Seth Thomas Regulator No. 7 long version. An antique wall clock. 220021.
The No. 7 wall timepiece, a rare find for any collector, was initially offered in two case sizes, a short and a long version. The movement varied depending on which version you purchased. The cases were constructed in either walnut, cherry, or oak. The Number 7 model was a gem in the 1896 catalog.
This extended version is constructed in cherry and is considered by many to be the most desirable combination. The extra length exhibits better case proportions than the shorter version. This fine example measures approximately 48 inches long and is approximately 3 inches longer than the shorter version. It has been my experience that the extended version is more difficult to find. The case form is decorated with interesting shapes and numerous carvings.
This example is constructed in walnut and is the extended version. It measures approximately 48 inches and is approximately 3 inches longer than the shorter version. The upper door accesses the dial. This is a zinc dial that measures 12 inches in diameter. This is the original zinc pan. It was professionally repainted in the early 1970s by the Dial House in Georgia. This dial features large Roman-style hour numerals positioned inside a closed minute track. A subsidiary seconds registrar and the Maker's trademark are positioned in their traditional locations. The 72-beat movement is brass and of good quality. The plates are polished and in the shape of a trapezoid. Four posts with blued screws secure the frames. Cut steel pinions support the brass gearing. The escapement is a "Graham Deadbeat." It is weight-powered and is designed to run eight days on a full wind. The movement features "Maintaining Power so that it keeps time as you wind it." The pendulum is constructed with a wooden rod and a zinc bob covered in brass. The brass bob and weight are treated with a nickel finish. The bob is decorated with the traditional Seth Thomas pattern. Note that this clock retains its swing indicator, which is mounted to the backboard of the case.
This clock measures approximately 48 inches long, 18.25 inches wide, and 7.75 inches deep.
This piece of history was made in 1896, a testament to the enduring craftsmanship of Seth Thomas.
For reference, see Tran Ly's book, Seth Thomas Clocks and Movements, page 285. This clock measures approximately 48 inches long.
Inventory number 220021.
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.
