Q & A

G. H. of St. Thomas, Ontario writes:

My parents received this clock from the estate of a family friend who was in her 90's when she died in 1979. When it was then taken in for cleaning 30 years ago, the jeweller expressed an interest in the clock, so we assume that it has some kind of value.

It measures 11 1/4" across the front, 7 3/8" wide, and is 14" high. The clock face says: SETH THOMAS, SONORA CHIME

As pictured, there is a lever on the side that raises and lowers, allowing the option of having the 4 bells chime, and the clock is in working condition. On the outside back panel it has the numbers 306962 with 21 underneath. To the right of this appears to be written "COOR". At the lower left corner is ++7420. The inside back panel has 1963CD in the upper right corner.

When the back panel is removed, SONORA (written in an arc), then under that is PAT. FEB, 18, 1908. There is a single arm with 4 fingers attached that strike the 4 cupped bells. The workings are engraved with MADE IN USA around a circle. The diamond pattern in the circle has ST in the centre. The workings are also engraved with 89AE.

The key has no markings on it, but is heavy and appears to be brass. She doesn't know what kind of wood was used for the clock.

My mother is now curious at to the clock's history and present value. She was told not to clean it with spray products, but what should she use? Should she clean the inside? Should it be insured? Could you please provide her with some information.

We asked Mike Wagnell to respond:

Your clock is a relatively uncommon and certainly interesting article. Seth Thomas, as a Company, has been a very well-known and respected American clock maker for well over a hundred and fifty years, who have produced many dozens of models in this period. The “patent date” is, however, a good indicator of its actual age – which would be pre 1910. Although you haven’t sent a picture of the movement, I know that the chiming is separately contained at the bottom of the case, and the four bells “sunk” into the base. The time movement, which is completely separate from this, is mounted directly behind the dial, as you would suppose.

I am not convinced that the key is original, but this has little effect on the valuation of the clock. If it is a good fit when you wind, this is the important factor, as any “slipping” could cause damage to the movement.

The case is invariably described as being “Adamantine” which the dictionary states as being “a hard substance”. Your picture appears to show a grain not dissimilar to mahogany, and this could, and is likely to be, the wood of choice for the manufacturer. In response to your query, the case appears to be in good condition, and the only thing that I would recommend would be the occasional cleaning thereof with a good paste wax – I certainly agree that you should never use the spray products. The inside needs only to be kept free of dust

For insurance purposes I suggest that you place a value of $800- $1,000 on it, as this is what I anticipate you would have to pay for a replacement in similar condition to that you describe.