Seth Thomas Regulator No. 2. This oak case example is in an old finish. 223156.
The Seth Thomas Model Number 2 has always been a very popular clock. This model was first made in the 1860s and enjoyed a production run of over 100 years. Over this period, the Number 2 experienced several design changes. These included slightly redesigning the movement and base moldings. As a result, we can date many of these clocks within a 20-year range. This fine example was made sometime around 1885. It was marketed as a small regulator for use by railroads, schools, fire departments, offices, and other institutions.
This case is constructed from oak and retains its original finish. The finish is stable and exhibits areas of crazing. It is unusual to find this model with an original finish in such fantastic condition. The dial bezel and the lower rectangular door are fitted with glass. Looking through the lower door, one can view the pendulum's side-to-side motion and, over time, the lowering of the weight. The Clockmaker's label can be found pasted to the bottom board inside the case. It has darkened considerably with age.
The No. 2 model built a solid reputation on the reliability of its performance. The weight-driven movement is of good quality. This is the early movement. It features well-finished rectangular-shaped brass plates, a Graham deadbeat escapement, and maintaining power. The movement is designed to beat eighty beats per minute and run for eight days between windings. The works are secured to a large iron mounting bracket, which is attached to the backboard. This mounting bracket also supports the pendulum. The pendulum is constructed with a wooden rod that supports a large brass-faced zinc bob. This swings behind the brass-covered cylindrical weight.
The clock dial is original to this clock and is painted on zinc. It measures approximately 12 inches in diameter and is in good condition. It features a dotted minute ring and Roman-style hour numerals. You should also notice that the seconds register is slightly smaller than those on later models of this form. The Clockmaker's name is boldly painted on the front of the dial.
This fine example measures approximately 36.5 inches in length overall, 16 inches in width, and 5.75 inches in depth. It was made circa 1890.
It is inventory number 223156.
Seth Thomas was born in Wolcott, Connecticut, in 1785. He was apprenticed as a carpenter and joiner and worked building houses and barns. He started in the clock business in 1807, working for clockmaker Eli Terry. Thomas formed a clock-making partnership in Plymouth, Connecticut, with Eli Terry and Silas Hoadley as Terry, Thomas & Hoadley. In 1810, he bought Terry's clock business, making tall clocks with wooden movements. Seth chose to sell his shares in the partnership in 1812, moving in 1813 to Plymouth Hollow, Connecticut, where he set up a factory to make metal-movement clocks. In 1817, he added shelf and mantel clocks. By the mid-1840s, He successfully transitioned to brass movements and expanded his operations by building a brass rolling mill and a cotton factory. In 1853, He incorporated the business but continued to be the majority shareholder. This clock business expanded until it became one of the "BIG Seven" in Connecticut. Their product line had offerings that competed at every price point, from kitchen clocks to precision regulators. Seth Thomas died in 1859. The community of Plymouth Hollow so revered him that they changed the name on July 6, 1875, to Thomaston in his honor. After his death, his son, Aaron, took over the company's leadership. Aaron is credited with increasing the business by adding a number of new case styles and improving production methods. The company went out of business in the 1980s.
