Seth Thomas was an industrious clockmaker and pioneer of mass production in the United States. He founded the highly successful Seth Thomas Clock Company, which operated for more than 200 years. Over these two centuries, the company created mantle clocks, wall clocks and table clocks that were known for their masterful craftsmanship and on-trend designs.
Thomas was born in 1785 in Wolcott, Connecticut, to Scottish immigrants. At the time, Connecticut was a growing hub of American clockmaking. Though he left school at an early age, Thomas apprenticed as a carpenter and joiner in Plymouth. In the early 1800s, he made his first clock out of laurel wood from the mountains around his home.
In 1807, Thomas partnered with Eli Terry and Silas Hoadley to form a clock company called Terry, Thomas & Hoadley. Over the next three years, the firm produced around 400 wall clocks. In 1813, Thomas sold his share of the company and moved to Plymouth Hollow, Connecticut, where he established his clock factory. He gained a reputation for producing beautiful grandfather clocks and tower clocks.
When Thomas died in 1859, his son, Aaron, took over the company. The Seth Thomas Clock Company continued operating successfully for several more decades. In 1913, it produced the four-faced tower clock that still stands in New York City’s Grand Central Terminal.
In 1875, Plymouth Hollow was incorporated under the name Thomaston in his honor. The company went out of business in 2009.
Find antique Seth Thomas clocks for sale on 1stDibs.
Art Deco Very Rare 1930s English Smiths Electric 'Mystery Clock'
By Smiths English Clock Systems
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this rare Smith mystery clock made by Smith's Electronic Clocks . The chrome case was moulded in aluminium. The glass has black numerals on a square silver ...
Aluminum, Chrome
Art Deco Stylish Desk Clock 8 Day Movement, English, c1930s
By Smiths English Clock Systems
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this beautifully restored Art Deco desk clock in full working condition. A beautiful vintage chromed 8 day desk clock with a Smiths “C” type movement that w...
Brass, Chrome
Art Deco Rare Mystery Clock by Jaeger-LeCoultre
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Devon, England
Aside the appearance and super rarity of this marvellous Art Deco clock on first viewing, one can't be distracted away from the condition as well, which for it's 90 odd years is noth...
Marble, Brass, Chrome
Art Deco Mantel Clock Not Functioning
Located in MAASTRICHT, LI
Product description: This mantel clock in art deco style has probably been produced in Germany. Its 190.66 cm mechanism appears in Kienzle, and Haller clocks. The clock has a minimal...
Wood
Art Deco Stylish Desk Clock Fully Serviced, English, c1930s
Located in Devon, England
A fully restored Art Deco Style desk clock in full working condition. The frame, base, movement mount and movement cover are of a pressed metal construction and the bezel has been ch...
Brass
Art Deco Stylish Desk Clock With 8 Day Movement , English, c1930s
Located in Devon, England
A fully restored Art Deco Style desk clock in full working condition. The movement is made by Mauthe and has been fully disassembled, cleaned and reassembled back into working condit...
Brass, Chrome
Swiss Art Deco table clock from the 1930s
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Swiss Art Deco Mantel Clock, 1930 This Art Deco mantel clock features a circular, clear glass dial that allows for an unobstructed view. The Arabic numerals and hour markers are silk...
Bronze
Art Deco French Mantle Clock
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Art Deco French mantle clock consisting of marble and aluminum. Clock measures 14" wide, 2.5" deep and 9.75" high.
Marble, Chrome
1930s Shreve and Company Art Deco Desk Clock
By Shreve & Co.
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Shreve and Company San Francisco STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Glass, Gilt and Nickel MOVEMENT / CALIBER: 15 Jewels DIA...
Bronze
Art Deco Chrome 'Smiths' Clock By A.L. Davenport, England, c1930
By Smiths English Clock Systems
Located in Devon, England
Is this very iconic shaped Art Deco chrome table clock made by the English Clockmakers 'Smiths' dating to 1930 the Art Deco period. Fully working an...
Chrome
