An antique Seth Thomas Adamantine-Veneered Chiming Mantle Clock, circa 1908
13 June 2025
Description

This is a Seth Thomas tabletop chime clock that was estimated to be manufactured in 1908. Case Style: The clock features a classic Adamantine veneer case with a pediment top, fluted pilasters, and brass feet. Adamantine was a patented celluloid finish used by Seth Thomas starting in the late 1800s to simulate more expensive woods like mahogany or rosewood. • Dial: The metal dial is worn but retains original Arabic numerals. This suggests significant age, and the hands are likely original. • Winding Arbors: There are two winding holes, which indicates this clock likely has a time and strike movement—one mainspring powers the time, the other the hour/half-hour strike or chime. Movement: You can see the brass movement plates, gears, and springs. This is a mechanical 8-day spring-driven movement, which was a standard for Seth Thomas clocks. • Markings: There may be a model number or date code stamped on the backplate of the movement. Common markings include numbers or letters like “89” (a popular movement model) or a date code like “11 20” for November 1920. • Gong Assembly: Visible in the lower back is the coil gong and hammer, which produces the chime sound on the hour or half-hour.

Dimensions

13 inches tall x 11.5 inches wide

Acquired from
Inherited
For sale
Yes
Answered within 1 day
By Delia
Jun 14, 09:48 UTC
Fair Market Value
$200 - $300 USD
Suggested Asking Price $350 USD
What does this mean?

Hi Matthew,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

This is an unusual wood-grained variant of Seth Thomas's Adamantine mantle clock, which typically had a wider case and featured marble-like veneers rather than wood.

While this is a rarer variant, it's not so rare that there aren't comparable auction sales and ones I've found that have sold at auction suggest this would most likely bring a price between $200 and $300.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Seth Thomas Adamantine-Veneered Chiming Mantle Clock
circa 1908
Model #5; Of squared section, the case housing a brass dial with Arabic chapter rings, with pediment roof, fluted pilasters, and brass feet, with 8-day movement and strike.
13 inches tall; 11-1/2 inches wide
CONDITION: This appears to be in fair condition
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ / £ / € VALUE*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia

Matthew ledbetter Jun 14, 13:40 UTC

Hi Delia,

The back is not missing I just didn’t take a picture with it on. I’d be happy to add a picture with it on. This clock does have a marking with ‘90D’ on the backplate of the movement. The clock does run if wound, I’d be happy to provide a video.

Thanks!
Matt

Delia Jun 16, 22:29 UTC

Hi Matt,
Yes, if you can take/add a photo showing the back that would be great, and one of the 90D marking on the backplate if you can.
Thanks!
Delia

Matthew ledbetter Jun 17, 20:41 UTC

Hi Delia,

These photos have been added.

Thanks!
Matt

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