FULLY PROPERLY RESTORED SETH THOMAS 4 BELL SONORA CHIME CLOCK ADAMANTINE CASE
FULLY PROPERLY RESTORED SETH THOMAS 4 BELL SONORA CHIME CLOCK ADAMANTINE CASE
SOLD $649.00 Sold: Jan 17, 2024 on eBayOriginal Listing Description
eBay FULLY AND PROPERLY RESTORED SETH THOMAS 4 BELL SONORA CHIME CLOCK ADAMANTINE CASE Offered for sale in this auction is a very nice and fully restored Seth Thomas four bell Sonora Chime Westminster chime mantel clock. This model, Chime Clock No. 1, is shown in Ly’s Seth Thomas book on page 149. It is listed as item 374 and gives a date of manufacture of 1911. This clock will play the Westminster Chime on the quarter hour on four large 3.25-inch Sonora bells that are the largest bells that Seth Thomas offered in any of the Sonora Chime clocks. The clock plays Westminster Chime on these bells and then strikes out the hours on the 4th bell. I can only describe the sound as incredible and this is one of the few four bell clocks that I have owned that has comes with the large bells. I have attached a file so that you can hear for yourself. The Adamantine finish is in great condition with the usual dimples that come with an item of this vintage. The five-inch porcelain dial is as close to perfect as you will find. The clock comes with both the original pendulum bob and an original Seth Thomas key. The clock has the 89 M movement for the time and strike and the 90 movement for the chime. Both movements have highly polished back plates and have been restored to a like-new condition using the proper restoration methods. The clock also has the Chime-Silent lever that allows you to turn off the quarter hour chime from the side of the clock. The clock will still strike out the hours in the silent mode. I ask you to please examine the high-resolution pictures carefully as they provide much of the description for this fine timepiece. Case dimensions are 13.5 inches tall, 15.25 inches wide and 7 inches deep. WHAT ARE SONORA CHIMES? From 1909 through 1923, Seth Thomas offered Sonora Chime clocks. These clocks have two separate movements, one for time and strike and another movement to play the Westminster quarter hour chimes on a patented set of bells. These clocks were expensive, with the four and five bell clocks costing a week’s wages for the average worker. Because of the cost, these clocks were usually only found in the homes of the more affluent people. The clocks have a beautiful sound that many consider superior to clocks that strike on rods. In the final years of production, Seth Thomas used rods instead of bells in some models to save money. Still, most collectors only consider the clocks with bells to be true Sonora Chime. ABOUT THE MEANING OF ADAMANTINE Adamantine means unbreakable, sturdy or hard wearing. The Celluloid Manufacturing Company of New York developed and patented this early form of plastic in 1880, and Seth Thomas soon after acquired the rights to the material. Celluloid was the first thermoplastic and was made by combining nitrocellulose with camphor. It can take on many colors with the addition of dyes and other agents. Molding and shaping are easily accomplished, so it could imitate more expensive materials such as stone or ivory. Many people use the word incorrectly, only Seth Thomas had the right to use this material on their clock cases. WHAT MAKES A CLOCK A GOOD VALUE? The rules of economics are fairly straightforward Simply put, it is almost impossible to spend a little and get a lot. Antique and vintage clocks follow these rules as well. You can buy “As Found” clocks for less money. Then you have to pay a shop to go through the movement and when you are done, you have spent more than if you would have bid on the nicer clocks in the beginning. I have tried through the photos to show the basic steps that I do in restoring these wonderful machines to their original state. My goal is to provide you with a quality time piece that will provide enjoyment and be a source of pride in your home for years to come. Equally important to me is to provide you with a clock that I believe will retain its value over the years. That is what I think constitutes real value in antique and vintage clocks. MY PHILOSOPHY ON CLOCKS AND CLOCK MOVEMENTS. The only way to properly repair a movement is to completely disassemble, clean and inspect all parts, and make the needed repairs by proper horoligical methods. This includes the rebushing of all worn holes and the polishing of any rough pivots. The movements are then reassembled, lubricated with a high-quality clock oil and test run for 8 days. This is a very time intensive process but is the only correct way to properly recondition a clock movement. You should expect a movement repaired in this manner to run for ten years trouble-free. I have been doing clock repair for 40 years. I apprenticed under an Oregon State licensed repairman and have been a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) since 1981. I do not make a living doing this; it has become a passion of mine. I go to estate sales, auctions, and search places like eBay and Craigslist to find clocks that are in need of restoration. Once they are made like new mechanically, I put them up for sale in the hopes of paying for my materials and upgrading my personal collection. My hope is also to provide you with an heirloom to cherish for years to come. BUYER RESPONSIBILITY Both parties need to be fully engaged in the buying process for a transaction to be a success. Buyers need to understand that the clocks I sell are between 80 and 140 years old. While the movements are fully serviced, all of my clocks show some scars from these decades of use. I try to describe these marks as best I can and mention them in my listing text. I count on the buyer to read the entire auction text and examine the high-resolution pictures closely to make sure the clock meets your needs and expectations. I am always willing to make good on any shipping damage through the insurance process but I am no longer willing to offer partial refunds simply because the buyer did not read the listing or examine the auction photos. PAYMENT AND SHIPPING. People deserve to be treated fairly and to expect that their transaction will be handled as if the business was being done face to face. Read my feedback and you can see that I live by these words. I know that the shipping cost seems high but this is an item of substantial value so it will be sent out fully insured and with signature confirmation. I will provide positive feedback for buyers as soon as payment has been received and I also provide a set of General Clock Instructions that will answer about 95% of the questions that may arise during the set-up of the clock. In addition, specific instructions on how to properly operate the clock and reset the strike are provided as well as how to handle Daylight Savings time. Due to the vibration of shipping, no guarantee can be given but this item is covered by the eBay Money Back Guarantee program. Also, I pride myself in excellent preparation for shipment and can help via email or by phone in getting the clock set up. Clock will be shipped by UPS so I cannot ship to PO boxes. Thank you for looking at my auction. RECENT CUSTOMER FEEDBACK Great seller and clock man. Clock arrived with great packing. This is a great seller. Honest, great communication, a professional in all respects Helpful and informed seller. Quick and accurate communication. Much appreciated Very Nice Clock. Fast Shipping, great communication. Great clock as described and better. Fast shipping too. Thanks so much. Superb clock, better than expected and packed well. Would buy from Mark again! The clock works great! Happy camper, Thank you so much. Great packing! A+++++Seller! Great communication and fast shipping! Clock looks beautiful! Packaging was the best I’ve seen! A real professional clock man! Beautiful clock, better than description. Runs great with no adjustments required. Do not hesitate to buy a clock from this seller. His prices are more than fair. Great Seller, buy with confidence from him. He deserves his 100% rating. Extremely well packaged, good price & came with all the instructions needed Better than pictures running perfectly and packed for the apocalypse Great Clock- Great deal- Highly Recommend Very professional seller, perfect packaging, clock in perfect condition. On time, good seller, wonderful clock. Thanks. Excellent packing and quality workmanship. Very good service Excellent humble expert. Excellent communication, shipping and quality clock. Clock was well packed and arrived in great shape. Prompt answer to questions A wonderful clock, expertly packed and shipped. The clock is perfection! I appreciate the seller tremendously & will buy again! Seller was kind, supportive and generous. The clock, a rare beautiful antique. Happy Clock and a Happy Customer! Was packaged so GREAT!!! Perfect and shipped quickly, too! Packed to survive a nuclear war! Seller worked with me to surpass my expectations! A+Would do business again! Beautiful well-working clock! Seller very helpful with after sale advice! More than pleased with this clock and its excellent condition! Arrived safely! Best Packing I have ever seen, arrived no damage!!! Thank you!!!!! Mark is an A+ Seller and all-around nice guy. He was a pleasure to deal with. Exquisite Antique! Exquisite Packing! Exquisite Customer Service! A++ Packaged perfectly. Amazing communication! The best seller I have worked with! Beautiful clock, just as described. Carefully packaged. Arrived quickly. 5+ Excellent! As described and pictured. Fast and safe shipping. I am very pleased. SUPER FAST shipping, VERY CAREFUL packing, and SWEET clock! Packed perfectly, clock more beautiful than I expected and running as promised Beautiful Clock, excellent packaging, would definitely purchase in the future! Absolutely the best experience! Way over the top care taken when shipping! A+ Too good to be true. Beautiful clock lovingly restored by an artist. Thank you! A+ I am 1000% satisfied. Highly recommend doing business with longviewmark! The antique clock was well packed, arrived intact. I'm very happy with seller! Great clock, expert packaging. Everything about the transaction was professional A++, beautiful clock, thank you so much. Outstanding, vintage regulator; excellent shipping method; dependable seller. Clock is "as new" restoration, keeps time to minute, HAPPY BUYER!!! Beautiful clock, just as described. Clock was superbly protected in box. Thanks! Wonderful clock, works very well. I love the chimes! Excellent piece accurate description expert packaging thank you! Well packed; loved the helpful instructions. Clock works well. Very professional, very knowledgeable, packed and shipped with care. Clock arrived on time carefully packed and happily keeping time on mantle. A+++ Everything about dealing with Mark surpassed all my expectations. Excellent packaging, clock exactly as described, great communication! A+ Seller was available, and outstanding in every way! Fast ship, very professional and knowledgeable. Clock is wonderful! Excellent seller. He went way above and beyond to make me happy! fast service-very well packed-clock just as stated-I would deal with anytime-A++ Love the clock, thank you for going above and beyond! Beautiful clock; fair price; pleasant transaction. Will buy again! A++++ Seller is top notch person to work with and clock outstanding. Great Transaction Knowledgeable and honest seller. Item well packed and shipped promptly If there's a better eBay seller, I wouldn't believe it. Mark is the best!! Package arrived today, well packaged and item was exactly as pictured in the ad. Quick shipping great packing good seller. Super-fast delivery, great item, arrived safely. Thanks! Clock perfectly restored; excellent packing job. Buy from this guy! Awesome clock! Very fast shipping! Thanks! Perfectly restored clock. Great packing job. Thank you! Perfect, as advertised. Beautiful clock, seller really delivered! Excellent customer service, item as described, fast shipping, will use again. This is an amazing place to get an outstanding clock. Mark really knows clocks Received quickly. Well packed. Running well. Thanks! Great transaction. Item was as described. Quick shipping and well packaged. Very happy with my clock. Really appreciate the instructions he enclosed. Absolutely beautiful. Restoration is a true work of art. Could not be happier!!! Clock exactly as described, very pleased. (Condition: Refurbished)
Note: This item has been sold and is no longer available. This page serves as a historical price reference for clocks collectors and appraisers.
Original Listing Description
eBay FULLY AND PROPERLY RESTORED SETH THOMAS 4 BELL SONORA CHIME CLOCK ADAMANTINE CASE Offered for sale in this auction is a very nice and fully restored Seth Thomas four bell Sonora Chime Westminster chime mantel clock. This model, Chime Clock No. 1, is shown in Ly’s Seth Thomas book on page 149. It is listed as item 374 and gives a date of manufacture of 1911. This clock will play the Westminster Chime on the quarter hour on four large 3.25-inch Sonora bells that are the largest bells that Seth Thomas offered in any of the Sonora Chime clocks. The clock plays Westminster Chime on these bells and then strikes out the hours on the 4th bell. I can only describe the sound as incredible and this is one of the few four bell clocks that I have owned that has comes with the large bells. I have attached a file so that you can hear for yourself. The Adamantine finish is in great condition with the usual dimples that come with an item of this vintage. The five-inch porcelain dial is as close to perfect as you will find. The clock comes with both the original pendulum bob and an original Seth Thomas key. The clock has the 89 M movement for the time and strike and the 90 movement for the chime. Both movements have highly polished back plates and have been restored to a like-new condition using the proper restoration methods. The clock also has the Chime-Silent lever that allows you to turn off the quarter hour chime from the side of the clock. The clock will still strike out the hours in the silent mode. I ask you to please examine the high-resolution pictures carefully as they provide much of the description for this fine timepiece. Case dimensions are 13.5 inches tall, 15.25 inches wide and 7 inches deep. WHAT ARE SONORA CHIMES? From 1909 through 1923, Seth Thomas offered Sonora Chime clocks. These clocks have two separate movements, one for time and strike and another movement to play the Westminster quarter hour chimes on a patented set of bells. These clocks were expensive, with the four and five bell clocks costing a week’s wages for the average worker. Because of the cost, these clocks were usually only found in the homes of the more affluent people. The clocks have a beautiful sound that many consider superior to clocks that strike on rods. In the final years of production, Seth Thomas used rods instead of bells in some models to save money. Still, most collectors only consider the clocks with bells to be true Sonora Chime. ABOUT THE MEANING OF ADAMANTINE Adamantine means unbreakable, sturdy or hard wearing. The Celluloid Manufacturing Company of New York developed and patented this early form of plastic in 1880, and Seth Thomas soon after acquired the rights to the material. Celluloid was the first thermoplastic and was made by combining nitrocellulose with camphor. It can take on many colors with the addition of dyes and other agents. Molding and shaping are easily accomplished, so it could imitate more expensive materials such as stone or ivory. Many people use the word incorrectly, only Seth Thomas had the right to use this material on their clock cases. WHAT MAKES A CLOCK A GOOD VALUE? The rules of economics are fairly straightforward Simply put, it is almost impossible to spend a little and get a lot. Antique and vintage clocks follow these rules as well. You can buy “As Found” clocks for less money. Then you have to pay a shop to go through the movement and when you are done, you have spent more than if you would have bid on the nicer clocks in the beginning. I have tried through the photos to show the basic steps that I do in restoring these wonderful machines to their original state. My goal is to provide you with a quality time piece that will provide enjoyment and be a source of pride in your home for years to come. Equally important to me is to provide you with a clock that I believe will retain its value over the years. That is what I think constitutes real value in antique and vintage clocks. MY PHILOSOPHY ON CLOCKS AND CLOCK MOVEMENTS. The only way to properly repair a movement is to completely disassemble, clean and inspect all parts, and make the needed repairs by proper horoligical methods. This includes the rebushing of all worn holes and the polishing of any rough pivots. The movements are then reassembled, lubricated with a high-quality clock oil and test run for 8 days. This is a very time intensive process but is the only correct way to properly recondition a clock movement. You should expect a movement repaired in this manner to run for ten years trouble-free. I have been doing clock repair for 40 years. I apprenticed under an Oregon State licensed repairman and have been a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) since 1981. I do not make a living doing this; it has become a passion of mine. I go to estate sales, auctions, and search places like eBay and Craigslist to find clocks that are in need of restoration. Once they are made like new mechanically, I put them up for sale in the hopes of paying for my materials and upgrading my personal collection. My hope is also to provide you with an heirloom to cherish for years to come. BUYER RESPONSIBILITY Both parties need to be fully engaged in the buying process for a transaction to be a success. Buyers need to understand that the clocks I sell are between 80 and 140 years old. While the movements are fully serviced, all of my clocks show some scars from these decades of use. I try to describe these marks as best I can and mention them in my listing text. I count on the buyer to read the entire auction text and examine the high-resolution pictures closely to make sure the clock meets your needs and expectations. I am always willing to make good on any shipping damage through the insurance process but I am no longer willing to offer partial refunds simply because the buyer did not read the listing or examine the auction photos. PAYMENT AND SHIPPING. People deserve to be treated fairly and to expect that their transaction will be handled as if the business was being done face to face. Read my feedback and you can see that I live by these words. I know that the shipping cost seems high but this is an item of substantial value so it will be sent out fully insured and with signature confirmation. I will provide positive feedback for buyers as soon as payment has been received and I also provide a set of General Clock Instructions that will answer about 95% of the questions that may arise during the set-up of the clock. In addition, specific instructions on how to properly operate the clock and reset the strike are provided as well as how to handle Daylight Savings time. Due to the vibration of shipping, no guarantee can be given but this item is covered by the eBay Money Back Guarantee program. Also, I pride myself in excellent preparation for shipment and can help via email or by phone in getting the clock set up. Clock will be shipped by UPS so I cannot ship to PO boxes. Thank you for looking at my auction. RECENT CUSTOMER FEEDBACK Great seller and clock man. Clock arrived with great packing. This is a great seller. Honest, great communication, a professional in all respects Helpful and informed seller. Quick and accurate communication. Much appreciated Very Nice Clock. Fast Shipping, great communication. Great clock as described and better. Fast shipping too. Thanks so much. Superb clock, better than expected and packed well. Would buy from Mark again! The clock works great! Happy camper, Thank you so much. Great packing! A+++++Seller! Great communication and fast shipping! Clock looks beautiful! Packaging was the best I’ve seen! A real professional clock man! Beautiful clock, better than description. Runs great with no adjustments required. Do not hesitate to buy a clock from this seller. His prices are more than fair. Great Seller, buy with confidence from him. He deserves his 100% rating. Extremely well packaged, good price & came with all the instructions needed Better than pictures running perfectly and packed for the apocalypse Great Clock- Great deal- Highly Recommend Very professional seller, perfect packaging, clock in perfect condition. On time, good seller, wonderful clock. Thanks. Excellent packing and quality workmanship. Very good service Excellent humble expert. Excellent communication, shipping and quality clock. Clock was well packed and arrived in great shape. Prompt answer to questions A wonderful clock, expertly packed and shipped. The clock is perfection! I appreciate the seller tremendously & will buy again! Seller was kind, supportive and generous. The clock, a rare beautiful antique. Happy Clock and a Happy Customer! Was packaged so GREAT!!! Perfect and shipped quickly, too! Packed to survive a nuclear war! Seller worked with me to surpass my expectations! A+Would do business again! Beautiful well-working clock! Seller very helpful with after sale advice! More than pleased with this clock and its excellent condition! Arrived safely! Best Packing I have ever seen, arrived no damage!!! Thank you!!!!! Mark is an A+ Seller and all-around nice guy. He was a pleasure to deal with. Exquisite Antique! Exquisite Packing! Exquisite Customer Service! A++ Packaged perfectly. Amazing communication! The best seller I have worked with! Beautiful clock, just as described. Carefully packaged. Arrived quickly. 5+ Excellent! As described and pictured. Fast and safe shipping. I am very pleased. SUPER FAST shipping, VERY CAREFUL packing, and SWEET clock! Packed perfectly, clock more beautiful than I expected and running as promised Beautiful Clock, excellent packaging, would definitely purchase in the future! Absolutely the best experience! Way over the top care taken when shipping! A+ Too good to be true. Beautiful clock lovingly restored by an artist. Thank you! A+ I am 1000% satisfied. Highly recommend doing business with longviewmark! The antique clock was well packed, arrived intact. I'm very happy with seller! Great clock, expert packaging. Everything about the transaction was professional A++, beautiful clock, thank you so much. Outstanding, vintage regulator; excellent shipping method; dependable seller. Clock is "as new" restoration, keeps time to minute, HAPPY BUYER!!! Beautiful clock, just as described. Clock was superbly protected in box. Thanks! Wonderful clock, works very well. I love the chimes! Excellent piece accurate description expert packaging thank you! Well packed; loved the helpful instructions. Clock works well. Very professional, very knowledgeable, packed and shipped with care. Clock arrived on time carefully packed and happily keeping time on mantle. A+++ Everything about dealing with Mark surpassed all my expectations. Excellent packaging, clock exactly as described, great communication! A+ Seller was available, and outstanding in every way! Fast ship, very professional and knowledgeable. Clock is wonderful! Excellent seller. He went way above and beyond to make me happy! fast service-very well packed-clock just as stated-I would deal with anytime-A++ Love the clock, thank you for going above and beyond! Beautiful clock; fair price; pleasant transaction. Will buy again! A++++ Seller is top notch person to work with and clock outstanding. Great Transaction Knowledgeable and honest seller. Item well packed and shipped promptly If there's a better eBay seller, I wouldn't believe it. Mark is the best!! Package arrived today, well packaged and item was exactly as pictured in the ad. Quick shipping great packing good seller. Super-fast delivery, great item, arrived safely. Thanks! Clock perfectly restored; excellent packing job. Buy from this guy! Awesome clock! Very fast shipping! Thanks! Perfectly restored clock. Great packing job. Thank you! Perfect, as advertised. Beautiful clock, seller really delivered! Excellent customer service, item as described, fast shipping, will use again. This is an amazing place to get an outstanding clock. Mark really knows clocks Received quickly. Well packed. Running well. Thanks! Great transaction. Item was as described. Quick shipping and well packaged. Very happy with my clock. Really appreciate the instructions he enclosed. Absolutely beautiful. Restoration is a true work of art. Could not be happier!!! Clock exactly as described, very pleased. (Condition: Refurbished)
Note: This item has been sold and is no longer available. This page serves as a historical price reference for clocks collectors and appraisers.