About the Seth Thomas “Pittsburgh VP” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas “Pittsburgh VP” Clock Model: A Collector’s Guide
The Seth Thomas “Pittsburgh VP” clock model is a captivating mantel clock that graced homes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, around 1895 to 1930. This timepiece is renowned for its distinctive design and exceptional craftsmanship, making it a sought-after collectible among antique clock enthusiasts.
Characterized by an elegant yet robust construction, the Pittsburgh VP’s case is typically made from mahogany or walnut, with intricate carvings adorning the front, back, and sides of the clock. The dial features Arabic numerals, a seconds hand, and a decorative border that enhances its overall aesthetic appeal.
What sets the Pittsburgh VP apart is its unique combination of style and functionality. Notable features include an 8-day movement and a striking Westminster chime mechanism, adding to the clock’s charm and collectibility. The presence of the signature Seth Thomas “S” on the dial serves as a testament to the brand’s reputation for quality and durability.
Moreover, the Pittsburgh VP is highly valued by collectors due to its rarity compared to other Seth Thomas models. Its intricate carvings, distinctive chime mechanism, and high-quality materials make it an ideal addition to any antique clock collection. When acquiring a Pittsburgh VP, it is essential to ensure authenticity by looking for the “Seth Thomas Clock Company” signature and the correct markings indicating the model and production era.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 8 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Pittsburgh VP” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
C.1880, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Pittsburgh V.P.”, 8-day time/strike City Series mantel clock.
Condition: Refinished walnut case in good condition with some minor veneer damage on the bottom edge and the back edges of the top. Paper dial is a replacement. Hands and fancy glass pendulum are original. Movement is signed. We sold this model in Oct ’06, lot 364, (with original dial and fiinish) for $700+. Height 23 inches [58.4 cm]
Sold: $510 | Date: 4/22/2007 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Pittsburgh V.P.” City Series model 8 days, time and strike, spring driven shelf clock, c1880.
Polished walnut veneer with areas of wear. Original paper dial showing significant wear with center section replaced. Hands are new. Door glass is original. Original beveled glass pendulum bob in nice condition. Bell has a copper finish now and is not consistent with the clock. Ht 22.75″.
Sold: $300 | Date: April 27, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Pittsburgh – VP” shelf clock with a spring driven, 8 day, time and strike movement in a walnut case.
The case is in excellent condition with a very light finish. The dial has been repainted. The hour hand is original. The minute hand, while period, is slightly too long. The cut glass pendulum bob is in nice condition. The movement is signed. The glass is original.
Sold: $350 | Date: April 29, 2017 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
S.T. City Series Pittsburgh V.P. Clock Case
no movement; has unmarked dial. (Case finish rough.) 22 1/2″
Sold: $140 | Date: July 27, 2011 | Source: Tom Harris Auctions
Seth Thomas City Series Pittsburgh V.P. Clock
time and hour strike; 5 1/2″ unmarked paper dial; has mirror pendulum. (Not running; veneer damage to lower left of case.) 22 1/2″
Sold: $330 | Date: July 27, 2011 | Source: Tom Harris Auctions
C.1880, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Pittsburgh V.P.”, 8-day time/strike City Series shelf clock.
Condition – Refinished walnut case in good condition (shiny varnish on exterior) with a veneer chip on the corner of the base and a couple small ones on the top (inside of case was not refinished). The original dial has wear to some of the numbers and an applied varnish finish is worn in spots. Hands and pendulum are original, pend with original embossed “STCCo” in center surrounded by damascene pattern. There is good label inside bottom of case. A difficult model for the ST collector to locate. Height 23 inches
Sold: $300 | Date: October 22, 2005 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Pittsburgh V.P.”, 8 day, time and strike city series mantel clock, dated 1884
Walnut case in nice condition in original finish with some veneer chips and small repairs on the back edge of the top. Original painted dial with some wear and poor repairs to the numbers six to eight o’clock. Hands and glass pendulum are original. Stamp on the back of the case shows this clock was made in 1881. Dark label in the bottom of the case. Ht 23″
Sold: $475 | Date: October 28, 2012 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1880, Seth Thomas Clock, Co, Thomaston, Conn, “PITTSBURGH, V.P.” in walnut, 8-day time and strike on cathedral gong.
Condition: Overall very good original condition. The biggest item that keeps it from being excellent is that something fell against the front molding and gouged it, and it was later filled with something that shrank, and your finger feels the cavity before your eye does. There are also other minor nick and scrapes commensurate with the age of the clock. This fancy cut glass/mirror pendulum was used on both the Pittsburgh and the St. Paul, and there should be one more little loop above the leafy decoration. (Shows clearly in the foto of the St. Paul). Original dial has had some chips in-painted, and the ST logo is from a rub-on set. Otherwise the clock is a very good example of this model with nice original finish. Ht 23″ [58.5cm]
Sold: $700 | Date: October, 22 2006 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts