Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Novelty clock

Seth Thomas "Lodge" Form Novelty Clock

Partially verified

This novelty timepiece, produced by the Seth Thomas Clock Company, is designed in the form of a small house or lodge. The housing is constructed of metal and incorporates a roof feature and a chimney element. The dial is white with Roman numeral indices and features the signature "Seth Thomas" on the face, with the inscription "Manufactured in the United States of America" located at the bottom. A door is provided on the rear of the structure to allow access to the clock movement and the internal alarm bell. The case design includes small glass panes acting as windows on the sides, facilitating views of the internal mechanical components. The clock is reported to be in functional decline, as the time gear does not wind and the mechanism does not tick, though the alarm function remains windable. It measures approximately 3 5/8 inches by 4 1/2 inches by 7 inches.

Front view of the Seth Thomas lodge-form novelty clock with metal housing, white dial, and chimney detail.
Front view of the Seth Thomas lodge-form novelty clock with metal housing, white dial, and chimney detail. — North American Auction Company (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Novelty clock
Maker / attribution
Seth Thomas Clock Company
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
656
Source-reported date
early 1900s
Source-reported place
United States

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

Physical Construction and Design

The object is identified as a novelty clock, with its primary structure imitating a domestic house or lodge. The exterior is composed of metal, featuring a pitched roof line and a distinct chimney ornament. The front of the case is oriented around the main clock dial, which is marked with a white face and black Roman numerals.

The side elevations of the case include small glass panes that act as windows, allowing the internal movement parts to be seen. A door is located on the back panel of the housing, which provides the user access to the mechanical movement and the alarm bell, which is positioned at the base of the clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “This clock shows a metal construction in the style of a small house or lodge as the model name suggests.”
  • “The left and right sides of the clock show small glass panes acting as windows”
  • “The back of the house clock features a door that can be opened to access the clock movement and to wind the gears for time and the alarm bell”

Signatures and Markings

The clock face bears clear identifiers regarding its origin and manufacture. The signature "Seth Thomas" is printed on the dial.

Furthermore, the dial contains a specific statement confirming the geographic origin of the manufacture, which is stated as the United States of America. No other specific serial or model numbers are documented in the provided source.

Evidence for this section
  • “The clock face is white with black numbering and lettering reading, "Seth Thomas". The bottom reads, "Manufactured in the United States of America".”

Operational Condition and Provenance

Regarding the state of the clock, the auction description reports that it is not currently in working order for timekeeping, as the time gear is resistant to winding and the mechanism is silent. However, the alarm feature remains functional for winding.

The clock shows wear consistent with its age, though the report states that there are no signs of major damage. The provenance is traced to the Tombstone Western Heritage Museum in Tombstone, Arizona.

Evidence for this section
  • “The clocks alarm can be wound but the time gear does not wind and the clock does not tick. It shows good condition overall with some wear present to the housing”
  • “Provenance: From the Tombstone Western Heritage Museum in Tombstone, Arizona.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific model series for this lodge-form clock?
  • Does the rear door assembly retain original hardware or mechanisms for locking?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Seth Thomas "Lodge" Form Novelty Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerSeth Thomas Clock Company“Seth Thomas Clock Company”
MaterialMetal“This clock shows a metal construction”
Dimensions3 5/8" L x 4 1/2" W x 7" H“It measures 3 5/8" L x 4 1/2" W x 7" H”
Weight1 pound and 14 ounces“weighs 1 pound and 14 ounces”
ProvenanceTombstone Western Heritage Museum“Provenance: From the Tombstone Western Heritage Museum in Tombstone, Arizona.”
ConditionNon-functional time gear“the time gear does not wind and the clock does not tick”

Visible details

  • Metal case fashioned as a small lodge or house structure
  • Rear door provides access to the movement and alarm
  • White dial featuring Roman numeral hour markers
  • Small glass window panes on the sides of the case

Research qualifications

  • The exact year of manufacture is not specified beyond the early 1900s
  • The internal condition of the movement and the reason for the time gear failure are not detailed

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

Consulted source

Antique Seth Thomas "Lodge" Form Novelty Clock

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record c8da1ac7fa

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other novelty clock records