About the Seth Thomas “Ogden” Clock
Introducing the Seth Thomas “Ogden,” a distinguished mantel clock from the City Series, produced around 1886 by the renowned Seth Thomas Clock Company. This clock is one of the earlier and more exquisite examples within the extensive City Series collection, with production transitioning towards kitchen clocks featuring simpler designs by approximately 1890.
The “Ogden” boasts a finely crafted walnut case that stands at 21 1/2 inches high, adorned with intricate carvings and ornaments, including a touch of burl walnut veneer trim on the top. The clock’s accessories, such as the pendulum, pendulum hanger, gong base, and bezel, are all of superior quality nickel, a testament to Seth Thomas’ commitment to craftsmanship.
The clock features an 8-day movement that strikes on a cathedral bell. While the glass has been replaced, the original pendulum remains intact, albeit with a broken leader that requires soldering. The dial and certain other components have also undergone restoration, but the clock retains its original label within the case. Despite these modifications, this early Seth Thomas clock remains a fine example of the company’s artistry during its prime period for producing parlor clocks.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 8 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Ogden” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Seth Thomas Clock Co. City Series clock, the “Ogden”, ca 1886.
This is one of the earlier and nicer of the more than 100 city series clocks made by Seth Thomas. Beginning about 1890 they ceased making parlor clocks and began to make them have the kitchen clock look, particularly using the cheaper accessories. This excellent walnut case is 21 1/2 inches high, with great carvings and applied ornaments. A little burl walnut veneer trim on the top. Seth Thomas made use of their best nickel accessories, pendulum, pendulum hanger, gong base, and bezel. There is an old black label inside. The only flaw I see on this fine early clock is a replaced glass. 8 day movement, striking on a cathedral bell, running. Ly-Seth Thomas No.217.
Sold: $0 unsold | Date: 1/1/2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
C.1886, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Ogden”, 8-day time/strike City Series mantel clock.
Condition: Refinished walnut case in clean condition. Dial pan, dial and the shaped wooden panel the dial is mounted to are replacements. Tablet a replacement. Hands appear to be old, but are not original to this clock. Pendulum is original, leader has broken and needs soldering [part is there]. Movement is signed, and there is still a label in the bottom of the case. Would be $350 if original. Height 21.5 inches [54.6 cm]
Sold: $150 | Date: 4/22/2007 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Ogden” shelf clock with a spring driven, 8 day, time and strike, lyre movement in a walnut case.
This case retains its original finish and is in excellent condition. The original painted dial is in excellent condition with only slight signs of wear. The hands are original. The movement is signed. The case is dated on the back side. The nickel pendulum bob is beautifully damascened The stenciled door glass is original.
Sold: $375 | Date: April 29, 2017 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
American Seth Thomas “Ogden” Walnut Parlor Clock,
Circa 1885 5 1/2 inches replaced paper dial, 8-day, brass spring driven movement, nicely carved Victorian walnut parlor clock with heavy cathedral gong, one of Seth Thomas’ “City Series”, good restored condition. Height 22 inches
Sold: $450 | Date: February 18, 2004 | Source: Mark of Time
Seth Thomas City Series, “Ogden”, C. 1886.
This clock was made during the period all companies were making nice parlor clocks each trying to outdo the other on quality and looks. In the 1890’s they were making more kitchen clocks than parlor clocks. This clock is as nice as any city series I have ever had, and I have had hundreds. The case is a beautiful dark walnut, 21.5″ high, with carvings, special trims, dentil molding, and some applied pieces. The carvings on each side of the door are part of the door and not attached to the case body. Inside the case is a black label, nickel accessories including pendulum with circular etchings, pendulum hanger, gong base, gong hammer, dial rings, and the alarm dial, all clean and polished. The movement of course is 8 day, striking the deep toned cathedral gong on the hours, and is running properly. Ly-Seth Thomas #217.
Sold: $775 | Date: July, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Ogden”, 8 day, time and strike, City Series walnut mantel clock. c1886
Refinished walnut case in nice condition with some wear to the finish on the molding below the door. There is a little damage at the top back corners. Original painted dial is fairly clean for its age with some soiled areas at the winding arbors. Hands, pendulum and tablet are original. Label inside case is very dark and barely readable. Ht 21.5″
Sold: $200 | Date: May 4, 2013 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Ogden” model City Series shelf clock with an 8 day spring driven time and strike lyre movement in a walnut case.
The case retains its original finish. The original painted dial is in excellent condition. The hands are original. the movement is signed. The clock strikes on a cathedral gong. The nickel plated pendulum bob is nicely damaskeened. The door glass with its stenciled design is original.
Sold: $170 | Date: October 22, 2016 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., C.1886, “Ogden”, 8-day time/strike city series mantel clock.
Walnut case in nice condition in original finish with some dings and wear to the finish. The top crest is a replacement. Original painted dial is very clean with some wear to the numbers. Hands, tablet and pendulum are original. Height 21.5 inches
Sold: $210 | Date: October 30, 2010 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts