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How to Identify a Seth Thomas Chime

Seth Thomas made clocks in the early 19th century, crafting his first wooden-movement shelf and mantel clocks in 1817. He incorporated brass movement into his clocks in 1842. Thomas' sons introduced new styles of clocks--including wall clocks, regulators, spring-driven clocks and clocks with calendars--after their father's death in 1859. Identifying a Seth Thomas chime clock requires inspecting the labels and trademarks of the clock and doing some research so that you know how to spot a fake when you see it.

Instructions

- 1
  Gently and carefully turn over the clock in question to examine its base. Understand that the Seth Thomas company introduced chime clocks in 1909.
- 2
  Look for a date code stamped in ink on the bottom of the clock or on the back case of the clock as Seth Thomas clocks created between 1881 and 1918 feature a date code stamp. Look for the year to be listed first in reverse order, followed by a letter representing the month in which the clock was made. Look for "9091" (reverse order for 1909) or a later year and a letter to verify that the clock is a real Seth Thomas chime clock.
- 3
  Look for the label or trademark on the back, bottom or inside compartment of the clock. Labels can be reproduced, so inspect it carefully with a magnifying glass and ask a reputable antique dealer for his opinion on whether or not the label, and the clock for that matter, is authentic.
- 4
  Look at pictures of Seth Thomas chime clocks made around 1909 and in the following years as a point of comparison for your own clock, to judge whether or not it looks authentic.
- 5
  Take the clock to a professional antiques appraiser to get an idea of the value of the clock and a second opinion on its authenticity.

Antiquing