About the Seth Thomas “Long Alarm” Clock
Introducing the Seth Thomas “Long Alarm” clock, a timepiece produced by the renowned Seth Thomas Clock Company around 1915. This 30-hour alarm timepiece stands at approximately 9 inches (22.86 cm) tall and is characterized by its long-running alarm feature, which operates for about 15 minutes with a single winding.
The “Long Alarm” model showcases a cast metal case in varying conditions, ranging from very nice to good. The original paper dial, while displaying some stains or wear, remains intact. The hands on these clocks are original and, despite common stress cracks in the drum due to lack of annealing, many examples remain in good shape.
Another version of this model, produced around 1910, features a metal case finished in oxidized copper with a 4 1/2 inch paper dial. This particular clock was distributed by a New York company as an advertising piece and bears the inscription “Geo. W. Welsh’s Son., New York” on its dial. The round metal top of this model tends to crack and split due to heat and cold exposure, but it remains a fine example of Seth Thomas’ top-tier alarm clocks.
Additionally, a cast spelter case with nickel finish “Long Alarm” was manufactured by the Seth Thomas Clock Company around 1910. This model exhibits some loss of nickel plating and is missing two machine screws that secure the movement in the outer case. Despite these minor imperfections, it presents a good example of this specific model with an original paper dial displaying only minor darkening due to age.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 7 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Long Alarm” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
C.1915, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Long Alarm”, 30-hour alarm timepiece.
Condition: Cleaned and polished cast metal case in very nice condition. Original paper dial is stained and has darkened a little. Hands are original. Most of these have stress cracks in the drum from lack of annealing, however this one is in good shape. Overall a good example of this model. Height 9 inches [22.86 cm]
Sold: $25 | Date: 4/22/2007 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1915, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Long Alarm”, 30-hour alarm timepiece.
Condition: Cleaned and polished cast metal case in very good condition. Original paper dial is pretty good with some minor stains and little wear around the seconds dial. One base to case screw has stripped out and will need replacing, an easy job for most mechanics. Hands are original. . Height 9 inches [22.86 cm]
Sold: $70 | Date: 4/22/2007 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas “Long Alarm”, ca 1910.
Long Alarm means the alarm will run about 15 minutes on one winding, but thankfully it has an on-off switch. Runs strong. 9 inch metal case finished in oxidized copper, 4 1/2 inch paper dial. Overall in excellent condition. Ly-Seth Thomas No.3,No.4, No.5.
Sold: $165 | Date: July, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas alarm clock, “Long Alarm” ca 1910.
Bought and distributed by a New York company as an advertising piece. Inscribed on the dial is, “Geo. W. Welsh’s Son., New York”, plus the street address. Touted as a “long alarm” it is that. It will alarm for about 15 minutes with one winding. It is not a sound you want to listen to for 15 minutes. One day movement, seconds dial and alarm dial, wind and set in back, alarm switch in front. Metal case is 9 inches high, finished in an oxidized copper finish. Looks nice and original but typical of this clock the round metal on top tends to crack and split, no doubt from heat and cold. This is a very nice example of Seth’s top of the line alarm clocks. Ly-Seth Thomas, page 25.
Sold: $0 unsold | Date: June, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
C.1915, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Long Alarm”, 30-hour time/alarm timepiece.
Condition: The metal case is good with no stress cracks nor losses; most of bronze finish is worn off [now mostly gray]. Very clean original dial and hands. Alarms loudly for several minutes. Ht. 9″
Sold: $65 | Date: May 8, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1910, Seth Thomas ÓLONG ALARMÒ, in a cast spelter case with nickel finish.
Condition: There is some loss of nickel plating here and there; 2 machine screws that hold the movement stable in the outer case are lacking. Original paper dial is good with minor darkening due to age. With just a couple of screws, this becomes a very nice example of this model. Height 9 inches
Sold: $130 | Date: October 31, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1906, Seth Thomas Clock Co, Thomaston, Conn, “Long Alarm” , 30-hour alarm timepiece.
Condition: Copper finish case with a bronze finish base is in nice restored condition. Brass case has some repair to the stress cracks that have developed (case was not annealed properly when originally drawn). Original dial is in extra nice condition for its age. Hands are original. This was called the long alarm because it could ring for up to 15 minutes before winding down. Runs and alarms. Ht 9″ [22.8 cm]
Sold: $60 | Date: October, 22 2006 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts