About the Seth Thomas “Empire No. 14” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas “Empire No. 14” Clock Model: A Collector’s Guide
The Seth Thomas “Empire No. 14” clock is a striking example of American craftsmanship and design, falling under the mantel clock category. This model was produced during the late Victorian era, spanning approximately from 1890 to 1925. The Empire No. 14 is renowned for its elaborate case, typically crafted from highly polished walnut or mahogany, showcasing intricate carvings and gilt details that reflect the opulence of the era.
What sets the Seth Thomas “Empire No. 14” apart as a collectible piece is not only its beautiful design but also its exceptional quality. The clock features an eight-day time and strike mechanism, with a finely finished brass movement and pendulum. The dial, often decorated with Roman numerals or painted designs, adds to the clock’s aesthetic appeal.
Notable features of the Empire No. 14 include a hooded case with a swan’s neck pediment, which is a distinctive design element that was popular during the Victorian era. Additionally, the clock boasts finely crafted columns on either side of the dial and a base with ball-and-claw feet, adding to its overall grandeur. The Empire No. 14 is not just a timepiece but a testament to the artistry and skill of the Seth Thomas Clock Company during this significant period in American history.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 4 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Empire No. 14” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Seth Thomas crystal regulator “Empire No. 14”, ca 1909.
This exact clock is not pictured in any of the catalogs I have. It is almost identical to the Empire No.14 in Ly-Seth Thomas No.279. The case is the same, dog is different. Seth also used lions, horses, people, as well as dogs on top of his clocks. Dogs are the most poplar in the modern market. This case is 16 1/2 inches high, has 4 beveled glasses, at least one with a sliver chip. White porcelain dial with faint hairlines and a small chip to the left of 9. 8 day, half hour strike on a cathedral gong, and runs. The case is extremely nice. I can’t see evidence that the gilt is recent, but it is too nice to say it is original and 100 years old. Either way it’s nice.
Sold: $950 | Date: January, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co. crystal regulator, “Empire No. 14”, ca 1909.
Seth Thomas, more than the other makers of crystal regulators put a lot of animals, and people, on the tops of their line of regulators. They have become very poplar with the collectors, and dogs still remain the favorite animal. The gilt finish on the clock is very good. 16-1/2 inches high, 4 good beveled glasses have only 1 tiny corner chip. This is a French type movement by Seth Thomas. It is round, outside count, imitation mercury pendulum, hanging Cathedral gong, and running. The case and movement are clean inside and out. The porcelain dial is showing 3 faint hairlines going out from the hand arbor, and a small sliver of a crack on the outer edge of the dial, at 9 oÕclock. Almost identical to the clock in Ly-Seth Thomas, No. 279.
Sold: $0 | Date: July, 2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Empire No. 14” model crystal regulator, polished gilt case with gilt ornament, hunting scene at top, beveled glasses, white enamel Arabic numeral dial, blued steel hands, 8 day, time and strike, movement with round plates, gilt simulated mercury pendulum c1905
Case good, with wear and loss to gilding, case frame with some tarnish, side glasses with minor chips at upper rear corner, dial very good with minor chip above 12:00, hands good, pendulum with loose vials, needs two washers to tighten frame enough to retain vials, movement ticks and strikes, Ht 15 3/4″
Sold: $280 | Date: October 28, 2012 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1904, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Empire No. 14” , 8-day time and gong strike crystal regulator, mantel clock.
Condition: Heavy white metal case in nice condition with remains of original gilding intact. Original porcelain dial retailed by Bunde and Upmeyer Co, Milwaukee, is perfect and the hands are original. Pendulum is original. All the beveled glass panels are perfect except for the rear door that now has a piece of flat glass that is cracked. Movement is marked with ST insignia. The hunting scene on top has lots of detail and amazingly none of the dog’s legs nor deer’s legs, nor antlers have been broken, a big plus for this model. For detail, see Tran Ly’s book on Seth Thomas, 3rd Edition, Vol 1, page 242, fig 736. Current price guide = $1000. Ht 16″ [40.6 cm]
Sold: $700 | Date: October, 22 2006 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts