About the Seth Thomas “Octagon Top” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas “Octagon Top” Clock Model: A Collector’s Guide
The Seth Thomas “Octagon Top” clock is a timeless mantel clock, renowned for its elegant design and precision craftsmanship. This model was produced during the late 19th to early 20th century, making it a valuable piece for antique clock collectors.
Typical case materials for the Octagon Top clock include mahogany, walnut, cherry, or rosewood, with brass accents on the dial, hands, and movement. The octagonal shape, along with its fluted columns and convex glass, adds to its distinctive and appealing aesthetic.
What makes the Seth Thomas “Octagon Top” clock collectible is not only its beautiful design but also its exceptional functionality. Known for their accuracy and reliability, these clocks were made with the finest materials and craftsmanship of the era. Notable features include a weight-driven movement, an eight-day duration without winding, and a striking Westminster chime.
Additional characteristics that contribute to its collectibility are the variety of dial styles, such as painted dials, enamel dials, or porcelain dials, each adding a unique touch to this classic clock design. The Seth Thomas “Octagon Top” clock is not only an attractive addition to any collection but also a testament to American clockmaking excellence during the Victorian era.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 19 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Octagon Top” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Antique Seth Thomas Octagon Top Clock
Jan 2020 – 336 Antique American Clocks Seth Thomas “Octagon Top”, ca. 1865. With a Plymouth Hollow label this clock must have been produced before Plymouth Hollow became Thomaston in 1865. The dial notes the patent date of 1863 and is likely original, as is the lower tablet and dial glass. The ST hands may be updates. It holds a 30-hour time-and-strike movement that is running and striking, although the strike chain is rather loud. The rosewood veneer is clean in an old finish with just a bit of alligatoring. Some disguised veneer chips around the tablet. I like the tablet of strawberries a lot. A good label inside.
Retail: $123 | Date: 01/01/2020 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
Seth Thomas, early miniature cottage clock, 9 inch octagon top, ca 1875.
All original, untouched, but dirty. It even has the original key and pendulum. Old zinc dial is still good. Movement is 30 hour, time and alarm. Case has some crazing and an old mirror. It is not a cream puff, but like I said, untouched – as found. Ly-Seth Thomas No.959.
Sold: $155 | Date: 1/1/2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
C.1870, Seth Thomas Octagon Top mini cottage in restored
condition. This case had gotten wet at some time and the top joints no longer match properly. A patient cabinet maker could correct this. Otherwise this is a good little clock with re painted dial, clean movement, running and alarming. Height 9 inches
Sold: $100 | Date: 10/1/2001 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1868, Seth Thomas, Mini “Octagon Top’ rosewood cottage clock, as-found.
This clock was covered with 20 years of dust when we uncovered it, and is missing pendulum and leader. Uses type “A’ round time only movement that winds at 6. The back was drilled for an electric cord and a light socket put on top; top has been repaired nicely; lacks quarter molding around mirror. What”s left is good; original dial. Height 9 º’
Sold: $130 | Date: 11/1/1999 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1868, Seth Thomas mantel clock, “Octagon Top’ time and alarm cottage in very clean restored condition.
The dial has been restored at the Dial House and the rosewood case is nicely refinished. Minor blemish in back of case from removal for service. Excellent Thomaston label is protected under plastic. Height 9º’ This is the nicest of 3 in sale:
Sold: $400 | Date: 11/1/1999 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1868, Seth Thomas, Thomaston, Conn., “Octagon Top’, time and alarm cottage clock in generally good condition.
The original dial is flaking badly when you touch it, and will need restoration. Rosewood case is sound and complete and with original finish; excellent label. Runs and alarms. Height 9 º’
Sold: $150 | Date: 11/1/1999 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1880, Seth Thomas, Mini Octagon Top rosewood cottage clock
in very good original condition. Retains original dial with virtually no flakes, original wavy glass in bezel and original mirror; good label. Time only Type A round movement, 30-hour, winds at 6; see Ly no. 1556. Just about as good as it gets; height 9″ $150-200
Sold: $325 | Date: 11/1/2000 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1865, Seth Thomas (Plymouth Label), Mini Cottage, Octagon Top shelf clock
with rosewood front and maple sides, restored. The case has been refinished and polished to a high sheen. With rectangular, one day time only movement, type “B”. This clock is very clean and running briskly. Height 9″
Sold: $250 | Date: 4/21/2001 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1886, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Octagon Top” mini cottage clock
with restorations. This is a 30-hour time and alarm veneered in rosewood. The veneer is in excellent condition with only one small piece missing on the left side base molding; case refinished. The dial is in very nice condition, re-blacked over original surface. Both glasses are original. The hands are replacements, as is the pendulum (incorrect 8-day pend). Clean and running. Height 9″
Sold: $150 | Date: 4/21/2001 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas miniature cottage, “Octagon Top”, ca 1875.
E type movement which is 30 hour with alarm, and running All original dial, tablet, pendulum, case, etc 9 1/2 inch walnut veneer case is near perfect, only one small nick on a back edge Ly-Seth Thomas No.1564, 1584
Sold: $240 | Date: January, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas early shelf clock, “Octagon Top”, C. 1863.
Excellent inside label, repainted zinc dial, original glasses, tablet has some rebacking, looks good. One day round plate brass movement, clean and running, strikes hours on a coil gong. Walnut veneer case is 14.5″ high and is near perfect, beveled around the octagon glass and the bottom glass, the top, and base. Surely there was some restoration on the old case but I can’t find where. The gentleman that sold me this collection doesn’t have a clock in his house that wasn’t perfect or pretty near perfect. Ly-Seth Thomas, page 267.
Sold: $310 | Date: July, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Plymouth Hollow, Conn., “Octagon Top”, 30 hour, time and strike, cottage clock. c1863
Rosewood veneered case in nice condition in original finish. Original painted dial with some wear and some paint loss at the winding arbors and in the center area. Hands and tablet with some loss are original. Someone replaced the gong with a bell attach on the gong base. Nice label inside case. Ht 14.5″
Sold: $150 | Date: May 4, 2013 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1862, Seth Thomas Clock Co., earlier OCTAGON TOP, 30 hour t/s/alarm, rosewood case.
Condition: the base only has been re-veneered in mahogany; dial professionally repainted. Movement clean and running. Tablet xlnt; nice ST hands. Ht 14″
Sold: $90 | Date: May 8, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1863, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Octagon Top” 30-hour time/strike shelf clock.
The rosewood veneered case is in very nice condition with a couple of minor veneer chips and a small repair on the lower left corner of the base (brown paint over small veneer chip). The finish is otherwise original. Both glasses and dial are original. The dial has some paint loss but is in remarkably good condition for a Seth Thomas dial. The movement is signed and the label is good with about 15% loss lower left and some water stain. Another minor point is the proper replacement set of “ST” hands. Overall a good clock, complete and sound. Height 14 inches
Sold: $225 | Date: May 8th, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1866, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Plymouth Hollow, Conn., “Octagon Top” 30-hour time/alarm rosewood veneer cottage clock in fair to good condition.
The veneer on the bottom is chipped and missing in places. The case has also lost its veneer on the sides and is now down to the pine base. The original painted dial is in good condition with some chips and repairs. Both glasses are original. The label is very clean. Old hands are Waterbury, but replacements are available. The rear with a legible repair label from Sandusky City, Ohio, dated Apr 30, 1880, V. Nosley, 75 cents. The movement is a model 1C-C, developed in 1852 (see O. Burt’s Bulletin supplement) Height 9 inches
Sold: $115 | Date: May 8th, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Octagon Top”, 30-hour time/alarm cottage timepiece with a C-type movement, and early beveled edge bottom. C. 1860.
Refinished rosewood veneered case in clean condition with small chip on the back edge. Original painted dial with a little loss at the mounting screws and the lower right corner. Hands and mirror are original. Len has restored this clock nicely. Height 9 inches
Sold: $184 | Date: November 6, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1855, Seth Thomas, OCTAGON TOP, 30-hour, time, strike and alarm.
Condition: Missing dial and wrong hands. Rosewood case is exceptional except losses on base, left rear. Tablet 75% flaked. Xlnt Plymouth Hollow label and signed Plymouth movement. Potential Height 14.5 inches
Sold: $100 | Date: October 22, 2005 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1870, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Octagon Top, 30-hour time and alarm cottage clock.
Condition – Refinished walnut veneered case is in very clean condition with a small veneer piece missing on the bottom edge of the left side and a small piece missing on the back right corner. Original dial has been repainted. A photo of the movement can be found in “Seth Thomas Clocks and Movements 3rd edition Vol. 1, pg. 217 by Tran Duy Ly”. Floral tablet is original. Movement and label are both marked Thomaston. Height 9.25 inches
Sold: $100 | Date: October 22, 2005 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Plymouth Hollow, Conn., “Octagon Top” model shelf clock with an 8 day spring driven time and strike lyre movement.
The case has a new finish. There are several areas with veneer damage and veneer repairs. The original painted dial has restoration of the numerals. The ST hands appear to be original. The upper door glass and lower tablet are original.
Sold: $130 | Date: October 22, 2016 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts