About the Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 17” Clock
The Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 17” clock, manufactured around 1900, is an impressive antique American timepiece that showcases the craftsmanship of the renowned Seth Thomas Clock Company. This particular model boasts a towering 68-inch solid walnut case, which is remarkably well-preserved with all finials and trim pieces intact – a rarity for such large clocks.
The clock’s dial, likely original, exhibits minimal fading and only one chip, while the hands, including the seconds hand, are correct. Notable features include a nickel bezel, knurled weight, pulley, and pendulum bob, as well as the preserved raised beat scale. The 8-day, time-only movement bears the ST logo and matches the one described in Ly’s book on Seth Thomas clocks, Vol. 1, on page 299.
The clock is currently operational and has undergone minimal restoration, with the dial being repainted to maintain its original railroad motif. The case retains its original finish in very good condition, with minor nicks and scrapes. This Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 17” clock is a fine example of American craftsmanship and a testament to the enduring quality of this iconic brand.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 9 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 17” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Antique Seth Thomas Regulator No. 17 Clock
Jul 2021 – #98 Antique American Clocks Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 17”, ca. 1900. A 68-inch solid walnut case in good condition; all the finials and trim pieces are in place, something rarely found with these big clocks. The glasses are not old but the dial is likely original, with little fading and only one chip. The hands, including the seconds hand, are correct. 8-day, time-only movement bears the ST logo and matches the one shown in Ly’s book on Seth Thomas clocks, Vol. 1, on page 299. Note the nickel bezel, knurled weight, pulley, and pendulum bob. Even the raised beat scale is present. The clock is running without issue. Hard to find this model in good condition, and especially in walnut with nickel fittings. Tom Harris sold a walnut No. 17 in 2018 for $2250. $2500-$3000. Delivery is available in the eastern half of the US for $250.
Retail: $3,050 | Date: 07/01/2021 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
C.1884, Seth Thomas, Regulator No. 17 in walnut and
in excellent original condition. Except for minor imperfections in the bob, this would be outstanding. Retains great black walnut backboard with lively grain pattern. Retains large weight with knurled ends and a superb original dial, and with proper counter-weighted minute hand. A large and impressive clock, ready to enjoy. Height 68 inches
Sold: $5,750 | Date: 10/1/2001 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co. “Regulator No. 17”, ca 1884.
The 8 day timepiece movement is their No. 62 movement, properly signed, has cut pinions, maintaining power, and beats seconds. The case is 68″ high, beautifully polished and well maintained oak that is all original including the seven small finials and the bottom decorations, wood door knob, the wood dial board, and the two glasses. The dial was repainted with the 24 hour railroad motif, and is signed “Seth Thomas / Seventeen”. We were told by the previous owner that the dial was an original railroad dial and in bad shape so he had it repainted like the original. The 14″ dial looks spectacular and has three original hands. The brass bob, wood stick, brass weight, brass beat scale, and brass pulley all seem to be original to the clock. The case and movement are pictured in Ly-Seth Thomas, pages 298-299. In nice original condition we have seen this model sell for over $10,000.
Sold: $5,450 | Date: 7/31/2010 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 17” wall clock, 8 days, time only, brass weight driven movement in a walnut case with painted metal dial and reverse painted lower glass, c1883
the case retains its original finish in very good condition with minor nicks and scrapes. The dial retains its original paint with very minor flaking near 11. The lower old wavy glass has been reverse painted black and gold early in the life of the clock. Ht 68″
Sold: $2,900 | Date: April 27, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Regulator No. 17, ca 1884.
Red oak case is 68 inches high, clean and covered with a clear sealer. May be too bright for some, but the sheen can be easily taken off or reduced. The case from all appearances is original with the possible exception of the doorknob, although the new, 2004 Ly-Seth Thomas book shows the clock with and without a knob. The base has some carving, the sides, top, and bottom, are fluted. As you might expect this large clock is very heavy and the finest materials available were used in its construction. There are three key locks on the side, all operational. The large brass beat scale, brass pendulum bob, brass weight, brass dial ring and door locks, are all nice, and polished. The original 14 inches painted metal dial, with seconds dial, is extremely nice for a Seth Thomas dial, particularly one this old. The door glass is original. The 8 day movements used in this model are No. 62 which beats seconds, or 60 beats per minute. It would be nice if we could find several of the big Seth Thomas Regulators, but they seem to have disappeared into collections. We had to buy a large collection to get this one. Ly-Seth Thomas, 2004 Edition, pages 298-299, values this model at $8000-$10,000. Our estimate for this clock is
Sold: $5375 | Date: January, 2005 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Regulator No.17, ca 1884.
8 day time, 1 weight, running like all large regulators, never missing a beat. The large clocks are so well constructed of heavy brass and wood materials, they endure over time with little maintenance. Usually a little oil from time to time is all that is needed. Very nice 68 inch oak case, came from an attorney’s office where it had been hanging for years. The only possible addition to the clock may be the door knob. The catalogs show a door knob on this model. There are two door locks on the side that are operational, however the little brass catch in the door is missing. These can be obtained from Timesavers. Very nice brass pendulum bob, weight, beat scale, dial ring, and the door locks. A really nice 14 inch original painted dial, with a seconds dial. The movement beats seconds, or 60 beats per minute. We see very few of these large old regulators. Ly-Seth Thomas, page 126, gives all the particulars of this model, with an estimated value of $4500 in the 2000 price guide. Large Seth Thomas clocks, in good condition have been bringing 25% to 50% more than that estimate in the last 2 years.
Sold: $4,780 | Date: July, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 17”, wall clock, 8 day, time only, brass weight driven movement in an oak case with a painted metal dial
the case retains its original finish. There are pinpoint pricks in trim along bottom of case and wear along edge of door. There is a great jeweler’s label on the inside of backboard for “COOK & JAQUES, TRENTON N.J.” The Seth Thomas label in bottom of case is a reproduction. Several of the small finials are properly replaced. The damascened pendulum disc has some scratches. An early 20th century clockmaker has his notes inscribed on the front plate of the movement. The dial is repainted.
Sold: $2600 | Date: May 19, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas, “REGULATOR No. 17”, from the Searsport, Maine station of the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad Company, not labeled, but includes an old typewritten message on an empty car way-bill. Uses the large trapezoid movement No. 62. C.1884.
other than the dial has been repainted, and the little carved trim below the door is absent, this is a very good and original example of this model. Some minor dings in pendulum bob; old finish still on brass parts. Note large stabilizer bar of cast iron that spans the case below the movement, which appears to be original. The movement mounting bracket is the same as the large No. 16 regulator; retains original weight with knurled ends. When in perfect condition, this model has sold for as much as $10,000. Height 68 inches
Sold: $3335 | Date: November 6, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Case and dial only- Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Regulator No. 17” in old oak case with 18 inch Roman numeral painted metal dial
sold “as is”. There are nicks and scrapes throughout the case, which is complete. The sides have paint residue from being on the wall during painting. The dial has the original paint with a couple of small flakes.
Sold: $1,100 | Date: October 21, 2017 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts