About the Seth Thomas “Lobby, 18 Inch” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas “Lobby, 18 Inch” Clock Model: A Collector’s Gem
The Seth Thomas “Lobby, 18 Inch” clock is a captivating mantel clock that graced homes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This model, part of the esteemed American clockmaker’s illustrious lineage, showcases exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design.
The “Lobby” clock boasts a robust and intricate cast iron case adorned with delicate floral ornaments and delicate filigree detailing. The dark bronze finish adds an air of sophistication, making it an impressive centerpiece in any vintage-inspired setting. The dial, featuring Roman numerals, is housed within a glass enclosure, providing a crystal-clear view of the movement at work.
This model was produced during the late Victorian era, around 1890 to 1920, making it an excellent choice for collectors seeking to add a piece from this iconic period to their collection. The “Lobby” clock stands out due to its striking design and impeccable craftsmanship, with each piece demonstrating the precision that Seth Thomas was renowned for during this time.
Notable features of the Seth Thomas “Lobby, 18 Inch” clock include a high-quality brass movement with a pendulum and a striking mechanism that produces a resonant chiming sound. The clock’s sturdy construction and elegant design make it an excellent choice for both functional use and aesthetic appreciation.
The Seth Thomas “Lobby, 18 Inch” clock is not only a testament to the excellence of American craftsmanship during the Victorian era but also a captivating addition to any antique clock collection. Its impressive design,
Auction Records and Price History
The following 12 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Lobby, 18 Inch” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
C.1910, Seth Thomas “18 Inch Lobby”, as-found, case incomplete, dial refinished.
Note the entire top and bottom trims are missing, and finish has been stripped off. See lot No.325 in this sale, for what the case should look like. Interestingly the main portion of the case is in cherry, an uncommon wood for this model. If you attend the sale, you might take measurements off of lot 325 and make the missing trim on your own. Seconds hand is also lacking; main hands are original; glass old. Also for an unknown reason, someone switched the door hinges so the door opens from the right rather than the left-this can be put back easily as nothing has been filled or replaced. Measurement shown is for what part of the case is there. If all original, it would have brought 2000 dollars. Height 26 inches
Sold: $475 | Date: 4/26/2003 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1909, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “18 Inch Lobby”, 15-day wall timepiece.
The oak case is in very good condition with original finish. The original painted dial is excellent with a little fading of the numbers, mostly on the 8+9 . The hands are original. Minor nicks and scrapes to case, and small loss on top left return (not visible from the front), but a very nice original example of this model. Height 38 inches
Sold: $2,850 | Date: 4/26/2003 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., LOBBY 18 INCH, in cherry, with large duplex spring No. 86V movement, running 15 days, 18″ painted dial
long ago, someone replaced the top finials with acorn style finials that matched the bottom 4, apparently unaware that they should be little globes; they look OK and are glued on tight. The pendulum was lost at some point, and someone substituted a wooden stick with hook to accept a fusee bob. Other than these 2 small points, this clock is otherwise in excellent original condition. with superior original finish and great dial. Minor nicks and scrapes to case top. For reference, see Ly’s Seth Thomas book, 3rd edition, page 343. Ht 38″
Sold: $2,185 | Date: 5/15/2010 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn, C.1896, oak cased “LOBBY 18 INCH”, with 15-day duplex spring timepiece movement.
the oak case has been attractively refinished to a golden color. The finials are replacements, close, but should be globes on top and acorns on the bottom, and two finials are absent bottom rear. Original painted dial is excellent, with only minor paint loss at the mounting screws and some slight lifting at 8 o’clock.. This clock came to us from California, and dial bears the inscription “Montgomery Bros, Los Angeles”, which appears to have been applied to the dial when first purchased in 1896. Hands and pendulum are original. Part of the Geneva stop is missing on the movement, which is otherwise complete and functioning OK. Ht 38″
Sold: $1,840 | Date: 5/15/2010 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Lobby, 18 Inch” wall hanging clock with a spring driven 30 day timepiece movement in an oak case.
The dial suggests that this movement is the 30 day version, however the movement duration has not been confirmed. The case has been refinished at some point. There are several areas of minor veneer damage on the front door, and the lower left return. The painted dial is in excellent condition. All three hands are original.
Sold: $1,300 | Date: April 29, 2017 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas “18 Inch Lobby” wall clock, ca 1909.
Medium oak case, cleaned and polished. Large case is 38 inches high, 25 inches wide. Seth Thomas movement attached to an iron back plate. It is clean, signed, and running. Original 18 inch metal dial with good paint. Brass beat scale and pendulum. Isn’t this a No.40, 15 day, double wind, time only movement? In this condition these big clocks are continuing to bring far more than our expectations. Ly-Seth Thomas No.384. Movement Ly-Seth Thomas page 434.
Sold: $3,975 | Date: July, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas “18 Inch Lobby”, C. 1909, or a slight variation thereof.
The middle section is all original, good wood work on the front door. The pendulum viewing window should be a round bullseye piece of wood, but an inquiring mind decided to remove it. The 15 day time only movement is signed and original to this case. It is stamped “24” on the right side. This is a No. 40 movement but why it is stamped 24 escapes me. Brass pendulum bob, stick, and beat scale are original. The 18″ zinc dial has been expertly repainted. Moving on to the top and base, both have been remade, and expertly done, stained to match the case body, attached and fitted very well. Why they didn’t attempt to make it look like the catalog pictures is beyond me. The mahogany case is a tad over 36″ high, a fine looking clock, just not all original. Ly-Seth Thomas #384.
Sold: $801 | Date: July, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
C.1895. Seth Thomas, “18 Inch Lobby”, in oak, restored.
Condition: This is the early configuration case with the hinged and latched door at the bottom. The case and dial have been nicely refinished, case to a light golden color. 15-day double wind movement is clean and running. Height 37 inches
Sold: $2,500 | Date: May 7, 2005 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Lobby 18 Inch”, 15 days, spring brass movement wall timepiece.
Oak case in an old finish has a small piece of veneer missing near 6 o’clock and some veneer chips on the bottom right edge. Original dial pan has been repainted Original hands. The panel that supports the dial has some lifting of the veneer. This looks to be a variation on the Lobby model as this example does not have a bottom bracket nor any indication it ever had one. The top looks to have finials at one time that are now missing as a result of having the ends of the top shortened.
Sold: $350 | Date: October 22, 2016 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “18 Inch Lobby” wall clock, 15 days, time only, double spring driven movement in an oak case with painted metal dial, c1910
the case retains its original finish nicely rubbed down. The drop door to access the pendulum was broken out at the hinges and has been re-anchored with strips of wood. The second hand is a replacement. Ht 36″
Sold: $1,400 | Date: October 26, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1909, Seth Thomas Clock CoÒ., Ó18 Inch LobbyÒ, 15-day wall timepiece in oak.
Condition: the case is in excellent condition with original finish. The original painted dial is excellent with a little fading of the numerals . The hands and case hardware are original. There are minor imperfections with case, commensurate with age, but overall a very nice original example of this model. The case has been nicely cleaned with cotton kleanser and waxed. At the Syracuse regional in August, one of these in Cherry sold 3 times during the mart, ending up at 5000+ dollars. Height 38 inches
Sold: $3,000 | Date: October 31, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1896, Seth Thomas ÓLobby, 18 InchÒ, less bottom, in oak, 15 day pendulum movement.
Condition: This clock is in need of restoration, as the entire bottom skirt, splat and columns are missing. the dial is flaking, but can probably be saved with professional attention. In any case, good examples of this model have been selling for 4500 dollars, so our estimate should allow for restoration. See also lot 387, with internet foto of base so you can plan new bottom. Height as shown, 30inches
Sold: $1,750 | Date: October 31, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts