About the Seth Thomas “Office No. 5” Clock
Introducing the Seth Thomas “Office No. 5,” a vintage wall clock produced by the renowned American clockmaker between approximately 1900 and 1918. This model, crafted primarily in oak, showcases various degrees of condition, ranging from unfinished to refinished, as evidenced by available auction listings.
The early 20th-century versions, such as those dating back to around 1918, feature a stripped oak case that has yet to be properly finished. The movement is clean and running, while the dial exhibits minor wear at the 11 o’clock position. A missing piece of flat oak trim at the back of the top right return is noted, making it an easy restoration project.
Another version, hailing from around 1900, boasts a nicely refinished oak case and a dial in very good condition, with minor wear on the signature and some numerals. This clock comes complete with original hands, pendulum, and case hardware.
Later models, produced around 1910, showcase an excellent original condition with a clean oak case adorned with Eastlake incised trim. The dial and hands are original as well, featuring straight minute and bulbous spade hour hands, which were unique to this particular model among Seth Thomas’s offerings.
It is worth mentioning that some versions of the Office No. 5 may feature a mahogany case under a darkened reddish finish, with minor imperfections such as shrinkage cracks and damage to corners. The dial on these clocks might display hairline cracks, stains, or small losses.
Regardless of their condition, the Seth Thomas “Office No. 5” offers an opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a piece of American clockmaking history
Auction Records and Price History
The following 11 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Office No. 5” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
C.1918, Seth Thomas “Office No. 5′ in oak.
The case has been stripped and never properly finished. Movement is clean and running and the dial is original with minor wear at 11. Note a 1.5′ piece of flat oak trim is missing at the back of the top right return; very easy to replace. Generally good condition and easy to finish the restoration; height 23′
Sold: $420 | Date: 11/1/1999 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1900, Seth Thomas “Office No. 5”, in oak and in very good condition,
the case nicely refinished. The original dial is in very good condition, with only minor wear on the signature, and the inside part of some numerals (from pressing against the dial when setting hands). With original hands, pendulum and case hardware. The price of this clock new was 10.80 dollars. This clock was sent from a clock shop and has been cleaned and is ready to enjoy. Great for a small at home office. Height 23 inches
Sold: $750 | Date: 4/26/2003 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1910, Seth Thomas, “OFFICE No. 5” , 8-day timepiece in excellent original condition.
The oak case is very clean with original Eastlake incised trim. Nice original dial, hands and old oak finish (the only way it came). This is one of the few clocks that Seth Thomas produced with standard English style hands (straight minute and bulbous spade hour). A great clock that a beginner can be proud of; as good as it gets. Height 23 1/4″
Sold: $900 | Date: April, 2002 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Office No. 5”, 8 day, time and strike, spring brass movement wall clock.
Apparently a mahogany case, but under a darkened reddish original finish. There are a couple shrinkage cracks in the door, a little damage at the top left corner and a separation at the upper right corner molding. Original painted dial has aged with fine hairline cracks, stains and small loss at the time side winding arbor. Original hands.
Sold: $200 | Date: May 19, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1909, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Office No. 5, oak cased wall clock, 8-day time and strike, as-found, from storage
Condition: the case has been refinished and the top corners rounded a bit, and bubbles in the veneer on the dial surround. There is an old paper dial pasted over the zinc pan, which looks OK, but is coming loose from the pan. The movement is properly marked with Seth Thomas logo; pendulum is original. Height 23.2 inches
Sold: $275 | Date: May 6th, 2006 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1909, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Office No. 5”, 8-day wall timepiece, as- found.
The stripped oak case is in fair condition with some damage to the upper left and lower right edges of moldings and some lifting of the veneer that surrounds the dial opening that is in need of attention. The original painted dial is fair as Seth Thomas dials go with some paint flaking in the center area of the dial and along the outer edges, however we note that more of the paint is loose and some professional attention is called for here. The hands are original. Height 23 inches
Sold: $300 | Date: May 8th, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1900, Seth Thomas Clock Co. “Office No. 5”, 8-day wall timepiece.
This case of this clock has its original finish and is in fine condition. The 12″ diameter dial has been professionally repainted and is a nice job. The hands and pendulum are original. A very nice example. Height 24 inches
Sold: $475 | Date: October 18, 2003 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Office No. 5”, 8 days, spring driven brass movement wall timepiece, c1904
Refinished oak case now with a dark finish. Paper dial is a replacement. Original hands. When the clock was originally hung on the wall a hole, now plugged, was drilled in the center of the bottom bracket to stabilize it. Ht 23 1/2″
Sold: $150 | Date: October 26, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Office No. 5” wall clock, 8 day, time only, spring driven movement in an oak case with 12 inch papered metal dial, blued steel spade hands.
Refinished oak case. Paper dial is replaced. Original hands. Signed movement with stopworks intact. An attractive clock.
Sold: $250 | Date: October 27, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1909, Seth Thomas Clock Co., ÒOffice No. 5Ó, 8-day time/strike wall clock.
Condition: Stripped oak case now covered with a red mahogany varnish with lifting of the veneer areas surrounding the door glass. A little damage to the lower right scalloped edge of the backboard. The original dial has been repainted. Hands are original. Height 23.25 inches
Sold: $225 | Date: October 31, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1904, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Office No. 5” , 8-day wall timepiece.
Condition: Oak case with an original finish in nice condition with a small ding on one side of the bottom center. Original painted dial has been papered over. Hands are original. Movement is signed. Ht 23.25″ [59 cm]
Sold: $300 | Date: October, 22 2006 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts