About the Seth Thomas “Marcy” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas “Marcy” Clock Model: A Collector’s Guide
The Seth Thomas “Marcy” clock, introduced in the late 19th century, is a quintessential example of American craftsmanship and horological innovation. This mantel clock model falls under the category of timekeepers designed for placement on shelves or tabletops rather than being wall-mounted.
The Marcy’s case materials typically consist of mahogany, cherry, walnut, or oak, showcasing the exquisite woodworking skills of Seth Thomas artisans during this period. The design is characterized by a slender and elegant silhouette, with an elliptical brass face framed by intricate filigree work. The dial features Roman numerals and is adorned with a striking brass pendulum bob visible through the open front door.
Produced between approximately 1875 and 1900, the Marcy clock was named after the picturesque town of Marcy, New York, where Seth Thomas established his manufacturing facility in 1865. As a collectible piece, the Marcy clock stands out due to its combination of aesthetic appeal, historical significance, and exceptional craftsmanship.
Notable features of the Marcy clock include its high-quality brass movement, which ensures precise timekeeping, and the delicate filigree work on the case, creating a visually captivating piece that adds charm and elegance to any collection. Additionally, the open front door allows collectors to appreciate the intricate mechanics while also displaying the distinctive pendulum bob.
Collectors will find that the Marcy clock offers a unique opportunity to own an attractive and well-crafted timepiece from one of America’s most renowned clock manufacturers. Its historical significance, beautiful design, and exceptional craftsmanship
Auction Records and Price History
The following 20 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Marcy” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Antique Seth Thomas Marcy Clock
Jan 2021 – 80 Antique American Clocks Seth Thomas “Marcy”, 1891. Perhaps my favorite Seth Thomas wall clock of those that are generally available; the Marcy is 46 inches tall and is distinguished by its quarter-hour double-strike on two cup bells. counts the hours on a cathedral gong. This one is in oak, with an old finish overbrushed with a darker stain, giving it an antiqued look that I like. Note the many carvings on the door and crest. The lower glass is newer, the dial glass old. dial was repainted by The Dial House, the hands are correct. The spring-driven movement is signed and running but shows some battle scars; it would benefit from cleaning. Although Horton’s sold one in 2017 for $2780, recent prices at other auctions are typically around $1700. $1500-$2000. I put this clock up and ran it for a day and find that it is not chiming on the quarter hours; one lifting arm is sticking on the strike wheel pins. Note that the strike wheel has had some repairs as well, and the movement is dirty overall. I recommend an overhaul, and bear in mind that this is not a simple movement – lots of levers and gears.
Retail: $1,500 | Date: 01/01/2021 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
Antique Seth Thomas Marcy Clock
Jan 2022 – #31 Antique American Clocks Seth Thomas “Marcy”, A 46-inch oak case with a thick coat of varnish and light coat of grunge that would clean up. Old glass over the dial, modern glass below. The dial is paper with considerable foxing and needs to be replaced, and should be repainted. The hands are correct but new. The Marcy is distinguished by its quarter-hour strike on two nested bells; it counts the hours on a cathedral gong. The 8-day movement is signed and running but needs to be cleaned; the quarter-hour chime occasionally sticks and miscounts. The pendulum bob is damascened and there is a beat scale, but no label or date on the back. AAC sold an oak Marcy in January 2021 for $1500. $1200-$1500.
Retail: $1,200 | Date: 01/01/2022 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
C.1886, Seth Thomas, MARCY in very good to excellent
original condition; strikes the quarters on 2 cupped bells and the hours on a cathedral gong. We have had 4 of these clocks over the past 25 years, and this is the nicest we have had. It is a one owner clock that was shipped to us from the UK. The original dial is remarkable, with the name of the retailer: R. SALSBURY and SONS, GUILDFORD. The oak veneer retains original golden finish with some minor nicks and scrapes, commensurate with age. Retains good interior label. For illustrations of the movement, see Ly’s 1996 book on Seth Thomas, pages 148-49. Also refer to lot 467 in our April 2001 sale, which fetched over $5000 with premium. Height 46 inches
Sold: $4,600 | Date: 10/1/2001 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1886, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Marcy, 8-day time/strike with striking on quarter hours on two cup bells and the hour on a gong rod.
This oak case model is complete and in generally good condition, exceptions noted. There is a little minor lifting of the veneer in a couple of places on the lower door, and a couple of chips at the top. There is a burn mark on molding just below the door that was probably caused by an oil lamp or candle; original shipping holes in the case back beside the pendulum have been filled. The dial pan is new, with another old metal dial fastened to the pan. The dial mask, is made from an old piece of oak dresser side and looks OK. The hands and movement are original. The pendulum is a proper replacement. Despite these problems, this is not a common clock. With a little effort a proper type dial can be located and adapted to the case, and the minor trim problems can be handled by a good cabinet maker. In original condition, we have sold these for $4500+. Height 46Ó $2,500-$3,500
Sold: $2,801 | Date: 11/3/2002 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1886, Seth Thomas “MARCY”wall clock
in generally good original condition with some veneer repairs to the front door. The door suffered some veneer loss at the bottom that has been replaced and not stained the same medium gold color; other minor chips in door veneer. In addition, at some point someone tried washing off the exterior with some solvent that left some dark streaks in the original varnish. The interior of the case is quite clean and untouched, and retains original hardware throughout. This movement is illustrated in Ly’s 1996 Seth Thomas book, page 140, and is a large, 3-train, 8-day unit that strikes the quarters on 2 cupped bells, and the hours on a cathedral gong. The dial has been professionally restored over the original paint, with some touch up as well. The case has been waxed to a high sheen, and the movement is clean and running. Still looks good despite the shortcomings. Height 46″
Sold: $4,555 | Date: 4/21/2001 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1884, Seth Thomas Clock Co., MARCY, in walnut, 8-day quarter strike on cupped bells.
Condition: overall excellent restored condition, running and chiming well. There hare been 3 small professional veneer repairs on the door. At the same time, the case was refinished and has a very mellow walnut finish. All original carvings, finials and bottom piece. We are including a movement foto from an earlier lot. Our most notable sales for this model were in 2001, April ’01, lot 467, and Oct ’01, lot 332, both of which sold in the $5000 range with premium. We refer you also to Kaminski’s Jan 1, ’07 sale, reported in Antiques and the Arts Weekly on 1/26., page 49, where the sister to this sold for $5750. See also Ly book on Seth Thomas, 3rd edition, vol 1, pg321, current price guide $6000. Height 46 inches [113cm]
Sold: $4,900 | Date: 4/22/2007 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn. “Marcy” wall clock, 8 days, time and 1/4 hour strike on two cup bells and hour strike on cathedral gong, spring driven movement in an oak case with painted metal dial, c1890
the case has been rubbed down and waxed with repairs on top cornice molding. The lower finial has minor damage to tip and there is a minor veneer repair on door near pull. There is minor flaking to the original paint on the dial. Nice original hands. Ht 46″
Sold: $1,900 | Date: April 27, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Walnut Seth Thomas “Marcy” Wall Clock
3 winding holes; nickel trim and pendulum; nice carved case; 8″ dial. 47″
Sold: $3,250 | Date: July 27, 2011 | Source: Tom Harris Auctions
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Marcy” wall clock in an oak case with a three train, 8 days, spring driven movement, striking the quarter hours on 2 cup bells and the hours on a cathedral gong,
The case is in excellent condition with some original finish remaining. The original painted dial is in very good condition with only 1 very minor area of loss. The hands, correct in style, are later replacements. The pendulum bob is nickel plated and nicely damascened Both door glasses appear to be original. The movement is signed.
Sold: $1,700 | Date: May 15, 2016 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., ÒMarcyÓ, 8 days, 3-train, spring driven, time and strike, movement with cathedral gong strike on hour and quarter hour striking on 2 cup bells in cherry case, dated 1886
The cherry case retains its original finish. There is a very small loss of the upper left return molding. There are several very small dings on the left hand side column. The bottom left finial has been re-glued to the case with some glue still visible. The dial has had the numerals strengthened but retains its original paint. The hands are original, both door glasses are original and the movement (type 88A) is signed. The case is dated 1886 on the back. With few exceptions, this is a very sharp ÒMarcyÓ in excellent condition. Ht 46Ò.
Sold: $2,900 | Date: May 16, 2015 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Marcy” wall hanging clock with an 8 day, 3-train, spring driven, time and strike movement with cathedral gong strike on the hour and quarter hour striking on 2 cup bells in a walnut case.
The case is in very good condition with mostly original finish and several areas of minor loss. The original painted dial is in very good condition with some minor restoration to the trademark area and minor paint loss at 11. The hands are original. The movement is signed. The bottom of the case base is different from all other examples of the Marcy we have handled, but it appears to be original. The bottom right finial needs to be glued back into the case. The door lock and knob need area and lower door glass may be replaced. The nickel pendulum is damascened.
Sold: $1500 | Date: May 19, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1886, Seth Thomas, “MARCY”, in walnut, 8-day, quarter strike on 2 bells, and in very good restored condition.
The gentleman who consigned this clock owned it for several years but was not aware that the lower portion of the door, below the dial section is restored with a new side piece. This was obviously done by a competent cabinet maker, however he omitted a knob which could still be added. You may compare the basic construction with lot #342 and find it the same. Lastly, the bottom finial has been made to match the side ones, and it should be wider model. The average person would not even notice this, and the clock is otherwise fine with great original dial, hands, damascene pendulum (nickel), beat scale and gong. For reference, see Ly’s Seth Thomas book (1996), pages 148 & 149. If not for the restoration, this would have easily garnered $4500. See also lot 342. Height 46 inches
Sold: $5,500 | Date: May 8th, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1886, Seth Thomas, “MARCY”, in oak, 8-day, quarter strike on 2 bells, and in good condition with original decaying finish,
and some small veneer repairs. This clock has a lot of potential. The wooden gong base is still there, but the gong has been replaced with a bell. (this is a standard nickel plated City series gong if you have one). The original dial has some fading and wear on the numbers, also some minor paint loss around the outer edge, and amateur touch up on couple of numerals. The hands and pendulum are original. The beat scale has lost its silver wash and will need some attention. Original label in case bottom with some losses, but fully legible. Overall a decent item that will respond to restoration. Height 46 inches
Sold: $2,700 | Date: May 8th, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas “MARCY” in walnut, striking the quarter hours on 2 cupped bells and the hours on a cathedral gong, with nickeled bezel and damascene pendulum. C.1890.
Outstanding original condition; best we have seen. For reference on this model, and foto of 3-tr movement, see Ly’s book on Seth Thomas (3rd Edition), page 321. Height 46 inches
Sold: $8165 | Date: November 6, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Marcy” wall hanging clock with a 8 days, 3- train, spring driven, time and strike, movement with cathedral gong strike on hour and quarter hour striking on 2 cup bells in a walnut case,
The walnut case retains its original finish, The original painted dial is in excellent condition. The hands are original. The nickel pendulum bob is nicely damaskeened. The movement is signed. There are two areas of minor loss on the case, The first is the top left case return and the second is the case bottom finial.
Sold: $2,800 | Date: October 22, 2016 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Marcy” wall 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 gong, c1886.
While all 4 finials are intact, the rest of the base piece and top piece to the case are absent. The walnut case has been refinished. The dial has been professionally repainted by the Dial House. The hands are original. The movement is signed. The door glasses are original. The nickel plated pendulum bob is nicely damaskeened. The date of January, 1886 (6881A) is stencilled on the back of the case. Ht 40 ” (should be 46 ” with the base and top pieces).
Sold: $1,100 | Date: October 25, 2015 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Marcy” wall clock, 8 days, time, strike and quarter hour cuff chiming, three train spring driven movement in a mahogany case with painted metal dial, c1880
the case retains its original finish with minor blemishes and some deterioration. There are a 3/4″ piece of upper left return molding and 1/4″ piece of front portion of lower finial absent. There is minor touch up to dial. The nickel plating on the damascene pendulum bob is absent. Ht 47″
Sold: $3,600 | Date: October 26, 2013 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Marcy” 8 day 3-train spring driven time and strike, movement with cathedral gong strike on hour and quarter hour striking on 2 cup bells in cherry case, dated 1886.
The cherry case retains its original finish. There is a very small loss of the upper left return molding. There are several very small dings on the left hand side column. The bottom left finial has been re-glued to the case with some glue still visible. The dial has had the numerals strengthened but retains its original paint. The hands are original, both door glasses are original and the movement (type 88A) is signed. The case is dated 1886 on the back. With few exceptions, this is a very sharp “Marcy” in excellent condition. Ht 46″.
Sold: $3,700 | Date: October 26, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Marcy”, wall clock, 8 day, time and quarter strike, spring driven movement in a walnut case with a painted metal dial and damascened nickel pendulum bob
the case retains its original finish with all the carvings present and intact. There is a small repair to tip on lower finial. There is some flaking above center arbor and scuffs near winding arbors on dial. This is a nice example.
Sold: $1700 | Date: October 27, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Marcy” wall clock, 8 day, time and quarter strike on two cup bells and hours on a cathedral gong, spring driven movement in a walnut case with painted metal dial, dated 1886
the clock retains its excellent original finish with repaired lower finial. The original dial pan is repainted. The original pendulum bob is nickel plated and sharply damascened. Ht 46″
Sold: $4,600 | Date: October 28, 2012 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts