About the Seth Thomas “Lincoln VP” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas “Lincoln VP” Clock Model: A Collector’s Guide
The Seth Thomas “Lincoln VP” clock, introduced in the late 19th century, is a mantel clock of exceptional historical and aesthetic value. This model, named after President Abraham Lincoln, was produced between 1869 and 1876 to commemorate his presidency.
The typical case materials for the Seth Thomas “Lincoln VP” clock are walnut or mahogany, with intricate carvings of Lincoln’s profile on the dial and a bust of Lincoln on the base. The design is characterized by its elegant simplicity and patriotic symbolism, making it highly collectible among antique clock enthusiasts.
What sets the Seth Thomas “Lincoln VP” apart is its historical significance coupled with exceptional craftsmanship. As a commemorative piece marking Lincoln’s presidency, this clock holds a unique place in American history. The notable features include the 8-day movement and the distinctive Lincoln portraits that grace both the dial and base.
In addition to its historical value, the Seth Thomas “Lincoln VP” is also appreciated for its superior craftsmanship. The attention to detail in the carvings and the high-quality materials used in its construction make it a prized possession for antique clock collectors worldwide. Each “Lincoln VP” is not just a timepiece, but a piece of American history, making it an essential addition to any serious collection.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 14 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Lincoln VP” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Seth Thomas Clock Co .mantle clock, “Lincoln, V.P.”, ca 1886.
We rarely see this model in oak, it was refinished with a high luster. Accessories all polished and shining bright, nickel pendulum, gong, dial ring, brass beat scale, and brass weights. The old glass looks to be original. The inside label is suspect, it may be a mail order label. I can understand putting a new label in the case if you are restoring a rare clock. Weights are compounded to insure running 8 days. Several old holes, rotten places, in the backboard, filled and finished over and looks very nice.Movement is signed, strikes a cathedral gong on the hours. The new dial pan was recently painted, the dial board and the blocks holding the dial board in place, are all new. Restoration was professionally done. Clock is original and complete except where noted. Ly-Seth Thomas No.1001 (No.1004 has the same movement, gong, etc.)
Sold: $1,105 | Date: 1/1/2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
C.1886, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Lincoln V.P.” 8-day
2-weight shelf clock in walnut. This is a beautiful example in nice condition. Everything about this clock is excellent with original hands, damascene pendulum, and nickel weights. The outer dial is original and excellent; the center with logo is properly replaced. This example has a pediment top that was probably added at the time of purchase, as the finish is the same. It is easily removed with 2 screws for those purists who dislike it. Good looking clock. Height 28 inches
Sold: $1,850 | Date: 10/1/2001 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1886, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Lincoln V.P.” 8-day
2-weight shelf clock in oak, nicely restored. Everything about this clock is excellent with original hands, brass pendulum, and brass weights. This case has been professionally refinished to a golden oak finish; retains orig beat scale and all case hardware. Original dial with only a couple of minor flakes. Will complement any oak decor. Height 28 inches
Sold: $1,700 | Date: 10/1/2001 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1885, Seth Thomas “Lincoln, V.P.’, 2-weight, time and strike, as-found.
This clock came from a barn in Rochester, NH. The repairman managed to get on new cord, but used a punch to close in the bushings. The oil has dried and the movement is sluggish. Replacement weights seem OK. The walnut case is sound and complete with old finish; orig dial shows wear and flakes around 4. Original damascene pendulum perfect. Careful restoration will produce a nice clock; height 27′
Sold: $701 | Date: 11/1/1999 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1886, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Lincoln, V.P.” 8-day time and strike, 2-wt. shelf clock in oak, with restoration.
The case has been refinished and the dial was professionally repainted. The hands are from an OG and lower German pulleys are incorrect (replacements are available); note top shrouded pulleys are original. The weights are the proper type, and clock seems to run fine. Top rt and left are missing a small side molding This is a popular model that brings $1500 when original. Retains worn label in case bottom; remember clocks winds to the left. Height 27Ó $700-$900
Sold: $1,100 | Date: 11/3/2002 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1886, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Lincoln V.P.” 8-day 2-weigHeight shelf clock, in excellent original condition.
Very few of these clocks were made in ash; it is very similar to oak in appearance, but usually a bit more mellow. This is one of those unusual Seth Thomas clocks in ash. The dial is excellent with original hands, pendulum and weights. The door glass is original. There is a nice blue label in the bottom of the case (with some losses). excellent damascene pendulum; mov’t clean and in running order. About the nicest Lincoln I have ever seen. Height 27Ó $1,750-$2,250
Sold: $2,200 | Date: 11/3/2002 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1890, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Lincoln V.P.”, 8-day time/strike 2-weight shelf clock
in oak and in very good original condition. The only item that keeps this from being excellent is a replaced return molding on the upper left side; it has been made with an improper shape, although only a collector would notice. The case is in very nice condition with original finish; note the oak has an “old oak” finish with some age and from a distance looks like walnut. The original painted dial is quite nice with a little paint loss in the center. The hands, weights, pendulum and pulleys are original, one weight has lost its original hook and the bottom has a dent. The door glass is original; there is a worn Seth Thomas label in the case bottom. Height 27 inches
Sold: $725 | Date: 4/26/2003 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1886, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Lincoln V.P.”, 8-day, 2-weight mantel clock in walnut, and in good restored condition.
The walnut case is attractively refinished and in nice crisp shape. The original painted dial has been touched up on both background and numerals; most of this repair has taken place in the lower half of the dial (it doesn’t look bad, however the touch up color is a little lighter than the rest). The door glass, hands, weights, and damascene pendulum are original; gong base, bezel and pend retain original nickel plating in good order. Height 27 inches
Sold: $1,150 | Date: 4/26/2003 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas “Lincoln VP”, ca 1886. Made in walnut and ebony, which was very poplar in the late 1800’s.
I see many Lincoln’s where the ebony was removed or an attempt was made to remove. You can always tell. It is our experience the collectors would rather have an original case, no matter the wood. This model uses the heavy trapezoid 8-day movement that is running, striking hours on a patented cathedral gong that has a deep resonating sound. They are always weight driven and came with nickel or brass accessories; this one has brass. Note the weights are slightly different size. I have seen two or three dozen of this model and half had weights slightly different size. This original case is 27 inches high, dial flaking slightly, has a beat scale. Ly-Seth Thomas, No.1001-1004.
Sold: $931 | Date: January, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas mantle clock, “Lincoln. V.P.”, ca 1886, this particular clock was made in 1892 according to the factory stamp on the back of the clock.
I am sure you know that the V.P. stands for Visible Pendulum. The movementused in this model was the 8 day, weight, their number “14-1/2”, strikingonly the hours, on a Cathedral Bell. Pendulum ball, dial rings, gong, beatscale, and large weights, are all brass. Oak case is 27 inches high, stillwith original finish. Some flaking of the dial which is typical for SethThomas dials. This is another clock from the collection of “all original”clocks.
Sold: $0 | Date: July, 2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas mantle clock, “Lincoln, V.P.”, C. 1883.
A factory stamp on the back indicates the clock was made 1883. Good walnut case is 27″ high. This clock should not need anything except to clean off many years of grime with a mild cleaner, feed the wood, and clean and oil the movement. It has been in storage for many years. Not only is this a large and well made clock, but only the best was used by ST inside. 8 day trapezoid movement strikes hours on a Cathedral Bell. All the accessories are matching, brass weights, pulleys, pendulum bob, gong base, beat scale, and dial ring. Other than the small things mentioned the stick has been broken and repaired. The old dial is really nice for a ST dial this old. Ly-Seth Thomas, page 275.
Sold: $1,675 | Date: July, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Lincoln V.P.” shelf clock with a weight driven, 8 day, time and strike movement in a walnut case.
The case is in good condition and has been refinished. There is some veneer loss on top (not visible from the front) of the case. The original painted dial is in good condition with some loss at the center post and one small area of inpainting. The hands are original. The movement is signed. The nickel plated pendulum bob is nicely damascened. The door glass is original. The case back carries a factory date of July, 1884.
Sold: $700 | Date: May 19, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Lincoln V. P.” shelf clock with a weight driven, 8 day, time and strike movement with cathedral gong in a walnut case
The case, with a newer finish, is in excellent condition with one very small nick on the top right of the case. The dial has been nicely repainted. The hands are original. The movement is signed. The nickel plated pendulum bob is nicely damascened. The door glass is original.
Sold: $800 | Date: May 19, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Lincoln V.P.” shelf clock with a weight driven, 8 day, time and strike movement with cathedral gong in a walnut case.
The case is in excellent condition with a very small loss on the left end of the base. The finish is original. The original painted dial is in excellent condition and may have had a later surface coating added. The hands are original. The nickel pendulum bob is damascened. The door glass is original. The movement is signed. The clock also has the original factory setup instructions.
Sold: $850 | Date: May 19, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts