About the Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 19” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas Regulator No. 19: A Timeless Masterpiece for Antique Clock Collectors
The Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 19” is a quintessential example of American clockmaking craftsmanship, representing the pinnacle of precision and style. This magnificent timepiece belongs to the Regulator family, designed specifically for maintaining accurate timekeeping in various settings, including homes, offices, and observatories.
Characterized by its imposing presence and refined design, the Regulator No. 19 boasts a wooden case typically made of walnut or mahogany, with brass accents adding an element of sophistication. The cabinet-style construction houses an intricately engineered mechanical movement that showcases the company’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Produced primarily between the late 19th century (circa 1870) and early 20th century, this model embodies the Victorian era’s aesthetics while incorporating advancements in clockmaking technology. As one of Seth Thomas’ most collectible models, the Regulator No. 19 captivates antique enthusiasts with its historical significance, exceptional craftsmanship, and unique features.
Notable features include a pendulum swinging outside the case, allowing for easy adjustments; an oversized dial that displays hours, minutes, and seconds; and a robust movement characterized by a slow-ticking, long pendulum for increased accuracy. Additionally, the Regulator No. 19 often bears engraved brass faceplates, further enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
For antique clock collectors, the Seth Thomas Regulator No. 19 is a must-have due to its historical importance, impressive craftsmanship, and enduring design that continues to captivate enthusiasts today. Whether displayed as
Auction Records and Price History
The following 11 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 19” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
C.1887, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Regulator No. 19”, in oak, 8-day weight driven wall timepiece.
Condition: other than the glass jars were replaced with metal jars with lead inserts, and possibly the case refinished many years ago, this clock is in very good original condition; with decent dial [couple of flakes above 5]. The case has some very minor nicks and scrapes but no missing veneer; panel in the case back is burled elm or ash. The pendulum rod, suspension and jar holders are original; hands, dial, door lock and key [Eagle Lock] are original. The pulley is old, like STNo. 3, but we see that showing in Ly’s book on Seth Thomas, 3rd Edition, page 303, fig 949, also see pages 294-303 for full details on this model. These regulators occasionally bring over 35,000. Height 75 inches
Sold: $20,000 | Date: 11-08-2008 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1890, Seth Thomas, “Regulator No. 19” wall clock
in oak, in very good condition, with restored dial. This clock hung in a Manhattan building and was boarded up out of sight in a small room between the wars. A few years ago, when the building was being remodeled, the wall was knocked down and there was this clock. Somehow word got to Mr. Rappaport and he immediately negotiated the purchase and carried the clock out to his home. The dial had flaked and has been professionally refinished. The case was cleaned with beauty rub and still retains original finish, with minor blemishes. It is an attractive light oak color. Hinges, latches, pendulum, weight and hands are original. We have the mercury in a lexan container, and are advised that it is not possible to ship the mercury, so you will need to make arrangements to pick the jar up in person (or have one of our private carriers bring it for you). This model is discussed in Ly’s 1996 Seth Thomas book, pages 128-135. Height 75″
Sold: $26,000 | Date: 4/21/2001 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1892 (dated), Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 19”, in oak and in excellent condition.
This is a great clock, nicely refinished and with original presentation plaque dated 1892. The only minor items that keep this from being outstanding are 2 missing finial tips and small chip on one glass jar and spider crack on the other. These items are easily overlook when you view the clock in full and a regular auction might not even mention these points. The center panel in the case is a wonderful piece of burl with a great look. The MOST amazing part of this clock is the original painted dial which has survived with only minor paint loss. It also retains lock in door and with key (donit lose this). The clock retains original weight, pendulum, pulley, hands and case hardware. For details on this model, see Tran Duy Ly’s book titled Seth Thomas Clocks (1996), pages 128-135. Height 75 inches
Sold: $25,000 | Date: 4/26/2003 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 19” wall clock 8 day time only weight driven movement with Mercury two-jar pendulum in oak case with burled highlights on top crest and raised burled panel on backboard with painted metal dial, c1886
the case retains its outstanding original finish with a wonderful untouched patina. Very minor case defects include 1/4″ veneer chip on left side return molding on base and a case repair at metal hanger bracket. The original dial in very good condition with minor discoloration between 12 and the center arbor. The pendulum and door glass are all original. The clock was consigned without mercury for the jars. This is the finest example of this model we have ever seen. Ht 75″
Sold: $15000 | Date: May 15, 2011 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1880, Seth Thomas, “Regulator No. 19”, in oak, with 2-jar thumb-print pendulum and center seconds, 8-day weight, sometimes referred to is the Santa Fe model because of their use on that rail line.
Condition: if you are looking for an oak one, this is the one to buy. The original finish has been rubbed with hand cleaner or similar and waxed; still plenty of crazing showing to make you happy. There are no chips in the original glass vials [note mercury will be held in the van, not allowed in sale room], and the original dial is perhaps the best we have ever seen. There is a very small bit of veneer lose on the rear top by the mounting bracket, and that can be easily repaired. Also with original winding crank, weight, pulley and all case hardware. Old thermometer in case is inoperative. See Tran Ly’s book on Seth Thomas, 3rd edition, pages 301-303. Ly price, 2004 = $32,000. Movement has been idle for ten years and will need oiling. Ht 75″
Sold: $22,000 | Date: May 8, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., “REGULATOR No. 19″, in oak, with 12” painted dial, center seconds, 2-jar compensating pendulum, weight driven, 8-day. C.1890.
the oak case was attractively refinished by Mr. Goddard around 1965, and with a pleasant golden patina; also has a great raised burled panel in the case back. The original dial is intact with only a couple of small flakes. Original cut glass-thumb print jars are good. Mercury is stored outside the hall; you will have to ask for it, and it can not be shipped, but can be hand delivered. Original weight and pulley are also intact. Note iron bracket it has the heavy integral saddle cast in to support the mercury pendulum. Details on this model can be found in Ly’s book on Seth Thomas Clocks, 3rd Edition, pages 301-303. Height 75 inches
Sold: $36225 | Date: November 6, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 19”, jewelers hanging regulator, 8 day, time only weight driven movement, having a mercury compensated pendulum with two thumbprint jars, and contained in a cherry case with carved, turned, and molded ornament, with Roman numeral painted metal dial, steel spade hands, and center sweep seconds
the cherry case, which is the most desirable and least common, has been nicely refinished. The lower center finial has been replaced. The painted dial has been cleaned but is original and still retains its cracklature. One thumbprint vial has been repaired near the top. The mercury, which is only approximately simulated in the photograph, is included and will require special handling. This fine example will be the first time R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts will offer for auction a Regulator No. 19 in cherry in over 38 years.
Sold: $15,000 | Date: October 21, 2017 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Reproduction Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Regulator No. 19” wall clock, 8 days, time only, weight driven movement in a mahogany case with papered metal dial signed “SANTA FE RAILWAY SYSTEMS STANDARD DIAL”, c2000
the case has an excellent factory finish. The central door lock is absent but a bag of other locks is available. The dial has some discoloration. This is one of a limited edition of 40 reproduced in China at the turn of the 21st century. Ht 76″
Sold: $2,700 | Date: October 26, 2013 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 19″, walnut cased wall regulator made for the Santa Fe Railway System (signed on original 12” Montgomery dial), in walnut and walnut veneer case with burled accents, c.1890
The case has lost its original finish and a thin coat of lacquer applied without stain, so the clock does appear light to the eye. The maintenance man at Santa Fe reinforced the top rear of the door with a metal bracket (very nicely done) to keep it from splitting [a common problem with this case]. The movement is clean and running. The original dial has had artists fixative applied, however the base surface and numerals are all original; only a couple of minor flakes and minor fading of some minute numerals. Complete with mercury pendulum [special shipping required], original thumb print glass jars, and with much of the original gilding still showing on the lower carriage of the pendulum. Ht 75″
Sold: $21,000 | Date: October 26, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “REGULATOR No. 19” station regulator in oak and with 2 jar mercury pendulum (thumb print jars), weight driven, 8 day. From the Bob Wasserman collection, c1890
except for a dry split at the top of the door, a couple of perimeter holes in case back where screws secured the clock to the wall, and a replaced door glass, this clock is otherwise in outstanding original condition. The quarter sawn oak veneered panel in the case back and the tapered base show one of the liveliest and most attractive grain patterns we have seen. The original slightly crazed finish has been rubbed and waxed and is a wonderful golden color. Dial is original and outstanding. Retains good original weight with knurled ends and pulley. Has large and proper iron bracket with heavy “saddle” for holding the mercury pendulum; original fading gold paint on bracket. The movement has been professionally cleaned and re-strung and is in good running order; note this movement with optional jeweled pallets (shown in detail photo) Perhaps the nicest oak #19 we have had the pleasure of selling. Shown here in the Wasserman home. Ht 75″
Sold: $20,000 | Date: October 29, 2011 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “REGULATOR No. 19”, in walnut with burled appliques, wall regulator with 2- jar compensating pendulum, weight driven and with center seconds hand, c1885
another fine clock from Milanville, PA. photo shows the clock hanging in the Wasserman home. For a truer image of the rich color of this clock, see the close up of the top and bottom. To minimize flash back, we took the main image from the left and lost a bit of detail. Like most of the clocks, Bob W. acquired this one with a lightly crazed finish and he rubbed and waxed it with a minimum of loss to the finish. Stated briefly, the clock is in outstanding original condition and sure to please the most discriminating collector. Nickel finish on dial bezel, weight and pulley are intact. Original dial with only minor losses near 12 and 6 from setting the hands. Additional details on the #19 may be found in Tran Duy Ly’s book on Seth Thomas, 3rd Edition, pages 301–303. Movement is running briskly and is generally clean, however some of the oil has congealed and it would benefit from disassembly, wipe pivots, reassemble and oil. Movement is numbered 293. This earlier case has tulip pattern carving on the door. Heavy iron movement bracket has been painted black; has proper wide saddle for mercury pendulum. Original door glass is wavy with imperfections. Ht 75″
Sold: $35,000 | Date: October 29, 2011 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts