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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Shelf clock

Seth Thomas Shelf Clock

Partially verified

This shelf clock, or Tischuhr, was produced by Seth Thomas in Plymouth, USA, and is currently held by the German Clock Museum. The clock stands 75.00 cm high, 44.00 cm wide, and 14.50 cm deep. It features an upright wooden case, characterised by a pediment surmounted by a carved eagle, fluted pilasters on the side panels, and decorative carved feet. The dial displays black Roman numerals, ornamental corner spandrels, and a central floral motif. Below the dial is a glazed door panel depicting a landscape scene featuring a house, which provides a window for the pendulum bob. The Seth Thomas Clock Company was founded in Plymouth Hollow, Connecticut, and commenced clock production in 1813.

Front view of the Seth Thomas shelf clock showing the eagle pediment, dial, and landscape-painted pendulum door.
Front view of the Seth Thomas shelf clock showing the eagle pediment, dial, and landscape-painted pendulum door. — German Clock Museum via Europeana. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Shelf clock
Maker / attribution
Seth Thomas
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
c. 1830
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

Case Design and Aesthetics

The shelf clock is constructed with an upright wooden frame, topped by a carved eagle. The structure is supported by four carved feet. The sides feature vertical columns, identified by their fluted appearance and decorative gold-toned painted patterns.

The dial is situated behind a rectangular glazed door. It includes painted floral elements in the corners and a central decorative basket arrangement. The lower section of the case contains a separate glazed panel featuring a landscape painting, which includes a house and trees. This panel allows visibility of the circular brass pendulum bob as it oscillates during operation.

Evidence for this section
  • “height: 75.00 cm, width: 44.00 cm, depth: 14.50 cm”
  • “Table clock, so-called "Shelf Clock", Seth Thomas, Plymouth (USA) c. 1830”

Maker and Historical Context

Seth Thomas founded the Seth Thomas Clock Company in Plymouth Hollow, Connecticut. The company began its manufacturing operations in 1813, producing various configurations of mantel, wall, and table-top clocks. This particular specimen is identified as a table clock, locally referred to as a Tischuhr in the museum records.

The company remained an unincorporated business until 1853. Plymouth Hollow, the location of the production facility, was renamed Thomaston in 1875 to commemorate its founder. This clock represents a piece held within the German Clock Museum, which identifies it as a product of the Plymouth-based workshop.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Seth Thomas Clock Company was founded by Seth Thomas in Plymouth Hollow, Connecticut, and started producing clocks in 1813.”
  • “The business produced a standard range of mantel, wall, longcase, and table-top clocks before its incorporation under the corporate title in 1853.”

Institutional Documentation

The object is documented in the archives of the German Clock Museum. It is catalogued under the name Tischuhr or Shelf Clock, with a production date estimated at circa 1830. The record includes the physical dimensions and confirmation of the maker's origin in Plymouth, USA.

Current documentation identifies the clock through its museum registration and historical classification. The status of the record is partial, reflecting the museum's provided details regarding its classification and origin.

Evidence for this section
  • “Table clock, so-called "Shelf Clock", Seth Thomas, Plymouth (USA) c. 1830 (Deutsches Uhrenmuseum Furtwangen).”
  • “These details come from the holding museum's own record”

Open research questions

  • What materials constitute the primary wooden case construction?
  • Does the internal movement bear any maker or serial stampings not visible in the current photograph?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Seth Thomas Shelf Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerSeth Thomas“Seth Thomas, Plymouth (USA)”
Datec. 1830“c. 1830”
Height75.00 cm“height: 75.00 cm”
Width44.00 cm“width: 44.00 cm”
Depth14.50 cm“depth: 14.50 cm”
Holding InstitutionGerman Clock Museum“German Clock Museum”

Visible details

  • Pediment with carved eagle motif
  • Painted landscape scene on the lower door
  • Fluted side columns with gold-coloured accents
  • Four carved feet

Research qualifications

  • Physical construction materials are not explicitly listed in the source
  • The mechanical movement details are not visible or documented in the source

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

Consulted source

Table clock (Shelf Clock), Seth Thomas, Plymouth (USA), c. 1830

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 3e70d67b1d

Terms in this record

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

Other shelf clock records