About the Seth Thomas “Parlor Calendar No. 4” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas “Parlor Calendar No. 4” – A Collector’s Gem
The Seth Thomas “Parlor Calendar No. 4,” a timeless masterpiece from the esteemed American clockmaker, is a mantel clock model that graces any collector’s gallery with its intricate design and practical functionality. This clock, produced predominantly between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is an epitome of craftsmanship and innovation during the Industrial Revolution era.
The “Parlor Calendar No. 4” boasts a unique combination of case materials, often featuring a richly-grained mahogany base with brass ornaments and accents. Its design is characterized by an elegant rectangular shape, complemented by a calendar dial on the right side of the face, making it both a clock and a useful day-to-day planner.
What sets the “Parlor Calendar No. 4” apart as a collectible piece is its blend of timekeeping precision, aesthetic appeal, and the inclusion of a novel calendar feature, which was not commonly found in other mantel clocks of the same era. Notable features include the distinctive Roman numerals on the dial, finely-crafted hands, and the incorporation of a lunar phase indicator alongside the calendar function.
Collectors appreciate this model for its historical significance, rarity, and the charm that only antique Seth Thomas clocks can offer. The “Parlor Calendar No. 4” is not just a timekeeper but a testament to the evolution of clockmaking and a precious addition to any antique collection.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 11 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Parlor Calendar No. 4” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Seth Thomas Clock Co. “Parlor Calendar No. 4”, ca 1886, one of the rarest shelf calendar clocks.
Usually this clock with all the veneered bezels and rolling edges, will have a lot of veneer problems. These bezels are near perfect except for a tiny tic on the top. The left side of the base has a couple of tics and the bottom trim below the dial is ragged all across, about 8 inches of problems. The case is actually very nice and I wouldn’t worry about any veneer repair. Color has mellowed with age.The only change or repair I see on the clock is the door lock. Bubba attempted to install one and failed, leaving a couple of unnecessary screw holes, inside, behind the door, which we repaired and then installed a correct lock.Dials are flaking. I wouldn’t consider bad enough to repaint. Your call. 25 inch, polished walnut case, ebony trim. 8 day movement, striking a brass bell, running and striking properly. Pendulum looks a tad small but runs the clock. Full inside label. Ly-Seth Thomas No.92, Ly-Calendar No.629.
Sold: $1,555 | Date: 1/1/2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
C.1878, (dated label inside) Seth Thomas, Parlor Calendar No. 4, double dial perpetual calendar clock, gong striking, in a fancy walnut case, 8″ dials.
Condition: there are a few veneer chips, filled in with stain, case has been lightly varnished over old finish. Dials, rollers and hands are original. Xlnt label inside door, showing clock was set for Sept 1, 1878, making it easier for the customer to advance to the then current date. Movements appear quite clean. Overall very good condition. Height 25 inches
Sold: $900 | Date: 11-08-2008 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1886, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., Parlor Calendar No. 4
This is a very nice clock with the use of walnut and veneer with ebonized trim. There are some small veneer chips on the case and both dials have been professionally repainted. Has both original labels and original rollers in good+ condition. Overall a very good clock that looks great. Height 25″ $800-1200
Sold: $1,200 | Date: 11/1/2000 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Parlor Calendar No. 4”, 8 days, time and strike, double dial calendar shelf clock. c.1880.
Mahogany veneered case in original finish with general veneer loss on the base and top curved moldings. Original painted time dial with small area of loss at 7 o’clock and wear to some of the numbers in the chapter ring. Original painted calendar dial with loss at day 29. OriginaL calendar rollers have age darkened. Calendar hand may be a replacement. Time hands are original. The missing rear left corner block is inside the case. Ht 25″
Sold: $400 | Date: April 27, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1871, (dated label) Seth Thomas, Parlor Calendar No. 4 in walnut, 8-day time and strike, double dial perpetual calendar.
Condition: bottom dial was inked by a good artist onto paper and pasted over the original pan maybe 50 years ago. His glue reacted with the zinc and has bubbled under the paper. Top dial has been cleaned, but still original, showing 1876 patent date. Two side trims are replaced with mahogany instead of walnut. Although the book shows this model for $1600, we sold the sister to this in the Nov 2008 auction for $500. We think this one is a bit better than that one. Good label inside door. Height 25 inches
Sold: $850 | Date: April, 2008 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., ca.1886.
Model “Parlor Calendar No. 4”. 25 inches high good veneered case including bezels, some chips on top, and one strip of molding on base cleaned off but match stained in perfectly. Clean label inside, lower rolls original. These dials have been professionally restored. 8-day time and bell strike movement still has Geneva locks intact, both movements working but dirty and dusty. Good old pendulum. Ly-Seth Thomas #92; Ly-Calendar #629.
Sold: $1,685 | Date: June, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Parlor Calendar No. 4”, 8 day, time and strike, spring brass movement with 1876 patent R. T. Andrews perpetual calendar mechanism.
Refinished walnut and burl walnut veneered case in nice condition has a small ding on the time dial wood bezel and some small damage on the back edge of the curved top. Both dials have been nicely repainted. Original hands. Movement is signed. Clean label inside.
Sold: $650 | Date: May 19, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Parlor Calendar No. 4” shelf clock with a spring driven, 8 day, time and strike movement and an R. T. Andrews patented perpetual calendar mechanism in a walnut case with burl accents.
The case is in very good condition with minor veneer chipping along the base. Both original painted dials are in very good condition with a clear coating over the surface. The hands are all original. The movement is signed. The calendar drum papers are original and somewhat darkened with age.
Sold: $700 | Date: May 19, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Parlor Calendar No. 4”, 8 days, time and strike, double dial calendar clock, c1886
Walnut case in very nice condition in an old and possibly original finish with some lifting and loss on the left base molding, some chips on the front base and a couple of chips on the calendar dial door bezel. Original time dial with some wear to the numbers, circular scratch marks and minor paint loss at the mounting screws. Original calendar dial has some minor paint flakes and a paint repair in the one to three area that was not professionally done. Original calendar rollers are clean for their age. Hands are original. Ht 25″
Sold: $700 | Date: May 4, 2013 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Parlor Calendar No. 4” double dial calendar clock with a spring driven, 8 day, time and strike movement and a R. T. Andrews patented perpetual calendar mechanism in a polished walnut case.
The case retains an excellent original finish with no veneer loss. The original painted time dial is in very good condition with minor loss at the mounting holes and several other areas. The original painted calendar dial is also in very good condition with minor loss mainly at the mounting holes. The door glasses are original. Overall, an excellent example of this model.
Sold: $450 | Date: October 21, 2017 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Parlor Calendar No. 4” 8 day spring driven time and strike movement with perpetual calendar mechanism in a polished walnut case, c1886,
The case retains some original finish. There is some minor veneer damage on the lower left base molding return and the lower right base. The painted dials are original with the time dial showing paint loss at the mounting screws, the calendar dial showing the same loss at the mounting screws plus some additional loss at days 29 and 3. The paper calendar roller labels are original with some wear and darkening. The hands are original as are the top and bottom glasses. Overall a nice example of this model. Ht 24 1/4″.
Sold: $700 | Date: October 26, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts