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Decorative object - Clock, Seth Thomas Clock Company, 01/01/1881

  • Obverse view of a Seth Thomas black mantle clock with green marbling detail. The clock face is white with black roman numerals and ornate gold rims. On either side of the clockface is a white pillar with bronze-coloured base and top. The clock also features ornate gold claw feet and fine gold painted detailing.

    11703/1

  • Angled obverse view of a Seth Thomas black mantle clock with green marbling detail. The clock face is white with black roman numerals and ornate gold rims. On either side of the clockface is a white pillar with bronze-coloured base and top. The clock also features ornate gold claw feet and fine gold painted detailing.

    11703/2

  • Side view of a Seth Thomas black mantle clock with green marbling detail. The clock also features ornate gold claw feet and fine gold painted detailing. From this angle, the front and rear white pillars are visible.

    11703/3

  • An angled reverse view of a Seth Thomas black mantle clock with green marbling detail. The Seth Thomas Clock Company logo is laid in a gold-toned door. On either side of the clock are white pillars with bronze-coloured base and top. The clock also features ornate gold claw feet and fine gold painted detailing. A torn maker's label is affixed to the back setting out the name 'Adamantine' and directions to use the clock.

    11703/4

  • Reverse view of a Seth Thomas black mantle clock with green marbling detail. The Seth Thomas Clock Company logo is laid in a gold-toned door. On either side of the clock are white pillars with bronze-coloured base and top. The clock also features ornate gold claw feet and fine gold painted detailing. A torn maker's label is affixed to the back setting out the name 'Adamantine' and directions to use the clock.

    11703/5

  • An angled reverse view of a Seth Thomas black mantle clock with green marbling detail. The Seth Thomas Clock Company logo is laid in a gold-toned back door. On either side of the clock are white pillars with bronze-coloured base and top. The clock also features ornate gold claw feet and fine gold painted detailing. A torn maker's label is affixed to the back setting out the name 'Adamantine' and directions to use the clock.

    11703/6

  • Side view of a Seth Thomas black mantle clock with green marbling detail. The clock also features ornate gold claw feet and fine gold painted detailing. From this angle, the front and rear white pillars are visible.

    11703/7

  • 11703/11

  • 11703/12

  • Obverse view of a Seth Thomas black mantle clock with green marbling detail. The clock face is white with black roman numerals and ornate gold rims. On either side of the clockface is a white pillar with bronze-coloured base and top. The clock also features ornate gold claw feet and fine gold painted detailing.
  • Angled obverse view of a Seth Thomas black mantle clock with green marbling detail. The clock face is white with black roman numerals and ornate gold rims. On either side of the clockface is a white pillar with bronze-coloured base and top. The clock also features ornate gold claw feet and fine gold painted detailing.
  • Side view of a Seth Thomas black mantle clock with green marbling detail. The clock also features ornate gold claw feet and fine gold painted detailing. From this angle, the front and rear white pillars are visible.
  • An angled reverse view of a Seth Thomas black mantle clock with green marbling detail. The Seth Thomas Clock Company logo is laid in a gold-toned door. On either side of the clock are white pillars with bronze-coloured base and top. The clock also features ornate gold claw feet and fine gold painted detailing. A torn maker's label is affixed to the back setting out the name 'Adamantine' and directions to use the clock.
  • Reverse view of a Seth Thomas black mantle clock with green marbling detail. The Seth Thomas Clock Company logo is laid in a gold-toned door. On either side of the clock are white pillars with bronze-coloured base and top. The clock also features ornate gold claw feet and fine gold painted detailing. A torn maker's label is affixed to the back setting out the name 'Adamantine' and directions to use the clock.
  • An angled reverse view of a Seth Thomas black mantle clock with green marbling detail. The Seth Thomas Clock Company logo is laid in a gold-toned back door. On either side of the clock are white pillars with bronze-coloured base and top. The clock also features ornate gold claw feet and fine gold painted detailing. A torn maker's label is affixed to the back setting out the name 'Adamantine' and directions to use the clock.
  • Side view of a Seth Thomas black mantle clock with green marbling detail. The clock also features ornate gold claw feet and fine gold painted detailing. From this angle, the front and rear white pillars are visible.

Historical information

The Seth Thomas Clock Company was founded in 1813 by renowned American clockmaker Seth Thomas (1785-1859) of Connecticut, USA, and pioneered the mass production of clocks. After Seth Thomas's death, his son, also Seth Thomas (1816-1888), continued operating the business.

Their 'Adamantine' model was released in many variations. This particular model features two pillars on either side of the clockface, however other Adamantine variants could have none or up to three or four half-pillars on either side. This style of black mantle clock appears to be inspired by French clocks of the 1860s, which had gained popularity in the United States. While those clocks were often made with onyx, slate, or marble, Seth Thomas uses a durable celluloid veneer named Adamantine over a wood case to replicate the appearance of the original materials.

Significance

This object is representative of the innovative manufacturing processes of pioneering clockmaker Seth Thomas and his company.

Physical description

Decorative black mantle clock with black and green veneer and a white face marked with black roman numerals

Inscriptions & markings

Inscriptions:
7337
2685
6618
10508


Label on reverse [one section is illegible due to damage to label]:
ADAMANTINE

Label No. 295 E. / ST Trade Mark

... the / smaller end of key. To make run faster, turn to the right, slower to the left. One full turn of the key will make a difference of two / minutes in twenty-four hours. To get correct strike turn minute hand to 12 and then back to figure 9; continue doing so until proper / hour is struck. Key and Pendulum ball will be found tied or tacked to each clock.

Adamantine Clock. Patented September 7, 1880.

This finish is very durable, will not chip, and cannot be scratched or dented by any ordinary usage. Can be / washed or otherwise cleaned without detriment or injury to polish.

Genuine Seth Thomas Clocks have Trade Mark on Movement.

WHEN ORDERING MATERIAL FOR THIS CLOCK BE SURE AND GIVE LABEL NUMBER 295E.

SETH THOMAS CLOCK CO. / MAKERS OF CLOCKS AND WATCHES.

Subjects

References

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