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 and we have loved it every day 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 1910.

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 built with mahogany wood and fashioned as a gothic style case with a cathedral shape; very nice! The case has round wooden supports underneath in each corner. The dial has a hinged brass metal bezel surrounding and a convex, beveled glass crystal is inset into it; no cracks or chips that I can see. The bezel latches securely yet opens easily to allow access to the winding arbors and for setting the correct time.

The metal dial has a nice patina and features easy to read, fancy arabic numerals at each hour mark and matching black metal hands to point out the time. These are the old style hands 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.

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. The clock comes complete as shown with a brass metal pendulum and the winding key. 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. However it only works for 10 or 15 minutes, sometimes longer but eventually stops. It probably needs servicing but I simply don't have the time to work on the old clocks like I used to. Keep in mind this is an old clock and we don't know the service history so some adjustments or service will be necessary once the clock arrives at its new home. 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. Have it repaired, repair it yourself, or leave it the way it is. 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 Wednesday, February 13, 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