Pictures

Seth Thomas Office Calendar No. 4, circa 1865

Seth Thomas double dial office calendar clock No.4. I have been told that this is the earliest version of the No. 4 calendar. All original except possibly the movement to calendar linkages which appear hand made, and the calendar hand, which was made here in my shop. I purchased this clock from Nelson Auction Gallery April 14, 2008. Brass 8-day pendulum regulated time only movement with stop work, signed Seth Thomas, Plymouth Conn. I have also been told that this may be the #41 movement and that this version has the Mix Bros. calendar works. The calendar is a perpetual calendar and automatically corrects for the days in each month and leap year (if I can figure out how to properly set it). Based on the Plymouth movement stamp, the time when this clock appeared in the Seth Thomas catalog, and the type of calendar works, I believe this clock probably dates to around 1865. It is unusual for a clock this early not to have pined plates, but there were apparently exceptions.

The pictures show the clock "as received" and after restoration. I now have the movement rebuilt and running and the calendar works cleaned up and operating. This calendar works was riveted together and could not be easily disassembled. The rivets were removed and replaced with screws hidden under the brass base plate to allow the calendar unit to be serviced and cleaned. The movement to calendar linkages were obviously "homemade", as was the control arm on the back of the movement. Operation of the calendar proved to be erratic largely because the adjustment of the linkages would not stay in place. In January 2012 I made new linkages with locking nuts and also modified the control arm to more closely resemble what I have seen in pictures. I am hoping that the calendar will now be stable and reliable. There was some loose veneer on the bezels with a few small pieces missing. The dials were completely repainted with an "antique white" finish by The Dial House on the original zinc plates. The veneer has been repaired, and the case "refinished or refurbished". Actually, most of the original shellac finish was retained. The rough spots were smoothed, and a new thin layer of shellac applied (the veneer was very fragile and the shellac give it a little additional strength and durability). Finally the shine was reduced with 0000 steel wool followed by a coat of paste wax. Much of the patina and "character" of this fine old clock was retained. The clock runs well and is a good time keeper. I expect to keep this clock in my personal collection and run it everyday.



Not for sale at this time

The information on this page is believed to the writer to be correct at the date of posting but is presented with no guarantee expressed or implied. Pictures were a true representation of this clock at the time of posting but may not be current. Please contact me if you believe that any of the above information is incorrect, or if you wish to share additional information, or discuss this clock.

Unless otherwise credited, the pictures and information on this page are the property of Robert H Croswell & Greenfield Clock shop, 4180 Main Street, Trappe, MD 21673 and may not be sold or used for commercial purposes without permission. © 2016
email:  bobby@greenfieldclockshop.com