About the Seth Thomas “Fashion No. 5” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas “Fashion No. 5” Clock Model: A Collector’s Guide
The Seth Thomas “Fashion No. 5” clock is a timeless mantel clock that graced many households during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This model, manufactured between approximately 1874 and 1936, offers collectors an opportunity to own a piece of American horological history.
The Fashion No. 5 is recognized by its distinctive case design, primarily constructed from walnut, cherry, or mahogany woods, with brass or iron accents. The clock’s case features a slender, elongated rectangular shape, giving it an elegant and refined appearance that complements various interior decor styles.
What makes the Fashion No. 5 particularly collectible is its combination of aesthetics, craftsmanship, and historical significance. As one of Seth Thomas’ more popular designs, this clock model showcases the company’s commitment to quality and innovation during the Victorian era. Notable features include a finely-crafted dial with Roman numerals and an intricate brass pendulum bob suspended within the case.
Additionally, the Fashion No. 5 is known for its reliable movement, which ensured accurate timekeeping throughout its lifespan. The clock’s ability to maintain functionality after over a century has contributed to its enduring appeal among antique clock collectors.
For enthusiasts and historians alike, the Seth Thomas “Fashion No. 5” offers an excellent opportunity to acquire a beautifully crafted American clock that represents both technological prowess and artistic excellence during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 6 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Fashion No. 5” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Antique Seth Thomas Fashion No. 5 Clock
Jan 2021 – 94 Antique American Clocks Seth Thomas “Fashion No. 5”, 1890. Note the date stamped on the back of this case (1890), indicating that this clock was made after the Southern Calendar Clock Company had failed and been bought out by Seth Thomas. This clock contains a long-drop movement (85D, no outside fly) with a damascened nickel pendulum bob and the movement is no longer signed “Made exclusively for the Southern Calendar Clock Co.”. The case has the traditional arched top but the early version of the calendar door, where a small doorknob is behind the outer door frame requiring a small “hollow” in the outer door frame to accommodate the knob. Later editions moved the knob away from the edge so that no accommodation was needed. here are paper replacements with flat nickel bezels, correct Fashion hands, and a recessed seconds bit dial. The door glass is original with the proper lettering. There are no labels inside. The clock is running and the calendar is advancing. AAC sold a Fashion No. 5 last summer for $1775. $1500-$2000. Post comments and questions on the AAC facebook page!
Retail: $1,000 | Date: 01/01/2021 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
Antique Seth Thomas Fashion No. 5 Clock
Jul 2020 – 26 Antique American Clocks Seth Thomas “Fashion No. 5”, ca. 1887. This is probably the first Fashion model made by Seth Thomas for Seth Thomas, rather than for the Southern Calendar Clock Co. (although some appear to have been supplied to SCCC in its waning years). It is also the first Fashion model with a long-drop pendulum, which was used in all subsequent ST Fashions and has a damascened nickel bob. The 32.5-inch case is walnut in excellent condition, the finials original. The door glass is original, with the correct lettering. The dials have been repainted; the hands are correct. The movement is signed, running, striking on a cathedral gong, and the calendar is advancing nicely. There is a note with a bit of provenance out of Alabama and Louisiana. You will not find a better example of this rather rare clock. $1200-$1800. This group of Fashion clocks came from the Klander collection in Houston TX
Retail: $1,775 | Date: 07/01/2020 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
Antique Seth Thomas Fashion No. 5 Clock
Jul 2021 – #27 Antique American Clocks Southern Calendar Clock Co. “Fashion No. 5”, ca. 1887. The No. 5 used a redesigned case where the calendar dial was mounted to a hinged door behind the main door; there was a small cutout in the glass door to accommodate the inner door handle. The Seth Thomas Type 85 movement is no longer marked “(Made) solely for the SCCC” and was modified to use a long drop pendulum; all subsequent models used this long drop pendulum. The movement is mounted to a cast iron frame to allow for the rear-mounted pendulum; most No. 5’s are pinned to the frame, but this one is screw-mounted, as is more common for the Fashion No. 6 (black dials). Both dial pans are original here but have been repainted (The Dial House). Fashion hands were used on this model, as shown. The door glass is likely original with the elongated “Fashion” lettering, with some losses. Although some examples have a white maker’s label, this one does not, probably because SCCC was sold to Seth Thomas prior to release of this model. Most of these models have a damascened pendulum bob; this example does not. With this model the large brass bell was changed to a cathedral gong, giving the strike a deep resonant tone. The clock is running and striking and the calendar is advancing. The case has an older finish in nice condition, with the grain showing through. The finials are replacements. AAC sold a Fashion No. 5 last summer for $1775. $1500-$2000. Bill Bauer has informed me that this movement is pinned to the mount, and I have added a picture below that may help show this. I’m afraid I don’t understand the distinction, but perhaps you will! OVERVIEW PAGE
Retail: $1,500 | Date: 07/01/2021 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
Seth Thomas Made for the Southern Calendar Clock Co.
, Fashion No. 5″, ca 1875-1889. The Fashions used the Andrews calendar mechanism which many horologists feel is the most accurate and dependable calendar mechanism ever made. This No. 5 model was the first using a long pendulum. Cases are 32 inches high and made of fine walnut. The movements were 8 day, hour strike on a bell. I note that the dials have been repainted which seems to be standard procedure for the Fashions, and the calendar dial has the seldom seen name,”Fashion Calendar Clock”. The finials are not original to this clock but were expertly copied from originals. The clock is running and operating properly. Ly-Seth Thomas, page 58 thru 68; Ly-Calendar, page 275 thru 292, and Millers “Calendar Clocks”, page 107 thru 118.
Sold: $2,780 | Date: January, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., for Southern Calendar Clock Co., St. Louis, MO. “Fashion No. 5”, 8 days, time and strike spring brass movement double dial calendar shelf clock.
Walnut case in an old and possibly original finish with some dings and scratches on the base. Both dials have been repainted. Original hands. Nice nickel plated bob. Original “Fashion” glass. Finials are nicely made copies.
Sold: $1,200 | Date: May 15, 2016 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Fashion No. 5”, 8 day, time and strike spring driven brass movement (with seconds bit) double dial calendar clock in a walnut case.
The walnut case retains its original finish. The original painted time dial shows wear. The seconds bit dial has been papered and shows age. The original painted calendar dial shows some wear around the Seth Thomas Clock Co. signature. The calendar rollers have darkened with age. The minute hand and calendar hand are replacements. The pendulum bob is a nicely damascened nickel bob. The finials are original. The movement is signed.
Sold: $800 | Date: May 15, 2016 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts