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.
Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock by CONDOR, 1950s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Stunning wall clock made of Iron & brass. An eye catcher par excellence. Made in Germany. We have tested it and it works. Electric, battery operated clock.
Metal, Brass
Vintage Mid-Century Sunburst Starburst Wall Clock, Germany, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Stunning 1970s sunburst starburst Junghans wall clock. Made of heavy resin, gilded, with a junghans battery operated clockwork. working condition. Will look great on your wall. Nice ...
Resin
$809
H 1.58 in Dm 17.72 in
Original 1950s Sunburst wall clock by Atlanta made of brass and battery operated
By Atlanta Electric
Located in München, DE
Wonderful original 1950s Sunburst brass wall clock by Atlanta. Made in Germany. Very nice elaborate Mid Century design. Battery operated with Junghans clockwork mechanism. Dial witho...
Brass
Sonnenuhr Sunburst clock 1960s
Located in Aachen, DE
Seltene Sonenuhr der späten 60er Jahre. Holzkern mit aufgeschraubten Glasstrahlen (eine sehr ähnliche Uhr mit identischen und gemarkten Glasstrahlen wird als BACCARAT angeboten) auf ...
Brass
United Brass Spindles Sunburst Atomic Clock, 1960s
By United Clock Corp
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
The vintage starburst wall clock features radii of brass rods, radiating outwards from the round central face and ending with alternating walnut tips and brass rings. It's equipped ...
Brass, Enamel
$582
H 12.41 in Dm 12.41 in
Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock by Meister Anker in Brass, 1960s Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Stunning sunburst wall clock made of brass, metal and glass. One of the most beautiful models I have seen to date. An eye catcher par excellence. Made in Germany. Electric, batt...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock by TRICHTER in Brass, 1960s Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Stunning sunburst wall clock made of brass, metal and glass. One of the most beautiful models I have seen to date. An eye catcher par excellence. M...
Metal, Brass
Large Vintage Mid-Century Large Gilt wood Sunburst Clock
Located in England, GB
A large and impressive mid-century sunburst gilt wood wall clock dating from the late 1960s to early 1970s. This impressive decorative clock features a gilt-finished sunburst surroun...
Wood
$988
H 1.78 in Dm 17.72 in
Beautiful large original 1960s brass sunburst wall clock by Junghans ATO-MAT
By Junghans Uhren GmbH
Located in München, DE
Beautiful, large, original 1960s brass sunburst wall clock by Junghans ATO-MAT. Very beautiful, elaborate mid-century design. Battery-operated with a new clock mechanism. Dial with R...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock in Brass by Dugena, 1960s, Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Stunning wall clock made of brass, metal and glass. An eye catcher par excellence. Made in Germany. Electric, battery operated clock.
Metal, Brass
Gabriella Crespi 'Caleidoscopio' Brass Floor Lamp, c 1970, Signed & Registered
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare and coveted Gabriella Crespi 'Caleidoscopio' floor lamp, Italy circa 1970, in brass, is composed of a faceted diamond shaped reflector and hefty square base. Signed on the ...
Brass
Art Deco Modernist 'Devil's Tail' Floor Lamp, circa 1920s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An intriguing and unique circa 1920's Art Deco Modernist floor lamp blending diverse design influences - most notably New York Art Deco and Victorian elements - rising in a skyscrape...
Steel
Gordon & Jane Martz for Marshall Studios Ceramic Tile Table Floor Lamp, 1960s
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Gordon Martz, Maria Kipp, Marshall Studios
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classy 1960s stained oak floor lamp with built-in ceramic tile side table by Gordon and Jane Martz for Marshall Studios is in incredible original vintage condition with a beauti...
Ceramic, Oak
'Vesper Aura' Solid Brass Flush Mount Wall Sconce or Ceiling Lamp by Bono Holt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The large format 24" x 24" 'Vesper Aura' by Bono Holt is a striking, sculptural lighting fixture that blurs the line between illumination and wall-mounted artwork. Handcrafted in Los...
Brass
'Sultana' Sculptural Dining Table by George Mulhauser for Plycraft, 1960s
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sculptural and highly collectible example of the 'Sultana' dining table designed by George Mulhauser and produced by Plycraft in the 1960s. Part of an iconic line that included tables, seating and coordinating pieces, this table exemplifies Mulhauser’s ability to marry structural ingenuity with decorative flair. The design is anchored by a sweeping, scroll-formed wood base refinished in a dark brown stain, its looping curves radiating outward to create a visually dynamic silhouette that remains remarkably elegant. Resting atop this sculptural support is a 48" round glass top (but different size tops can be made upon request), which displays the base like a piece of modern art while providing generous surface area for dining or entertaining. Part of Plycraft’s signature Sultana line is a suite that also included armchairs and side chairs, this table reflects the best of mid-century American modernism with a Hollywood Regency sensibility. Its balanced proportions, bold yet refined detailing, and high-quality materials make it an exceptional focal point for both classic and contemporary interiors. Ideal for collectors, interior designers and decorators, and discerning clients seeking a centerpiece dining table that is both functional and a work of art, this Mulhauser Sultana...
Wood
Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals Floor Lamp with Side Table, 1955, Signed
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible floor lamp with built-in side table by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals is finished in a black lacquer with Parzinger's signature brass accents. Signed 'Parzinger Originals' under the base, making this 1950s authentic designer piece ultra-collectible. The three lights comprise of a single up-light and two down-lights which can be turned on and off independently of one another or used in unison as demonstrated in the photos. A glass Stiffel branded glass cone shade sits on top of the lamp and a larger black fabric shade with golden insides is included. Can be used with or without the larger black shade. Consider using in a Mid-Century Modern, Hollywood Regency or Postmodern home...
Brass
