Clock · Turret & tower clock

Seth Thomas Clock Co. No. 5 Tower Clock

Partially verified

According to the auction catalog, this Seth Thomas Clock Co. No. 5 tower clock was made in Thomaston, Connecticut, for A.S. Hotchkiss and furnished by Riggs & Bros. of Philadelphia, dated 1881 on an unattached brass plaque. The movement incorporates a Graham deadbeat escapement within a painted cast-iron frame, bearing serial number 231. The catalog notes the winding mechanism was converted to electric winding, with the original mechanical winding mechanism included but not attached. Additional lot accessories reported include a pendulum rod, pendulum bob, winding crank, and three gimbals.

Seth Thomas No. 5 tower clock movement and tall painted stand — Schmitt Horan & Co.. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.bidsquare.com
Category: Clock · Turret & tower clock
Form: Tower clock
Maker / attribution: Seth Thomas Clock Co.
Reference: No. 5
Catalogue / lot identifier: 432
Source-reported date: circa 1881
Source-reported place: United States
Source-reported serial: 231

Maker profile: Seth Thomas Clock Company — history, key models and current watchmaking.

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Identity and Attribution

According to the auction catalog description, the object is a Seth Thomas Clock Co. "No. 5" tower clock from Thomaston, Connecticut, identified as made for A.S. Hotchkiss and furnished by Riggs & Bros. of Philadelphia. The movement is marked with serial #231 and is cataloged with an approximate date of circa 1881.

The auction description notes "1881 on brass plaque", while condition notes specify that the "Riggs Bros. brass plaque is unattached". Because the plaque is detached, the historical association between the supplier, date, and movement relies on the catalog listing rather than an integral fixed inscription on the frame.

Evidence for this section

“Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., "No. 5" tower clock for A.S. Hotchkiss furnished by Riggs & Bros., Philadelphia”
“serial #231”
“circa 1881”
“1881 on brass plaque”
“Riggs Bros. brass plaque is unattached”

Frame Construction and Visible Form

The clock movement is set within an arched framework mounted atop a tall stand. In available photographic observation, the structure comprises a tall arched four-legged cast-iron support frame painted green with dark borders and gold-toned lining, with the arched upper movement frame mounted atop the stand with gearwork visible.

The catalog specifies a "three color painted cast iron frame" and notes in condition remarks that the "cast iron frame has been professionally repainted". Reported overall dimensions are 56 inches high by 28 inches wide by 17 inches deep.

Evidence for this section

“Tall arched four-legged cast-iron support frame painted green with dark borders and gold-toned lining”
“Arched upper movement frame mounted atop the stand with gearwork visible”
“three color painted cast iron frame”
“cast iron frame has been professionally repainted”
“Dimensions: 56in x 28in x 17in”

Mechanism, Modifications, and Accessories

The clock is fitted with a Graham deadbeat escapement. The auction house reports that the winding mechanism has been converted to electric, with the original mechanical winding apparatus included but unattached. A small electric component with a hanging wire is visibly attached to the movement assembly in the listing image.

The catalog lists accessories including a pendulum rod, pendulum bob, three gimbals, a winding crank, and the unattached mechanical winding apparatus. A circular metallic disc or bob is observed centrally suspended within the lower leg frame.

Evidence for this section

“Graham deadbeat escapement”
“the winding mechanism has been converted to electric with original mechanism included, but not attached”
“Small electric component with a hanging wire attached to the movement assembly”
“Centrally suspended circular metallic disc or bob”
“three gimbals, winding crank and mechanical winding apparatus”
“ACCESSORIES: Pendulum Rod, Pendulum Bob, Brass Plaque, Winding Mechanism, Winding Crank”

Reported Condition

The source notes several condition defects: the suspension spring is broken, no drive weights are present, and the Riggs Bros. brass plaque is unattached.

No further internal wear evaluations, mechanical test results, or tooth-by-tooth inspections are recorded in the auction catalog.

Evidence for this section

“broken suspension spring, no weight”
“Riggs Bros. brass plaque is unattached”
“original mechanism included, but not attached”

Open research questions

What exact wording is engraved or stamped on the unattached Riggs & Bros. brass plaque?
Can the original mechanical winding mechanism be reinstalled onto the movement without altering the electrified retrofit components?
Do Seth Thomas production ledgers identify the original building or commission associated with serial number 231 and A.S. Hotchkiss?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Seth Thomas Clock Co. No. 5 Tower Clock
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	Seth Thomas Clock Co.	“Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn.”
Model	No. 5	“"No. 5" tower clock”
Serial Number	231	“serial #231”
Escapement	Graham deadbeat escapement	“Graham deadbeat escapement”
Dimensions	56in x 28in x 17in	“Dimensions: 56in x 28in x 17in”
Plaque Date	1881	“1881 on brass plaque”
Supplier	Riggs & Bros., Philadelphia	“furnished by Riggs & Bros., Philadelphia”
Associated Recipient/Agent	A.S. Hotchkiss	“for A.S. Hotchkiss”
Accessories	Pendulum rod, pendulum bob, brass plaque, winding mechanism, winding crank, and three gimbals	“including pendulum, three gimbals, winding crank and mechanical winding apparatus”

Visible details

Tall arched four-legged cast-iron support frame painted green with dark borders and gold-toned lining
Arched upper movement frame mounted atop the stand with gearwork visible
Small electric component with a hanging wire attached to the movement assembly
Centrally suspended circular metallic disc or bob

Research qualifications

Source reports the cast iron frame has been professionally repainted
Original mechanical winding apparatus and the Riggs Bros. brass plaque are unattached
Source notes a broken suspension spring and no weight present

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.