How old is my Seth Thomas Clock?

Hi there!

This clock was my mother in laws. I love it very much but know nothing about it. I'd love to know when it was made and any additional info you can give me!! Much appreciated!

It stands 10 3/ 4" tall, 15" wide, 5 1/2" deep.

 

The clock experts should be along.

Is there a number stenciled on the back of the case or the bottom?

 

Don't know if this helps but is a bit of ST history........
https://clockhistory.com/sethThomas/company/

 

About 1910 ...
https://clockhistory.com/0/document-1733-1.html

 

Thank you so much! I'll definitely give it a read.

 

Wonderful to know! Thanks so much!

 

No numbers on the back or bottom. I keep searching and I don't see another one with 2 small columns near the face and 1 large column on the outside. It's driving me nuts lol

 

Here's a fancier finish for your style clock, loins instead of dolphins, and a different movement. Still no detailed information.
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/st...dating-adamantine-seth-thomas?in=613-activity

 

I found this and the parts match this Sessions Mantel Clock, Model “Mohawk”, Made in USA, 1921.
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS900US902&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=Sessions+Mantel+Clock,+Model+“Mohawk”,+Made+in+USA,1921&fir=9Clkl7rgcslZlM%2CS20VISLj1ZCoPM%2C_%3BeA0gF-LQVGjvoM%2CS20VISLj1ZCoPM%2C_%3BcwDfouf2h9LNhM%2CS20VISLj1ZCoPM%2C_%3BFgkRTm0Ql4j83M%2CS20VISLj1ZCoPM%2C_%3BA3CCXawnd0JbSM%2CS20VISLj1ZCoPM%2C_%3Bmys9sYzzJGcPDM%2C0njQnvSWjEF7MM%2C_%3BRlGrWqrvmyvdzM%2C0njQnvSWjEF7MM%2C_%3Byd4jBwR0kkV96M%2C0njQnvSWjEF7MM%2C_%3B_hhQPkra1zgyxM%2C0njQnvSWjEF7MM%2C_%3BNe2k_ECSfrCuMM%2C0njQnvSWjEF7MM%2C_&usg=AI4_-kQOXsCSkGYlqwO4H9RFae_2huKLgw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiR7Imqtuf1AhU0IEQIHTtOBRIQjJkEegQIAhAC&biw=1453&bih=692&dpr=1.1

I wonder if the clock face was swopped as some point. I note that in your photo, it looks like the fine tuning hole (at top) is hand made to expose the mechanism, and that there already if a hole for this just under the center of the dial.

 

Good Lord.. Seth Thomas and many other factories, turned out clocks by the millions, with infinite variations of designs. They were the staple of the Sears Roebuck mail order catalogs and Mom and Pop general stores nationwide. The more bells and whistles, the higher the price. Trying to identify a specific design is a Herculean task. BTW, it looks as if your clock needs a visit to your local clock repair shop for a good clean and lube! My guesstimate for value, once cleaned and repaired, would be $150 or so. See Sears Catalog page, c.1920

 

Although Lacey's does not have an adamantine finish. It looks like plain black, with faux marbling, and perhaps gilt in the incised patterns. It has darkened considerably over the years, perhaps once glossy. I suspect a smokers household?

 

The key is the 2 small inner columns with the 1 bigger column per side. I've seen many variations but not this exact one......

The clock just "Looks Old". like when you watch a Horror movie and the young kids break into an 1850's mansion for shelter at night and there is that clock on the fireplace mantle - is that a date verification?

 

I was just looking at that. I am no clock person by any means but the holes did not look right to me.

 

It was passed down to my mother-in-law from her father who yes, was a smoker. I'm ashamed to say that currently it is rather dirty. I have a toddler and can't find time to deep clean like I used to. Lol

 

And did "Sessions" just copy an earlier version of the ST clock?

 

I know I'm asking a lot LOL. Not to be sappy, but I have a young daughter who does not have any grandparents, they have all passed away. So I'm compiling a sort of catalog of all of the family heirlooms along with any information I can find about them so she will know where they came from and who they belonged to. And I'm trying to be as accurate as possible. I do appreciate all the help.

 

Do any of you have any tips on cleaning this thing? Just removing some dirt and grime, I'm not touching the guts. Just don't want to damage the case any more than it already is.

 

Take it to clock person so they can deep clean it and getting it working. You need to have the mechanism cleaned and lubed for proper operation. Been there done that - I was horrified when My Father told me he sprayed WD40 on his Grandfather clock to get it working again. Yeah - it worked for about a month then quit forever. After he died I got a professional to come out to clean it - cost $300 but now it runs flawlessly.
Verdict was "gummed up" gears from the wrong lubricant with dust build up and CAT HAIR!!!!!!!!

PS: The clock is still working now - my dad? Not so much............

 

Yes, I've discussed doing just that with my husband. It was his mother's clock. Can't seem to find anyone to come to us and he's very hesitant to take it and drop it off anywhere which I understand. Just need to find a reputable place. I've got 7 clocks that were hers and none run.

 

Funny - I found a small, family owned jewelry shop in town that advertised they work on clocks also - and they did a fantastic job putting in a new spring and cleaning/lubricating a few of my anniversary clocks. I like dealing with the small time specialists!