About the Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 5” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas Regulator No. 5: A Venerable Icon of American Horology
The Seth Thomas Regulator No. 5 is an iconic example of the company’s commitment to precision and craftsmanship, representing a significant milestone in American clockmaking history. This timepiece belongs to the regulator category, characterized by its pendulum-driven movement designed primarily for accurate timekeeping, rather than decorative purposes.
Typical case materials used for the Regulator No. 5 include mahogany, walnut, cherry, and oak, with brass or iron pendulums. The clock’s design is a harmonious blend of functionality and elegance, featuring a rectangular case, Roman numerals, and a seconds dial, which were innovative features at the time.
Produced between 1872 and the early 20th century, the Regulator No. 5 spans the transition from the Victorian era into the early 20th century. Its longevity in production is a testament to its enduring popularity among clock collectors.
What makes the Seth Thomas Regulator No. 5 a coveted collectible is its exceptional craftsmanship, historical significance, and the reputation of the Seth Thomas Clock Company. Notable features include the distinctive wooden case, the heavy brass movement, and the unique seconds dial that adds an element of intrigue to this timepiece.
For antique clock enthusiasts, the Regulator No. 5 represents a piece of American history, a testament to the country’s prowess in horology during the Industrial Revolution. Its unwavering accuracy and timeless design make it a valuable addition to any collection.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 6 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 5” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
C.1885, Seth Thomas, “Regulator No. 5”, in mahogany and in very good condition.
The No.5 is one of the most difficult S-Thomas models to find. This one is formerly from the John Tanner collection in California. The carved and burl accented case has been professionally refinished to a walnut color and really looks quite nice. For details on this model, see Tran Duy Ly’s book titled Seth Thomas Clocks and Movements, (1996), pages 116-117. This design and that of Regulator No.19 (following lot), represent the best American adaptation of the popular Alt Deutsch style that had so much influence on Victorian furniture in the States. (Seth Thomas actually employed several German cabinet makers at the time). The movement is of the highest quality, with cut pinions, maintaining power and a seconds hand. The 2-piece porcelain dial is mounted to the front of the movement in exactly the same fashion as the dial of a “Vienna regulator”. The only flaw we can see is a nearly invisible hairline in the dial at 6:30. Original case lock and key intact. Sure to please any S-Thomas collector. Height 50 inches
Sold: $12,300 | Date: 4/26/2003 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 5” wall clock, solid walnut and burl walnut veneered case, Roman numeral white enamel dial, blued steel spade hands, and weight driven timepiece movement, with maintaining power, brass clad, damascened pendulum, and brass clad weight with knurled caps
The walnut case, which has been refinished, is in excellent condition. Enamel dial is in very good condition with a faint hairline crack at 5:00. The hands are original. The rear tip of the minute hand is missing. The movement is signed with the “ST” trademark, “Seth Thomas – New York” and the number “228”. Overall, this is a very scarce Seth Thomas clock with only one sold at this auction, some 14 years ago.
Sold: $8,000 | Date: April 29, 2017 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas, “Regulator No. 5”, ca contemporary.
I have had other No. 5 reproductions but this one is probably the best copy I have seen. It has it all, nice looking walnut case, carvings, finials, top ornament, base, dial, pendulum, and weight. Gosh, it looks good enough to have a ST label. The case is marked “46”, and the maker is unknown, as it is not signed otherwise. The original No. 5’s will bring upwards of $15,000. No one will know but you and me, what you paid for yours. The movement is not like the catalogs show for a No. 5, but instead is identical to the No. 18 movement, except it is not signed. Check Tran Duy Ly’s 2004 Seth Thomas book, page 283, for the clock, movement, and top; also the movement for the ST No. 18 pictured on page 300, is identical to the movement in our clock. Excellent brass accessories; beat scale, pendulum bob, weight, pulley, hinges, and of course the 8 day movement which is mounted to an iron back plate. The only demerit I would give the maker is for using a paper dial. If I were to keep the clock I would have the dial painted. Ly-Seth Thomas, 1996 Edition, pages 116-117.
Sold: $1050 | Date: January, 2005 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 5”, a style you almost never see.
This one is contemporary, made by an excellent cabinetmaker and generally copied in exact dimensions of the Seth Thomas original. This beautifully carved walnut case is 48″ high, burl wood accents used just like the old ones. There is a wood bezel surrounding the 7″ enameled dial, 5 hand-turned finials, and side glasses like the Vienna clocks. The wood case overall is well crafted with remarkable detail, and retains its beautiful, original finish. The 8 day, weight driven movement is of high quality, steel pinions, Graham dead beat escapement. The brass gears and plates, appear heavier, cut thicker, and the gear pinions are larger than in more common movements. Appears to be well built. The brass pendulum, hardened with cast iron is 4.5″ in diameter, the brass weight with 5 pounds of lead encased, is 6″ in length. The dial, hands, crank key, and all hardware are all original. We ran the clock in our home for a time and must say it performs well and gives a great appearance. The original ST #5 is now selling over $10,000.
Sold: $1677 | Date: July, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
C.1885, Seth Thomas, “Regulator No. 5”, in mahogany and in excellent original condition.
The #5 is one of the most difficult Seth Thomas models to find. The consignor of this clock has owned it for 30 years and drove it here from Chicago to avoid any damage to the clock. For details on this model, see Tran Duy Ly’s book titled Seth Thomas Clocks & Movements, (1996), pages 116-117. The movement is of the highest quality, with cut pinions, maintaining power and a seconds hand. The 2-piece porcelain dial is mounted to the front of the movement in exactly the same fashion as the dial of a “Vienna regulator”. The only small flaws we can see are a series of nicks in the pendulum bob where some one transported it with the weight against it, and 2 dry splits in the front door at the top. If not for these last items, the condition would be outstanding. Original case lock and key intact, also oirg knurled weight and wooden handle crank. Note we sold lot 407 in April, 2003, for $12,300+. Height 50 inches
Sold: $15,000 | Date: May 8th, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Reproduction of the Seth Thomas No. 5 Regulator in mahogany finish, weight driven, 8-day.
this appears to be one of the timepieces that Vince Han (Chicago) made around 20 years ago. The proportions are good, but the finials are not turned to the proper profile, and the top crest is carved toward the rear, rather than toward the front. Still, the general appearance is quite good, and an original No. 5, when you can find it, will fetch around 15,000. Uses a copy of the No. 2 movement; we hung the weight and this clock ran for several hours before we packed it. Height 49 inches
Sold: $489 | Date: November 6, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts