About the Seth Thomas “Milan” Clock
The Seth Thomas “Milan” clock, a notable addition to the esteemed City Series, dates back to approximately 1900. This exquisite timepiece is distinguished by its polished dark mahogany cabinet case, adorned with intricate hand carvings on the sides and base. The clock’s unique charm lies in its untouched condition, exhibiting a light crazing that attests to its never having been cleaned.
One minor discrepancy is the absence of four thin wooden feet, otherwise, the clock remains remarkably well-preserved. The clock features a French sash with beveled glass, a brass mat, and a porcelain dial bearing the Seth Thomas signature. The dial is accompanied by original hands, and the case boasts a hinged wood back door for easy access to the movement.
The clock’s 8-day round movement, complete with a standing Cathedral gong, is signed and operational. This particular model was catalogued in 1902 under Seth Thomas, and bears a stamp from 1899 on the case. The “Milan” is one of four small cased clocks named after cities in the Mediterranean region, with its compact size measuring just 10.25 inches high. Despite minor blemishes on the bottom carvings, this City Series clock remains an exceptional find, seldom encountered in collections. Its Ly-Seth Thomas number is 559, and the movement can be identified as No. 1684.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 2 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Milan” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Seth Thomas Clock Co. a rare City Series clock, “Milan”, ca 1900.
I collected City Series clocks for 30 years and never acquired this model. This clock is magnificent, a polished dark mahogany cabinet case with hand carvings on the sides and base. It is covered with a light crazing, meaning it has never been cleaned. Only one negative, the four thin wood pieces (feet) have been removed, otherwise the clock is near perfect. It has a beveled glass in the French sash, brass mat, porcelain dial, and original hands. The perfect porcelain dial is signed. Hinged wood back door, correct pendulum and key, standing Cathedral gong, and a round 8 day movement that is signed and running. Ly-Seth Thomas No. 559, and the movement is pictured at No. 1684.
Sold: $350 | Date: 7/31/2010 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas City clock, “Milan” C. 1902 in the catalog, stamped 1899 on the case.
This City Series clock is one of four small cased clocks named for cities in the Mediterranean area, the others being Mentone, Genoa, and Lisbon. This polished, dark mahogany case is only 10.25″ high, with hand carvings on the front. Basically a sound and original case, just a couple of bites on the 2 bottom carvings, not real serious. One piece porcelain dial is excellent, signed, correct hands, French Sash with beveled glass. Glass flaked in the hinge area. 8 day round movement, signed by Seth Thomas, half hour strike on a standing Cathedral gong. A good City Series clock we rarely see. Ly-Seth Thomas #198.
Sold: $387 | Date: July, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks