Seth Thomas Marine Lever Clock. 1899. STAR BRASS MFG. CO. BOSTON, MASS. 22114.
This marine lever clock features an engraved brass dial. It is dated on the dial “1899” and bears the retailer’s name, “STAR BRASS MFG. CO. / BOSTON, MASS.” This company, known for manufacturing pressure gauges for all purposes, was in business for many years. They purchased clocks from companies like E. Howard & Co., Chelsea, and Seth Thomas had their name engraved onto the dials. Clocks like this were sold to a number of their clients and also served as a form of advertising for their firm, making this clock a unique piece of historical significance.
This Seth Thomas-made timepiece is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. The movement bears their die-stamp on the front plate. It is powered by two coil springs and regulated by a balance wheel escapement. As a result, it will run in a somewhat hostile environment regarding possible vibrations to the case. This case is made of brass and treated with a nickel finish. It measures almost 10.5 inches in diameter and is 4.25 inches deep. Please note the shaping of this hinged bezel. The bezel features a push button latch assembly and is fitted with glass to protect the 8.5-inch diameter dial. This dial is brass and was originally silvered. Much of the original silver finish has been worn away, presenting it in an old-world format. The information on this dial is engraved into the surface. The hours are marked with Roman-style numerals. A subsidiary seconds dial is located below the numeral twelve. The timing adjustment can be made by the lever located on the front of the dial within the hour numeral twelve.
This clock was made circa 1899.
Inventory number 22114.
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.
