About the Seth Thomas “Parlor Calendar” Clock
Introducing the Antique Seth Thomas “Parlor Calendar” Clock, a notable piece from the American clockmaker’s early production, circa 1863. This clock features an angled 30.5-inch rosewood veneer case, adorned with beveled edges around the glasses, door, top, base, and sides. The clock boasts two painted metal dials, both original but extensively touched up, and correct hands.
The movement is an 8-day model that strikes a wire gong, powered by two large iron weights. The calendar mechanism is perpetual, and while the weekday roller advances, the date hand requires adjustment. Both glasses are old, with the center tablet being original and in excellent condition, as depicted in the catalog illustration.
This Seth Thomas clock also includes a card label on the back of the door with instructions for setup and running, along with a complete label on the back wall. The overall condition is good, with some signs of repair and restoration evident. This early calendar clock is a fine example of Seth Thomas’s craftsmanship and makes for an intriguing addition to any collection.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 12 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Parlor Calendar” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Antique Seth Thomas Parlor Calendar Clock
Jan 2021 – 134 Antique American Clocks Seth Thomas “Parlor Calendar”, ca. 1863. One of Seth Thomas’s earliest shelf calendar models, this one made prior to 1865 as judged by the Plymouth Hollow label and stamp on the movement. There are many places where the rosewood veneer is lost, reglued, or repaired on this angled 30.5-inch case. Both glasses are old, the center tablet is as shown in the catalog illustration and is on old glass. The painted metal dials are certainly original and have been touched up extensively; the hands are correct. There is a card label on the back of the door with instructions to set up and run and a very nice and complete label on the back wall. The movement is running and striking on the wire gong, driven by two large iron weights; the calendar weekday roller is advancing but the date hand needs adjustment. All in all, this is a pretty good example. sold one in 2018 for $750.
Retail: $800 | Date: 01/01/2021 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
Seth Thomas Clock Co., “8 Day Parlor Calendar”, ca 1863.
This is a very early shelf calendar model, with 8 day movement that strikes a gong. Calendar mechanism is perpetual. Lyre movement is mounted on a seat board like many early clocks and is powered by 2 large round weights.Rosewood case is 30 1/2 inches, working door lock with key, 2 large full labels both “Plymouth Hollow”. 2 old repainted zinc dials. The middle glass is original and very pretty, but a break in the upper left corner. I sure wouldn’t replace it. This case with its many beveled edges, around the glasses, door edges, top, base, and sides, has remarkably good veneer. Surely there have been repairs. If they were, they were expertly done. This is an exceptional example of an early calendar clock. Ly-Seth Thomas No.90, No.103.
Sold: $1,550 | Date: 1/1/2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
C.1863, Seth Thomas, 8-Day Parlor Calendar in rosewood,
in generally good condition. Someone has stripped the finish off and given it a light coat of dull varnish; there are minor bits of veneer missing; the top dial is replaced, and the bottom dial is original with minor flakes. Door lock is present but damaged. Both the rear label and the instruction label are clear and legible; eagle center tablet is superb (32 star US flag). Calendar mechanism is sound and the rollers are original. Overall good+ condition and worthy of your attention. Height 30 inches
Sold: $1,500 | Date: 10/1/2001 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1865, Seth Thomas, Plymouth Hollow, 8-Day Parlor Calendar
in restored condition. The case has been refinished with varnish and rubbed out with steel wool and really is quite attractive. There are some veneer repairs, blended in well with the new finish. Retains original backboard label, instruction label and super eagle tablet (with some flaking). The dials appear to be have been reblacked (nice job), and this is a good looking clock. Height 30 inches $1200-1600
Sold: $1,500 | Date: 11/1/2000 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1863, Seth Thomas Parlor Calendar clock
in rosewood, in generally fair to good condition, with restorations. The dials have been repainted and the rollers recovered; center tablet is new, case refinished; weights incorrect (too small); no label. The movement seems sound but you will need to cast up some 7 pound weights to put it in operation. Would be $1500 if pristine. Height 30 inches
Sold: $850 | Date: 4/21/2001 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1863, Seth Thomas, Plymouth Hollow, Conn, “8-Day Parlor Calendar”, 2-weight shelf clock.
These early calendars are hard to find with the veneer intact; and except for a couple of chips (at top), this veneer is quite nice. The dials have been repainted (without brand and patent info); calendar hand replaced improperly. The interior labels are both good, except that the instruction label has had a hole cut in it at the bottom to reveal pendulum motion (see close up). Lastly, someone cut two holes in the rear of the case to facilitate adjusting the calendar rods. Original “eagle and flag” tablet is still bright; rollers are original (and dark). Height 30″ Worth $1500 if perfect. Reserve $800
Sold: $800 | Date: 5/8/2000 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Parlor Calendar “, 8 day, time and strike, double dial calendar clock, c1863.
Rosewood veneered case in an old finish with some veneer loss at the top edge. The veneer on the flat area of the base has been replaced with what looks to be walnut veneer. Original time dial has a fair amount of paint loss. Calendar dial has paint loss as well. Hands and tablet are original. Paper on the calendar rollers looks to have been replaced. Ht 30 1/2″
Sold: $350 | Date: April 22, 2012 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1865, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Plymouth Hollow, Conn., 8-day, 2-weight, Parlor Calendar in rosewood.
There are veneer chips and some loss along the base and chips along the top of the case. The upper dial has been papered over while the lower is original with some paint loss at the 2 o’clock position. The door glasses are original with the center glass being especially nice; usually we see an eagle tablet in this model; this “globe” tablet with locomotive and sailing ship is exceptional. Instruction label for this double dial clock is bright and legible. Height 30 1/2″
Sold: $1,200 | Date: April, 2002 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
American Seth Thomas, Plymouth Hollow, Conn. 8 Day “Parlor Calendar” Clock,
Circa 1860 8 inches upper dial repapered on original dial pan, lower dial original and 10% flaked, 8-day, brass weight driven movement, model is considered one of the first models of the many American double dial perpetual calendar clocks produced in America, very good working condition with normal wear. Height 30 1/8 inches
Sold: $1,000 | Date: February 18, 2004 | Source: Mark of Time
Seth Thomas “8 Day Parlor Calendar”, ca 1863.
8 day, weight, strikes a coil gong This is an early calendar that is a bear to move with the weights inside The old zinc dials are pretty good, time dial has some spot touch upon chipped places very professionally done Clock is running and the calendar is adjusted and changing The movements have been serviced, case veneer professionally repaired where needed Actually the clock looks near perfect Glasses are original, middle glass rebacked The rosewood veneer case is 30 1/2 inches high Columns and dial openings have an octagon look Ly-Seth Thomas No.90;Miller’s “Calendar Clocks”, page 9
Sold: $0 unsold | Date: January, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Plymouth Hollow, Conn., “Parlor Calendar” shelf clock with a weight driven, 8 day, time and strike movement and a Mix Brothers perpetual calendar mechanism in a rosewood veneered case.
The case has been refinished and is in very good condition with minor veneer loss and repair in several areas. Both original dials have been overlaid with a newer paper dial. The calendar drum papers are original and somewhat darkened. The movement is signed. The door center gilt and painted eagle tablet is in excellent condition. The tablet is backed with an original Plymouth Hollow label inside the case. The upper door glass is original and the lower may be replaced. The hands all appear original.
Sold: $900 | Date: May 19, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1863, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Plymouth Hollow, Conn., “Parlor Calendar”, 8-day time & strike calendar shelf clock.
The rosewood veneer on this clock is very nice condition with veneer chips and loss on the base and a couple of chips on the top. The calendar dial has some very minor paint flaking, while the top dial is excellent. All three glasses are original. The center tablet has some loss in the shields and minor flaking of the black background, but is in otherwise very fine condition. The calendar hand is a replacement. There is a very clean label in the case and on the back of the door. Height 30.5 inches
Sold: $1,900 | Date: May 8th, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts