Clock Information: Seth Thomas Column and Cornice Model
In the heart of Thomaston, Connecticut, the Seth Thomas Clock Company was established in 1813. Over the following centuries, it became one of the most esteemed clock manufacturers in the United States. During the period between 1841 and 1867, the company focused on the production of affordable and reliable shelf clocks, such as the iconic column and cornice style clocks.
These clocks, with their distinctive wooden columns and decorative cornices, were a hallmark of this era. The Seth Thomas column and cornice clock, in particular, has recently been relocated to a shelf, having previously rested atop an antique radio in a living room. However, after a redecoration with hardwood flooring, the clock no longer suits the updated space.
This specific Seth Thomas column and cornice clock, made prior to 1867, boasts a mahogany veneer case, 3/4 columns in painted gold, and two reverse-painted doors. Its hour and minute hands are in an Ogee style and original to the clock. The dial is painted tin with Roman numerals, hand-decorated flower spandrels, and a brass lyre movement visible through it.
The clock's movement is clean and running well, and it has both original lower and upper tablets in very good condition. Interestingly, the clock was bought at auction and was advertised as a triple-decker clock, but it is actually a column and cornice clock. It also bears a label with the name J. M. Paterson, Hamilton, Canada West, indicating that it was manufactured by the R.W. Paterson Company.
The R.W. Paterson Company was a prominent retailer and importer of clocks in Canada West (modern-day Ontario) during the mid-19th century. As an authorized agent and distributor of Seth Thomas clocks, they helped introduce American-made mantle clocks into Canadian homes. This collaboration reflects early cross-border trade in consumer goods predating the formation of the Canadian Confederation (1867).
Seth Thomas clocks, like this one, were known for their solid construction, reliable movements, and affordable prices. They made reliable timekeeping accessible to the growing middle class. The neoclassical design elements of the column and cornice clocks aligned with American ideals of order, democracy, and connection to classical antiquity.
In Canada West, owning such clocks became a symbol of both modernity and connection to broader Anglo-American commercial culture. The Seth Thomas column and cornice clock, with its sleigh front design, is a testament to the enduring appeal of these iconic timepieces and their role in shaping 19th-century North American social history.
- Vintage clocks, such as the Seth Thomas column and cornice clock, are highly sought after by clock enthusiasts, with many appreciating their historical significance and unique design.
- In the realm of lifestyle choices, owning a Seth Thomas clock not only serves a practical purpose but also adds a touch of elegance and nostalgia to a space, particularly in the categories of fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and home-and-garden.
- For travelers with an appreciation for history, visiting the original Seth Thomas Clock Company factory in Thomaston, Connecticut, could be an interesting stop on a tour through New England, offering insights into the clock industry, American industrialization, and cross-border trade during the mid-19th century.
