About the Seth Thomas “Panama” Clock
Introducing the Seth Thomas “Panama” clock, a captivating timepiece manufactured by the renowned Seth Thomas Clock Company in 1886. This exquisite wall clock features an 8-day time/strike mechanism housed within a walnut case, adding a touch of elegance to any space.
The Panama clock boasts a refinished walnut case that maintains a very clean condition, with the original label intact inside the case bottom. The zinc dial has been repainted and may have been adapted to fit the nickel rim, as the winding holes have been elongated to align with the winding arbors. The dial pan supports have been replaced, while the hands are modern replacements. Notably, the nickeled damascene pendulum is original, contributing to its authentic charm.
Another version of this clock, produced around the same time, showcases a walnut case in very nice clean condition with an original finish and label. The original paper dial exhibits minor wear, while the hands and pendulum are original. This variant features a nickel plated pendulum bob adorned with a damascene pattern. Some thin plastic spacers have been glued to the back of the dial mask to adjust its position, ensuring compatibility with the pendulum.
Both versions of the Seth Thomas “Panama” clock are distinguished by their large lyre movement with Geneva stops intact and their use of a cathedral gong for striking on the hours. This timeless piece is a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of the Seth Thomas Clock Company, making it an essential addition to any collector’s repertoire.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 10 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Panama” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Seth Thomas Clock Co., “PANAMA”, Circa 1886, 8-day time/strike walnut case wall clock.
refinished walnut case is in very clean condition. Zinc dial has been repainted, also may have been made from another pan to fit the nickel rim as the winding holes have been elongated to align with the winding arbors. Dial pan supports have been replaced. Hands are modern replacements. Nickeled damascene pendulum is original. Worth $1200 when all original. Still a clean example, w/ label inside case bottom. The cousin to this clock sold Feb 28, 2010 by C. L. Horton, lot 102, for $977+10% Ht 30″ $600–$800
Sold: $460 | Date: 5/15/2010 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., “PANAMA”, Circa 1886, 8-day spring, time/strike walnut case wall clock, uses large lyre movement with Geneva stops intact
walnut case in very nice clean condition with original finish and label. Original paper dial with some minor wear. Hands and pendulum are original; note nickel plated pend with damasceen pattern. There are some thin plastic spacers glued to the back of the dial mask that may have been done to move the dial forward slightly as it is a little concave and probably interfered with the pendulum. Label worn, barely legible. The cousin to this clock sold Feb 28, 2010 by C. L. Horton, lot 102, for $977+10% Ht 30″
Sold: $805 | Date: 5/15/2010 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Panama” hanging clock with a spring driven, 8 day, time and strike, (cathedral gong) lyre movement in a walnut case.
The case retains its original finish. The original painted dial has some minor in-painting. The hands are original. The movement is signed. The case back is dated 1888. The nickel plated pendulum bob is nicely damascened The door glass is original. This clock came to us from England and dial retains the original retailers info (Allis, 10 Wine St, Bristol). Dial paint has been over-coated with matt lacquer to stabilize.
Sold: $700 | Date: April 29, 2017 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas hanging clock, “Panama”, ca 1888.
The factory stamped the back of this case with the date the clock was made, “8881A”, which was Seth’s secret code for January 1888. This fine clock was made of the best walnut, is 30″ high, and has been rubbed to a furniture shine, which I prefer. I know some of you do not; you want the old crusty look. The movement is 8 day, striking a Cathedral gong on the hours. This is a living room or den clock, not a basement or garage clock. The size is right to hang the clock almost anywhere, and the gong is very pleasing and doesn’t sound like a fire truck coming down the street. The dial rings and gong stand are nickel, the beat indicator and old bob are brass. There are a few unexplained nicks in the bob. Ly-Seth Thomas No. 475.
Sold: $1486 | Date: January, 2005 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Panama”, 8 day, time and strike spring brass movement wall clock.
Partially refinished walnut case has remains of original finish in very nice condition. There is a dark area on the bottom left molding just below the door that may have been exposed to a heat source that may has caused a dark and worn surface. Painted dial looks original with a repair in the center and the winding arbors. Original hands. Original damascene pendulum with some loss to the nickel plating. Dark label in the bottom of the case.
Sold: $500 | Date: May 15, 2016 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Panama”, walnut 8 days, time and strike, spring driven wall clock, c1886
the original surface of this uncommon model is in very good condition with just minor scratches, and the painted metal dial has only minimal wear. The bottom black label still is legible, and the engraved nickel pendulum has just a faint sign of previous Scotch tape. Ht 32″
Sold: $1,400 | Date: May 4, 2013 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1886, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “PANAMA”, 8-Day time and gong strike wall clock in walnut.
Condition: on the top trim right and left of center, an inside quarter molding is missing; and the painted dial was papered over long ago. Otherwise the clock is in good original condition, and this is a hard model to find. Hands, damasc pendulum and case hardware are original. Ht 30″
Sold: $725 | Date: May 8, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Panama”, 8-day time/strike wall clock. Circa 1886
walnut case is in very clean condition with wonderful original finish. Original paper dial is very clean for its age. Hands and damaskeen pendulum are original. Nice label in case bottom. Height 30 inches
Sold: $1121 | Date: November 6, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Panama” model wall clock in oak, 8 day time and gong strike
although the dial has been professionally restored, the balance of the clock is in excellent original condition, with beautiful golden oak color + nickeled pendulum (damascened) and reflector rings. Has original brass beat scale and an excellent blue & silver label inside base of clock.. You will not find a nicer oak Panama.
Sold: $600 | Date: October 21, 2017 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Panama”, 8 days, time and strike, spring driven brass movement wall clock, c1884
Refinished walnut case is very nice. Original dial has been repainted. Original hour hand, but minute hand too short Original nickel plated, damascened pendulum. Original door glass. Movement is signed. Ht 31″
Sold: $550 | Date: October 25, 2015 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts