About the Seth Thomas “Office Calendar No. 5” Clock
The Seth Thomas “Office Calendar No. 5” Double Dial Clock is an exceptional piece, renowned for its intricate design and historical significance. This collector’s item, manufactured by the prestigious Seth Thomas Clock Co. around 1884, boasts a distinctive walnut case standing at approximately 50 inches tall.
The clock features two large 14-inch dials, a painted tin dial with an S.T. monogram and Roman numerals on the chapter ring, as well as an outer minute ring marked with ticks and triangles every 5 and diamonds every 15 minutes. A seconds dial above the center is adorned with Arabic numerals every 10 seconds. The lower dial displays a calendar with the same S.T. monogram and Patented mark from February 15, 1876, along with cut-out windows on each side that house revolving cylinders displaying the day of the week on the left and the month on the right.
The clock is equipped with a brass 8-day spring-driven movement, marked with the matching stamped S.T. monogram. The case showcases full turned columns in front, pierced crest and drops along the base, and a hinged windowed door for pendulum access. Originally, the clock included an original pendulum, period key, and even a special key to open the small door underneath the base for viewing the pendulum.
While some veneer chipping on sides near the top and slight toning on certain dials may be present, this clock has been restored where necessary to maintain its historical integrity. Notably, the original calendar movement is currently missing from this particular piece. Despite its absence, this rare Seth Thomas Office Calendar No. 5 remains a valuable addition to any clock collection due
Auction Records and Price History
The following 10 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Office Calendar No. 5” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Rare Seth Thomas Office Calendar No. 5 Double Dial Clock,
painted tin dial marked Seth Thomas with S.T. in diamond inside circle below, Roman on chapter ring, outer minute ring marked with ticks and triangles every 5 and diamonds every 15 minutes, seconds dial above center with Arabic every 10 seconds, matching calendar dial below with the same S.T. monogram and Patented Feb. 15, 1876 with Arabic on chapter ring and cut-out windows on each side with revolving cylinders with day of week on left and month on right. Brass 8-day spring driven, time and date movement marked with matching stamped S.T. monogram, in walnut case with original gold highlights and varnish finish with full turned columns in front, pierced crest and drops along base with hinged windowed door for access to pendulum, includes original pendulum and period key, interior of door with stamp 1099 and old Mass. jeweler’s labels, 24.25″ x 8″ x 47.7″ high. (Duy Ly 1996: 38, fig. 65: 1993: 2509, fig. 606) AUCTIONEER’S NOTE: Weight, not spring, driven. Condition report Some veneer chipping on sides near top, slight toning on day and month dials, slight touch-up on calendar dial, currently running. We do not guarantee working order of clocks.
Sold: $17,000 (10 Bids) | Date: Apr 12th, 2007 | Source: Cowan’s Auctions
Seth Thomas Clock Co. “Office Calendar No. 5”, ca 1884.
A very rare model, large, heavy, and difficult to find one that is complete and does not have a broken tail on the bottom or broken finials and railing on the top. This clock has all those parts but is missing the original calendar movement. The walnut case is 50″ tall, has large 14″ dials, is very heavy and requires two people to carry and hang the clock. It is clean and polished and has been restored where restoration was needed. I cannot tell there is any new wood, etc. but as you know there are craftsmen out there that can do as well as the Seth Thomas workers. The finish on the case may not suit everyone, but could easily be polished and rubbed down to suit a new owner. It is possible the lock has been moved or a new lock installed, but not sure of either. All the case trim appears to be correct and complete. The clock has its correct pendulum, weight, hands, two dials, and keys for both doors. A special key is needed to open the little door underneath the base. That door has a glass for viewing the pendulum. We have sold a half dozen of this model over the years and they generally have brought over $10,000. You can get a reproduction calendar movement from Zero-Distance Ebay Store, based in California, for around $800, or buy clock No. 87 and use that calendar movement. Ly-Calendar No. 606: Ly-Seth Thomas, page 94.
Sold: $0 unsold | Date: 7/31/2010 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
American Seth Thomas Rare and Unusual “Office Calendar No. 5”,
Circa 1885 14 inches original painted dials, minor flaking on dials, 8-day, brass weight driven calendar movement, very rare large walnut calendar clock with unique burl panels and unusual carving, upper dial has advertising for “John Finzer and Bros. Boot Jack Tobacco”, an advanced collector’s item with 1876 centennial patent date, excellent refinished condition with repairs to bottom case door, movements need cleaning and seem to work well. Height 47 inches
Sold: $9,000 | Date: February 18, 2004 | Source: Mark of Time
Seth Thomas, “Office Calendar No. 5”, C. 1884.
Some collectors look a lifetime for this model. I haven’t seen a half dozen in 25 years. This may only be the 3rd one I have had for sale. 50″ walnut case with polished French walnut trimmings (according to the catalogs). I would have called it burl walnut that is polished like fine furniture. All the ST calendar movements are 8 day, time only, 1 weight that descends down the right side. Beat scale in the bottom, very nice nickel bob with the Seth Thomas circles, glass viewing port in the bottom below the pendulum. You can’t see it unless the clock is hung very high. There are two labels inside, the white one reminding you not to oil the calendar movement and a black one with operating instructions and signed by ST. All Seth Thomas dials eventually are repainted, this clock is no exception as both 14″ dials have been repainted, expertly I might add. The calendar rolls are original. The clock is in good running condition, very clean inside and out. There is no evidence the clock has been tinkered with, other than what may be needed with regular use over long periods. Ly-Seth Thomas #65. Millers-Calendar Clocks, #47.
Sold: $12,695 | Date: July, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Office Calendar No. 5” wall clock, 8 day, weight driven movement with perpetual calendar in a walnut case with six burl spandrels on front door and lenticular aperture for pendulum bob and painted metal dials
the case retains its original finish that is nicely rubbed down. The top and bottom trim elements are all intact and present and in very good condition. The upper dial retains its original paint with some scattered flaking. The lower dial has been repainted. This is an excellent example of a hard to find model.
Sold: $10500 | Date: May 19, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas “OFFICE CALENDAR No. 5”, in walnut with burled panels, double dial perpetual calendar, 14 inch dials, weight driven, C.1890 (dated presentation)
The original finish on the case has been rubbed out to a nice sheen; the grain is still closed and beautiful. This clock was retailed by G. W. Sayer of Spencer, Mass and was a presentation gift to “Goodwill Lodge No. 181, IOOF, Feb 25th, 1890 by Member’s Unity Circle”, so engraved on silvered plaque at center of door. The dealer, Sayer hung and checked out the clock in Jan of 1890, so indicated on their card tacked inside door. And with the instruction sheet from Seth Thomas indicating that the calendar was set for the year 1888. The rollers have been recovered and both dials were repainted some time ago. The wood screws pulled out for the iron movement bracket and the wall hanger, and have been replaced with machine screws (not a bad idea for something this heavy). Has near perfect inside labels and great damascene pendulum (nickel finish on pend and reflectors). Note the large trapezoid movement is similar to that in the Office No. 8 calendar, except it is 72 beat instead of 60 beat. Tran Ly has several references on the No. 5, including a foto of the movement in the 2nd edition St, page 435, and the clock shown in 3rd Edition, page 94. 2004 price guide = $18,000. Height 50 inches
Sold: $20700 | Date: November 6, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1884, Seth Thomas “Office Calendar No. 5” in oak and in excellent original condition.
There are some flakes on the dials which keep this clock out of the “outstanding” category, but they are original, and most folks would be happy with them. This is a large and heavy clock, so be sure you have a strong stud to hang it on. The dials are 14″. Note there is a glass covered crescent shaped opening at the bottom where the swinging pendulum and index can be seen. The door over this area is still intact and has never been broken off (a troublesome spot on this model). The original finish on this oak case has been carefully cleaned and waxed and is an attractive golden color. We have seen this model sell recently for $17,000, and our estimate is quite reasonable. For addition information on this model, see Tran Duy Ly’s yellow calendar book, page 250, item 606. Height 50 inches
Sold: $13,000 | Date: October 18, 2003 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Office Calendar No. 5” wall clock, 8 days, time and perpetual calendar, weight driven movement in a mahogany case with painted metal dials, c1884
the case has been painted and antiqued and the lower center trim is absent. There are minor losses to the edges of the lower left door spandrel and other minor veneer flakes and blemishes. The dials are flaking and discolored and have been touched up. The clock retains its original weight and pendulum. We sold a similar example in our November 2009 auction for $20,700. Ht 50″
Sold: $4,750 | Date: October 26, 2013 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Office Calendar No. 5” wall clock, 8 days, time and perpetual calendar, weight driven movement in a walnut case with burled spandrels, presentation plaque to “Good Will Lodge No. 181 from the Independent Order of Foresters 1890,” a Spencer, Mass. jeweler’s label inside door and two painted metal dials, c1890
the case retains its excellent original finish with a 1/2″ age crack just below pendulum door. The original top dial retains it original paint and has had the opening around the winding arbor slightly enlarged to accommodate the 1/2″ rotation of the dial to better secure it. The lower calendar dial has been professionally repainted. The second’s hand post is broken and has been glued in the past. This fine example of a desirable and hard to find model includes an original factory instructions dated January 1st, 1888. Ht 48″
Sold: $9,400 | Date: October 26, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Office Calendar No. 5” wall clock, 8 day, weight driven movement with perpetual calendar in a walnut case with six burl spandrels on front door and lenticle for pendulum bob and painted metal dials
the case has been rubbed down to a flat finish. The lower left column has a minor abrasion. The central lower element has scratches from lenticle door. Both dials have been repainted. The pendulum bob has some dings and dents around perimeter.
Sold: $7000 | Date: October 27, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts