The Tambour – 1915 with a five-bell Sonora Chime clock movement made by the Seth Thomas Clock Company. 225003.
The Seth Thomas Clock Company, a renowned clock manufacturer based in Thomaston, Connecticut, made this sizeable mahogany-cased Tambour shelf clock.
Seth Thomas' Sonora Chime clocks are known for having two separate brass movements. The front movement is Seth Thomas' Number 89. It features a deadbeat, time-and-strike/half-hour strike design, striking on a bell. It is powered by two coiled steel springs with enough power to run for eight days once fully wound. A second set of works is mounted behind the primary movement. It is also powered by a coiled steel spring with an eight-day duration of power. This set of works is the quarter chiming mechanism, movement #90B, known as the Four-bell Sonora chime setup. This movement is actuated by a lever connected to the main works. Once tripped, the second set of works will strike the quarters hours, a progressive sequence known as Westminster, on a set of four bells. The tune requires four blows on the first quarter hour, eight on the half-hour, twelve on the three-quarter hour, and sixteen on the hour. The hour-striking sequence follows the hour. The Seth Thomas catalog describes these bells as producing pure tones and rich melodies. Their sound is incredible and often surprises people who hear them for the first time.
A lever is mounted on the side of the case. One would move this to select the clock striking options, of which there are two: on or off. When set in the off position, a metal bar prevents the clock from striking the quarter hours only.
The Tambour – 1915 is a substantial mantel clock. Its classic form remains popular in today's marketplace. The mahogany cabinet has been well cared for and retains its original finish. The case is slightly elevated on four pad feet. The corbels, positioned horizontally, are decorated with elaborate carvings in the form of acanthus leaves and swirls. These prominent details are skillfully executed. The circular head design does well in concealing the complex movement encased within.
The dial bezel is brass and fitted with a convex piece of beveled-edge glass. This bezel closes tightly via a pressure fit. The silvered dial features applied bronze Arabic numerals along a closed minute ring. "SETH THOMAS / SONORA CHIME" is printed in the center of the dial. The speed adjustment is located below the center arbor and is adjusted with a key. The serpentine-shaped hands contrast nicely with the silver dial.
The model number 14 sold for $90 in 1915.
The Seth Thomas Clock Company made this clock circa 1911. This large, impressive example measures approximately 32.5 inches across, 14 inches tall, and 8 inches deep.
Rest assured, this clock is sold professionally serviced and in excellent working order. Before the clock is delivered, the movement will be completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected, and tested to ensure it meets our high standards of quality and performance.
Inventory number 225003.
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.
