About the Seth Thomas “Empire No. 13” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas “Empire No. 13” Clock Model: A Collector’s Delight
The Seth Thomas “Empire No. 13” clock, crafted between 1876 and 1900, is a captivating mantel clock that graced numerous American households during the Victorian era. This exquisite timepiece showcases an impressive blend of design aesthetics and mechanical precision that have made it a coveted piece among antique clock collectors.
Distinguished by its robust construction and ornate decoration, the Empire No. 13 features a case primarily made from walnut wood, showcasing a rich brown hue that ages gracefully over time. The intricate design incorporates fluted columns and a pediment top, echoing the neoclassical style prevalent during the period of its production.
What sets the Empire No. 13 apart as a collectible piece is its striking combination of functionality and artistic expression. A testament to Seth Thomas’s commitment to craftsmanship, this clock boasts a finely-tuned movement that ensures precise timekeeping. Notable features include a hooded dial with Roman numerals, an ornate pendulum, and a cast-iron weight that adds substantial heft to the overall design.
The Empire No. 13’s collectible value is further enhanced by its rarity, as it was only produced for a relatively short period. The intricate craftsmanship involved in creating this clock, coupled with its exquisite design and functional precision, makes it an essential addition to any antique clock collection. For the discerning collector, the Seth Thomas “Empire No. 13” clock offers not only a piece of American history but also a timeless testament to the artistry and engineering prowess of the renown
Auction Records and Price History
The following 12 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Empire No. 13” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Antique Seth Thomas Empire No. 13 Clock
Jan 2020 – 330 Antique American Clocks Seth Thomas “Empire No. 13”, ca. 1907. A 12-inch crystal regulator with a cast base and top and four beveled glasses. The gold finish is dull and worn off on the high spots. The flat porcelain dial is signed and has several very light hairline cracks. There is a faux mercury pendulum. It is running and striking on a cathedral gong. model also came with an animal on top (see #300). Key included. Can I return my clock if I don’t like it? Absolutely! Save your packing and box, you have 30 days from receipt to return it if you are unhappy. If the clock is not as described, or we missed something important and that is not evident from the pictures, we will refund your shipping costs (both ways) as well. Find another auction company that does that!
Retail: $125 | Date: 01/01/2020 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
C.1909, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Empire No. 13” 8-day Time and Strike Crystal Regulator.
The top and bottom have been buffed through the gilding to copper (looks tu-tone in photo). There is a small chip on the dial above the 12 o’clock position and at 1 o’clock. The brass trim ring on the strike side winding hole is missing (they often are). The beveled glass on the time side has some minor chips (not worth buying a new pane) Still a decent looking clock with potential, especially if you have plating capability. Height 11.5Ó $400-$500
Sold: $395 | Date: 11/3/2002 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Crystal Regulator “EMPIRE No. 13”, c. 1900
Case:Brass with gold plate. Verde bronze base and top band. Porcelian dial with floral paintings. 11 inches tall. Works:Seth Thomas 8 day time and strike on gong Reference: Seth Thomas clocks by Tran Duy Ly. Condition: Case: excelent; Works: excellent.
Retail: $600 | Date: 3/15/2000 | Source: AntiqueClocks.com
Seth Thomas Crystal Regulator “EMPIRE No. 13”, c. 1900
Comm Case:Brass with gold plate. Verde Bronze base and top band. Porcelian dial. 11 inches tall. Works:Seth Thomas 8 day time and strike on gong Reference: Seth Thomas clocks by Tran Duy Ly. Condition: Case: excelent; Works: excellent.
Retail: $600 | Date: 3/15/2000 | Source: AntiqueClocks.com
C.1913, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Empire No. 13 with Lion”, 8-day time/strike crystal regulator.
Condition: case in nice condition with some of the bronze finish remaining on the cast base and top. Porcelain dial is perfect. Hour hand is original; plain minute hand a replacement. Nice original pendulum with glass vials intact. Movement is signed. Door knob is a replacement. This fancier Empire model does not occur that often. Price when new was $24. Height 15.5 inches [39.37 cm]
Sold: $550 | Date: 4/22/2007 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas “Empire No. 13” crystal regulator clock.
This clock is in quite good condition. The gilded case shows only normal gilt loss from polishing. All four beveled glasses and the signed porcelain dial are perfect without any hairlines or chips. It has the original hands and mercury style pendulum. 8 day with hour and half hour strike on a cathedral gong. It is running and striking but the strike will hang up at 12:30 so it will need a small adjustment. 12″ tall.
Date: 7/22/2010 | Source: Lindy Larsons Clocks
Seth Thomas crystal regulator, “Empire No. 13”, ca 1909.
Case is just less than 12 inches high, is not plain, but highly decorated top and bottom. We rarely see these old crystal regulators finished in silver. From top to bottom, inside and out, even the imitation mercury 2 jar pendulum, and the suspended gong stand, all silver and extremely nice. No evidence it has been refinished. 4 great beveled glasses. 8 day movement strikes the gong on half hours. Runs, but a little out of beat. One piece porcelain dial, hand decorated with garland of flowers, one hairline and it would disappear with a cleaning. Correct hands, machined dial ring. Unusual to see a pretty crystal regulator in a different color. Ly-Seth Thomas No. 278.
Sold: $725 | Date: July, 2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas crystal regulator, “Empire No. 13”, C. 1909.
Another clock made with a rich gold finish that has all disappeared, now showing the copper undercoat. One piece porcelain dial with fine hairlines that would look much better if put thru an ultrasonic bath. Small chips around the hand arbor. A magnifying glass will show a couple of minute corner chips in the beveled glasses. Nice 2 vial imitation mercury pendulum, round, signed, 8 day movement is running, strikes half hours and hours on a hanging gong. The minimum reflects the fact you will need to spend a little to get the metal case back in good condition. Ly-Seth Thomas #278.
Sold: $376 | Date: July, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., “EMPIRE No 13”, 4-glass crystal regulator, with 2-vial pendulum, and with fancy cream colored porcelain dial with floral polychrome decorations fired in, C.1907
as this model goes, this is probably about the nicest we have seen. The movement has been cleaned and the clock is in good running order. The very top brass plate of the case needs to be removed and polished, but be sure to take it off for that operation, or you’ll ruin the gilding on the cast portion. movement bears proper ST logo, Height 11.5 inches
Sold: $863 | Date: November 6, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1909, Seth Thomas, EMPIRE No. 13, crystal regulator, restored.
Condition: the gilding on the white metal base and top trim is gone, down to the copper. The lion itself has been regilded. Movement is clean and running and with good porcelain dial with fancy floral decorations, and with the script signature of Seth Thomas. With faux mercury pendulum intact; beveled glass is good. Height 15.25 inches
Sold: $500 | Date: October 22, 2005 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Empire No. 13” crystal regulator, 8 day, time and strike, round spring-driven movement with rack and snail strike in a gilt brass case with beveled glass front, sides, and back with a white porcelain dial and blued steel hands.
cast brass case has missing gilding in many spots and some polishing residue. Porcelain dial is perfect, as are beveled glasses. Original hands. Signed movement ticks and strikes, but was not tested long term.
Sold: $250 | Date: October 27, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Empire No. 13” 8 day time and strike brass and glass crystal regulator mantel clock, c1907
this ornate cast metal case appears to retain its “rich gold” finish with some wear. The porcelain dial is pristine. One side panel has a couple of small corner chips, the rest of the thick beveled glass is fine. The movement, with its rear count wheel ticks and strikes but may need cleaning. Ht 11 1/2″
Sold: $0 unsold | Date: October 29, 2011 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts