About the Seth Thomas “Hecla” Clock
Title: The Seth Thomas “Hecla” Clock: A Collector’s Delight
The Seth Thomas “Hecla” clock is a captivating mantel clock that graced homes during the late 19th century, between approximately 1875 and 1900. This period, known as the Grandfather Clock era, saw the “Hecla” emerge as one of Seth Thomas’ most popular models.
The “Hecla” is characterized by its elegant and intricate design, primarily crafted from mahogany or walnut, with brass accents adorning the dial, pendulum, and movement components. The case features a distinctive open-front style, showcasing the mechanical workings of the clock, which adds to its novelty and appeal.
For collectors, the Seth Thomas “Hecla” clock stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it represents a significant period in American horology when the art and science of clockmaking were at their peak. Secondly, the open-front design is a rarity among Seth Thomas’ portfolio, making it an attractive find. Lastly, the “Hecla” boasts exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, which are hallmarks of the renowned Seth Thomas Clock Company.
Notable features of the “Hecla” include its eight-day movement with a weight-driven mechanism, a striking Westminster chime on the hour, and a silvered dial with Roman numerals. Additionally, some versions may feature an ornate brass finial or a decorative glass window in the base, further enhancing its collectibility.
In conclusion, the Seth Thomas “Hecla” clock is a must-have for any serious antique clock collector. Its unique design, historical significance, and exceptional craftsmanship make it an enduring
Auction Records and Price History
The following 15 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Hecla” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
C.1884, (dated on rear), Seth Thomas, “HECLA”, walnut cased, quarter strike mantel clock, on bells.
Condition: generally fair to good original condition; there are two chips of burled veneer missing from the bottom of the left column, another chip along the left back edge of the base, top has been repaired. Most of the original finish remains, but there are areas where it got damp and is missing and the wood has just wax on it. The dial has a good sized flake below 6, and the numerals are quite weak from a finger setting the hands. There is a fair to good label inside, with losses from throwing the key into the case. Original pendulum has part of the damascene pattern polished off. Movement dirty. Height 22.5 inches [57cm]
Sold: $850 | Date: 4/22/2007 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1885, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Hecla”, 8-day time and quarter strike mantel clock, in generally good condition.
This walnut clock is strikes the quarters on two cup bells and strikes the hours on a cathedral gong with large nickel base. The case is in pretty nice condition with original finish, which has gotten wet in a couple of spots and could stand restoration (its not too bad, but does need attention). There is a veneer chip repair on the base, a repair on the left base corner and a repair on the right column, and some loose bits of veneer along the base. The door glass and damascene pendulum are original. The painted dial has had some touch up and then be sprayed with clear varnish to stabilize it. This large 3-train movement was also used in the “Atlas” and the “Marcy”. There is a dark but readable label inside the case. Despite cosmetic items, this uncommon clock will restore nicely. Height 22.5 inches
Sold: $1,500 | Date: 4/26/2003 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1884, (dated on rear), Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Hecla”, 8-day time and quarter strike mantel clock. Clock strikes the hour on a round gong and the quarter hours on two bells.
Condition: Oak case in good as found condition with original finish, one carved bit on the top right trim is absent (about 1/2″). Original painted dial has loss around the center winding arbor, some darkening from oil. Hands and tablet are original. Original nickel /damascene pendulum has some loss of nickel. Someone in the past tried to fix a loose upper right molding that will need to be addressed at it is misaligned. Fair label inside bottom of case, worn from throwing the key inside. For reference, see Ly’s book on Seth Thomas, 3rd Edition, pgs 727-28; Ly 2005 price guide $2500. Ht. 22.5″
Sold: $1,300 | Date: April, 2008 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Walnut “Hecla” Shelf Clock
With an 8 day spring strike movement; 1/4 hour on 2 cup bells and the hour on a cathedral bell; an unmarked paper dial; the pendulum and the key. Not tested. (The suspension, which is with clock, needs fixed.) 22 1/2″ Tall
Sold: $550 | Date: Feb 01, 2014 | Source: Tom Harris
Seth Thomas rare mantle clock, “Hecla”, ca 1884.
This unusual clock with its twin, “Atlas”, uses a movement that strikes quarter hours on two cup bells (Bim Bam), and hours on a Cathedral Gong.22.5 inches high case is made of walnut, some burl used, full turned columns with deep carving-etchings, same on the base and top. Carvings also used on the top. The clock has been used, not placed on the living room mantle just for show. It has not been abused but does have nicks and slivers on the base and top. You only see them on close inspection. There are many good points; great original glass, very nice nickel bob and gong stand, original dial-not repainted, most of the black label below the pendulum, and the 8 day spring movement is running and striking. Factor stamp on the back of the case, “4881K”, meaning it was made November 1884. Ly-Seth Thomas No. 1006.
Sold: $1656 | Date: January, 2005 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Hecla” mantel clock in a walnut case with a three train, 8 days, spring, time and strike movement, striking the quarter hours on 2 cup bells and the hours on a cathedral bell, c1885.
The walnut case, with its use of burl, is in excellent condition with it original finish intact. The current dial is a paper dial which shows some discoloration. A painted dial would have been expected. The hands are original. The movement is signed. The door glass and stenciled design are original. The pendulum bob is beautifully damascened The case is dated February, 1885 (5881B): Overall one of the nicest Hecla models we have seen.
Sold: $700 | Date: May 15, 2016 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Hecla” shelf clock in a walnut case with a spring driven, 3 train movement striking the hours on a cathedral gong and the quarter hours on two cup bells, c1885.
The walnut case retains some of its original finish which has darkened with age. The painted dial has been professionally refinished The ST hands are later replacements. The movement is signed. The door glass and its silver design are original. Original nickel and damascened pendulum bob. The case is dated April 1885 (5881D) .
Sold: $750 | Date: May 15, 2016 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Hecla”, 8 day, spring driven brass 3 train movement striking the hours on a cathedral gong and the quarter hours on two cup bells.
Mahogany case under a dark heavy finish has a couple dings on the base, the top front molding and small veneer loss on the front bottom edge on the base. Dial has been restored. Minute hand may be a proper style replacement. Original pendulum and tablet.
Sold: $650 | Date: May 19, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Hecla”, 8 days, time and quarter hour strike on two bells oak case shelf clock, c1888
refinished oak in nice condition with remains of the original finish in the corners, the turned columns and incised and carved elements. A small section of the top right carving is missing. Someone tried to reattach the top front to the side moldings and didn’t align it very well, so it will need attention. Original painted dial is stained with what appears to be oil stains at the middle winding arbor. Hands are original. Original glass and pendulum. Very dark label inside bottom of the case. Ht 22.5″
Sold: $800 | Date: May 4, 2013 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1880, Seth Thomas Clock Co., HECLA 8-day quarter strike, walnut and burled veneer shelf clock.
Condition: this case has been refinished, and the dial repainted by the Dial House; minor dings in top right quarter molding. For an image of the unique quarter striking movement, see Tran Duy Ly’s book on Seth Thomas, 3rd edition (2004) , Part 2, pages 727-728, and also the title page to that book, which has an image of the Hecla. Overall very good condition. Height 22.5 inches
Sold: $1,700 | Date: May 6th, 2006 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1890, Seth Thomas HECLA, Quarter Strike on 2 bells and hour strike on cathedral gong, carved walnut case shelf clock.
Condition: Except for replaced hands and some wear to the original dial, this clock is in very good original condition, with great finish, orig tablet and label (25% loss) in the bottom of the case. This clock uses the same movement as the Marcy, only with shorter pendulum. For details on the case and movement, see Tran Ly’s 3rd edition on Seth Thomas, pages 727 and 728. Height 23 inches
Sold: $1,625 | Date: October 22, 2005 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Hecla”., 8 days, time, strike and quarter hour chime, spring driven brass movement mantel clock, c1888
Cherry case with remains of original finish with a couple dings on the bottom feet. The dial pan, originally painted, has now been papered. Original tablet, hands and nickel plated pendulum. Movement is signed. Ht 22 1/2″
Sold: $750 | Date: October 25, 2015 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Hecla” mantel clock in a walnut case with a three train, 8 days, spring driven movement, striking the quarter hours on 2 cup bells and the hours on a cathedral bell, c1884.
The walnut case with burl accents is one of the nicest Hecla cases we have seen, The original finish is in excellent condition. The painted dial was been professionally restored by The Dial House in 2004. The hands are original. The movement is signed. The door glass with stencilled design is original. The pendulum bob is nicely damascened. The clock is dated November 1884 (4881K) on the case back. Ht 22 1/2″.
Sold: $1,200 | Date: October 25, 2015 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co, Thomaston, Conn., “Hecla” 8 day spring driven three train movement with cathedral gong hour striking and quarter striking on two cupped bells in walnut shelf clock case, c1881.
The case retains a nice finish, likely original. There are no visible defects on the case. The original pained dial has had substantial restoration but needs professional restoration. The hands are original. The original pendulum bob is nicely damascened The decorated door glass appears original. The movement (model 88) is signed. Ht 22 1/2″.
Sold: $1,000 | Date: October 26, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1886, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, CT. ÒHeclaÓ 8-day parlor clock with a quarter-hour gong striking movement.
Condition: This has a fancy walnut case in fine condition with original finish. It also has great original nickel plated gong base and nickel plated damascene pendulum. It also has the original black label inside in the bottom of the case in good condition(with some loss). Dial professionally repainted. This is an uncommon Seth Thomas movement, similar to that used in the Marcy. This is a fine example of this scarce quarter striking model. See also lot 374 (Atlas) Height 22.5 inches
Sold: $2,000 | Date: October 31, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts