About the Seth Thomas “Empire No. 31” Clock
Introducing the Seth Thomas “Empire No. 31,” a crystal regulator clock manufactured around 1909 by the renowned Seth Thomas Clock Company. This intricate timepiece features a bronze figure and base, with feet and trimmings finished in rich gold, as documented in the Seth Thomas catalogs. The glass columns, adorned with gold decorations of leaves and vines, add an elegant touch to the clock’s design.
The clock stands at 22 1/2 inches tall and boasts a fine 8-day movement that strikes a cathedral gong on the half hours. The dial, signed by Seth Thomas, is decorated with a painted garland of flowers and features a perfect 4-inch porcelain face. The original hands complete the dial’s appearance.
While some examples may require cleaning to restore their original brilliance, this clock remains in its unrestored condition. Notable imperfections include a chip in the upper right corner of the front glass and a small piece missing from the left beveled glass panel on the back door. The bonnet figure is also slightly loose and may need disassembly for correction.
Despite these minor flaws, the Seth Thomas “Empire No. 31” remains an impressive addition to any clock collection, showcasing the company’s attention to detail and craftsmanship during its prime.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 5 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Empire No. 31” 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. 31”, ca 1909.
These clocks had bronze figures, case, and base. Feet and trimmings are in rich gold, burnished and lacquered, according to the Seth Thomas catalogs. Crystal glass columns with gold decorations of leaves and vines. The glass columns have elaborate capitals and bases, and the 4 columns around the 4 glasses of the crystal regulator body, also have capitals and bases. 4 beveled glasses, front glass has a chip in the upper right corner, other 3 are perfect. Clock is 22 1/2 inches tall. Bronze figure and base now painted with gold. Why? I guess if the bronze turns dark we should just paint it.Fine 8 day movement, striking a cathedral gong on the half hours, running. 4 inch, decorated porcelain dial is perfect, has a painted garland of flowers, marked for minutes in 5 minute intervals, and signed by Seth Thomas. Hands are original. Movement is also signed by Seth Thomas. Ly-Seth Thomas No.303.
Sold: $0 unsold | Date: 1/1/2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
C.1909, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Empire No. 31”, 8-day time/strike crystal regulator.
This clock is un-restored condition and will need cleaning to restore the original brigHeight finish to the case and other techniques to restore the bronze finish to the figure, which is rubbed to base metal. The outer left foot has been repaired. This example has the crystal columns with applied gold designs; this model also came with cut glass columns. The dial is perfect and the hands are original. The beveled glass on the back door has a chip. The other beveled glasses are excellent. The bonnet figure is a little loose in her attachment to the main case, and needs attention (will need disassembly to correct). Height 25Ó $750-$1,000
Sold: $850 | Date: 11/3/2002 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Empire No. 31”, crystal regulator with 8 day, time and strike spring driven movement
The bronze figure and base have some loss to the barbedienne finish. The cast feet, case and columns show remains of the gilding in the crevices. Original porcelain dial is perfect. Original hands. The left beveled glass panels has a small piece missing. The other glass panels are fine. The pendulum may be a replacement as looks a bit small.
Sold: $400 | Date: April 29, 2017 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas crystal regulator, “Empire No.31”, C. 1909.
You either love her or you hate her, there doesn’t seem to be an in between. The clocks were made with bronze figures, case, and base. Feet and trim pieces are in rich gold, burnished and lacquered, according to the Seth Thomas catalogues. There are 6 large feet to support this very heavy clock. The nicest thing about the clock is the two crystal glass columns with gold decorations of flowers, leaves and vines. The columns have elaborate capitals and bases, and the 4 columns around the 4 beveled glasses, also have capitals and bases. Of the 4 beveled glasses, 3 are perfect; the front glass has a tiny chip in the upper right corner. The case is 22.5″ tall. The bronze figure and base refinished in gold, over the bronze. I guess it turned dark and Pa Paw says, we will just paint over it. Movement is 8 day, strikes a cathedral gong on the half hours, and is running. 4″ porcelain dial is decorated with a garland of flowers looping in and out of the Arabic numbers. Dial and movement are signed. Original hands. Ly-Seth Thomas #303.
Sold: $2,165 | Date: July, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Empire No. 31” 8 day, time and strike, spring brass movement crystal regulator mantel clock.
Brass and cast bronze figure and base in a barbedienne finish in nice condition has minor wear on the front base. Cast feet have some loss to the gilding Original porcelain dial and beveled glass panels are fine, Original hands.
Sold: $425 | Date: October 21, 2017 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts