Nice Rare Seth Thomas Antique 8 Day Westminster Sonora Chime Gothic Parlor Clock

  
We have a large number of vintage and antique clocks currently listed along with an equally impressive selection of music boxes, antique coffee mills, and other very nice collectibles. Be sure to have a look at our. My mother gave us a twin to this clock on the day my wife and I were married, nearly 50 years ago...

We have loved it every day since that time since it is the most unique of any chime clock we have ever owned. The clock is one of the earliest Westminster Chime clocks ever created in the US and this one dates to about 1920. The clock is a genuine Sonora Westminster Chime parlor clock that was fashioned by "Seth Thomas" in the USA. It is a large, heavy, well made, rare, breathtaking, mantle clock with a mahogany wood, gothic style case and a cathedral shape; very nice!

The case has wooden supports underneath in each corner. The dial has a hinged brass metal bezel surrounding and a new convex, beveled glass crystal is included so you can inset it into the bezel. The bezel latches securely yet opens easily to allow access to the winding arbors and setting the correct time. The metal dial has a great patina and it features fancy arabic numbers at each hour mark and matching black metal hands to point out the time.

They are the old style that are pinned to the escapement and not held in place by a nut. There is a slow/fast adjustment just below center allowing for speeding up or slowing down the clock timing if that's ever needed.

You use the small end of the double key to do this. The phrase, "Made by Seth Thomas in USA" appears in small block letters near the bottom of the dial.

The winding arbors are unique for any clock since they are offset on the dial. This is because Seth Thomas integrated two mechanical movements inside the case; one for the time and chime at the top of the hour, and the other to chime the quarter hours in a Westminster format. The back is wooden too and there is a hinged wooden door with a wooden pull knob that opens easily to allow access to the key wind, mechanical movements inside the case as well as for setting the brass metal pendulum. The clock winds in front on three winding arbors and lasts for about eight days on a single wind. The clock plays a beautiful four-note melody at the quarter hour mark on four golden metal chime bars inside the case that were created by Mayland.

It plays eight notes at the half hour mark, twelve at the 3/4 hour mark, and the full sixteen note melody at the top of each hour. The clock will then chime the current number of hours at the top of each hour, just like Big Ben in London! There is a metal lever on the right side of the case that allows you to enable or disable the chime activity, as you wish. This is a magnificent clock to be sure and equally so in size too measuring about 15" high, about 7 1/2" deep, and about 10 1/4 or so wide across the base.

The clock works quite well here, keeps good time, and the chimes are absolutely heavenly though keep in mind, this is an old clock and we don't know the service history so some adjustments or service may be necessary once the clock arrives at its new home. It has been working all week long on my desk and hasn't missed a beat but I did notice that the chimes are sometimes out of sync and a bit sluggish; probably needs a service since it does seem to be mechanically ok.

We always advise our clock customers to service their antique or vintage clocks at least once every three years. Doing so will keep a classic timepiece like this one, healthy for years to come.

I've looked the clock over fairly well and can't find any damage or signs of repair. It may have a tiny nick here and there but I have yet to see it; absolutely gorgeous on display!

This clock is a collection all by itself. It is one of the classic wonders of the world and is certain to impress anyone seeing or hearing it in your home, office, or wherever it is that you care to showcase a wonderful, rare American timepiece with incredible chimes and a fabulous legacy behind it. If you like this item and I'm sure you do, then I know you'll love the other items.

Check back frequently since we're listing a lot of antique/vintage items as time allows! We'd be glad to send more pictures if available; just ask! My wife and I have been accumulating lots of nice antiques and other collectors items over the years. But now is a good time to start clearing out the things we no longer wish to keep. We do all that we can to accurately describe each item to the best of our ability. Day following the close of sale. Be sure to add commits to your favorites list. The item "NICE RARE SETH THOMAS ANTIQUE 8 DAY WESTMINSTER SONORA CHIME GOTHIC PARLOR CLOCK" is in sale since Tuesday, January 1, 2019. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Clocks\Antique (Pre-1930)\Shelf, Mantel". The seller is "commits" and is located in Yucaipa, California. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Brand: Seth Thomas
• Clock Type: Early Westminster Chime 8 Day Clock
• Modified Item: No
• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States