca 1900.
Another fine example of the Balltop, may be the better of the ones in this catalog, it is less crusty. It is a nice mellow brown walnut, with original glass, pendulum, dial and full label inside the case. Strikes half hours and alarms on a bell. The top has a wood split behind the cross piece of wood molding, can’t see the split from the front. 8 day movement is running. Ly-Seth Thomas, page 479.
Sold: $387 | Date: July, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas “Eclipse” or Balltop shelf clock, ca 1900.
8 day, strikes a coil gong on hours and half hours, and alarms on a bell. 24 inch walnut case never touched with a cleaner. Everything correct including the glass, dial, bob, and hands. There is a label inside and one on the door which says, “No.K.252”. I have seen these on other Balltops but have no idea what it means. I don’t think you would need to do anything to this clock, use as it is. Ly-Seth Thomas, page 479.
Sold: $383 | Date: July, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co. shelf clock, “Eclipse” or “Balltop” model.
Case stamped by the door latch “K4503”. All original including the glass, dial, correct pendulum which is marked “Eclipse”. 24 inch walnut case is very crusty and dark, never cleaned of course. 8 day, alarms on a brass bell, strikes a coil gong. Full label inside the case, signed dial. Ly-Seth Thomas No.2080.
Sold: $361 | Date: July, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas wall clock, balltop, or, “Eclipse”, C. early 1900’s.
Walnut case, 26.5″ high, refinished and clean. One small chip on the top right trim. On several of the hanging balltops we have had, there has been a paper label on the inside of the door. This one says, “No. C. 807”. I have always had the feeling that was their code for 1907 or1908, the date it was made. This clock is correct and all original with the exception of a repainted dial. 8 day movement still has the Geneva stops in place, and movement needs to be oiled. Strikes the hours on a coil gong, alarms on a brass bell. Accessories are all brass.
Sold: $0 unsold | Date: July, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas hanging balltop, “Eclipse”, C. 1908.
Refinished walnut case is 27″ high, very clean with a rich walnut color. There was.a good deal of jig saw and router work by some skilled cabinet maker. Deep cut designs on every piece of wood. The base took a hit and broke in two different places. It has been repaired (glue) and is hard to see the breaks. 8 day lyre movement with original Geneva stops still in place. The movement strikes a coil gong and alarms on a brass bell. Eclipse pendulum, hanger, dial rings, alarm ring, bell, and movement, all clean and functioning properly. Paper dial was replaced when the case was refinished. There is a very nice label inside the case. This is another clock from storage, surely will need to be oiled. This one is a really good looking clock.
Sold: $517 | Date: July, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas, hanging “Eclipse”, or balltop, as most collectors calls them.
No one has given a logical explanation as to why Seth Thomas made the shelf and wall balltop’s. One picture of a shelf model is buried in the back of Tran Duy Ly’s Seth Thomas book in the “Movement Description” section. We have seen hundreds so we know they were a production clock. Several different movements were used in the balltop’s, this one has the large 8 day Lyre movement, No. 5 7/8, with Geneva stops still intact. It is time, strike on a large brass Cathedral gong, and alarms on a brass bell. Other brass accessories are the pendulum, hanger, dial rings, alarm set ring, beat scale, and all the hinges, latches, and hooks. The 27″ walnut case is all original, never cleaned. There is a good label inside. Ly-Seth Thomas, Page 479.
Sold: $675 | Date: July, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas mantle clock, a clock of many names, “Eclipse”, and “Balltop” are the most common, and both names fit the clock.
I have had dozens of this model and seen slight variations in many of them, most noticeably the top and side trim. A couple of things I should say first, the 24.5 inch walnut case has been beautifully restored, most anyone would be proud to display it. Secondly, there is a new paper dial on the old metal pan, expertly fitted, just the right color for the wood and original glass. All the metal has been cleaned and polished, the 8 day movement with strike and alarm is functioning properly. The numbers stamped on the case frame are “A2236”. If Seth followed their usual pattern that would translate to Jan 22, 1936, or something equally as brilliant. Ly-Seth Thomas, page 479.
Sold: $450 | Date: June, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas “Eclipse” Hanging Kitchen Clock
With a T&S and alarm movement; a paper dial marked “S.T.”. In a walnut case with a decorated glass door and the pendulum. Not tested. (There is no key with the clock.) 26 1/2″ Long
Sold: $275 | Date: May 03, 2014 | Source: Tom Harris
Seth Thomas “Eclipse” Walnut Hanging Kitchen Clock
In an walnut case with a T&S and alarm movement; a paper dial marked “Seth Thomas” and the pendulum. Not tested. (There is no key with the clock.) 26 1/2″ Long
Sold: $275 | Date: May 03, 2014 | Source: Tom Harris
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Eclipse” shelf clock with a spring driven 8 days time and strike (half hour) Lyre movement in a walnut case.
The case is in excellent condition with original finish. The dial has been professionally repainted. The hands are original. The door glass and stenciled design appear to be original and in very good condition, The movement is signed. The original Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Eclipse” pendulum is in excellent condition.
Sold: $250 | Date: May 15, 2016 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1890 Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Eclipse”, 8-day time/strike mantel clock.
Condition: Walnut case is in exceptional original condition. Original painted dial is soiled with paint loss. Hands are original. Tablet is original. Fragment remains of a paper label inside the case. A very nice pendulum with a glass insert and the name “Eclipse” as part of the design (this particular Eclipse pendulum is very uncommon). Button door latch is missing. Height 24 inches
Sold: $300 | Date: May 7, 2005 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1890, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Eclipse”, 8-day time, strike and alarm ball top parlor clock.
Condition: Refinished walnut case in clean condition. Original painted dial is very nice for its age. Hands, pendulum and tablet are original. Ticks and strikes. Signed “Eclipse” pendulum. Dark label inside case. Ht. 24
Sold: $200 | Date: May 8, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn, “ECLIPSE” model, walnut gingerbread clock, time and gong strike, with bell alarm, 8-day, spring, fancy Eclipse pendulum. C.1890.
the refinished case is in very clean condition. The original painted dial pan now has a paper dial. Hands, pendulum and tablet are original. movement clean and running briskly. Dark label inside case, can still be read. Height 24.5 inches
Sold: $242 | Date: November 6, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Walnut ÓEclipseÒ Shelf Clock w/Alarm
With the original finish. (The dial is stained.) There may be minor, as expected, scuffs and mars to the case. Not tested.
Sold: $160 | Date: October 04, 2014 | Source: Tom Harris
C.1890 Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Eclipse”, 8-day time/strike mantel clock.
Condition – Walnut case is in exceptional original condition. Original painted dial is soiled with paint loss. Hands are original. Tablet is original. Fragment remains of a paper label inside the case. Door latch missing. The pendulum is from a Welch Eclipse, gilded with sandwich glass insert, with word “Eclipse” cast in. Height 24 inches
Sold: $180 | Date: October 22, 2005 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1880, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Eclipse”, 8-day time/strike/alarm walnut shelf clock.
Condition – Refinished walnut case is in very clean condition. Paper dial and door glass are replacements. Pendulum is original. Nice reproduction label on back of case. Running OK. Height 24 inches
Sold: $225 | Date: October 22, 2005 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Eclipse” wall hanging clock with a spring driven 8 day time, strike and outboard alarm in a walnut case, c. 1890.
The case has some original finish. The original paper dial has darkened with age and shows several areas of wear. The hands are original. The stenciled door glass is original. The lyre plate movement is signed.
Sold: $300 | Date: October 22, 2016 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Eclipse”, 8 day, time, strike and alarm spring brass movement walnut case mantel clock.
Refinished walnut case in nice condition. Original painted dial is soiled with scattered paint loss. Original hands, tablet and pendulum.
Sold: $100 | Date: October 27, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Eclipse” 8 day time, strike and alarm walnut wall clock, No. M.3594,c1900
this rare model has been nicely restored, with a newer paper dial, and includes a partial original paper label that now is detached. This may be the only Seth Thomas model, perhaps special-order, that is factory-numbered on another small label on the inside bottom of the door. The movement has lyre plates, the tablet is old, the gong base is signed, and the Eclipse pendulum is pristine. Ht 26.5″
Sold: $400 | Date: October 28, 2012 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts