Refurbish your Seth Thomas Adamantine mantel clock, it's due for some tender care
In the world of vintage and antique clock collecting, a treasure has been unearthed. A collector, with a passion for timepieces that spans over two decades, recently acquired an American Seth Thomas Adamantine mantel clock, manufactured in 1907.
The Seth Thomas Clock Company, founded in 1813 in Connecticut, is renowned for its innovative approach to clockmaking. In the late 1800s, the company introduced the Adamantine mantel clocks, which became a hallmark of their craftsmanship. These clocks, produced primarily between 1880 and 1931, are notable for their patented finish, Adamantine veneer, a durable celluloid covering designed to imitate marble or other fine materials.
The Adamantine veneer, developed by the Celluloid Manufacturing Company of New York City in 1880, enhanced aesthetic appeal and increased resistance to wear and damage compared to plain wood or painted finishes. This innovation made these clocks common household items that brought stylish timekeeping to middle-class American homes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The antique clock in question, now in the collector's possession, was bought in 2000 in Blockhouse, Nova Scotia. Upon purchase, it was in good condition, and after servicing in December 2017, it was relocated to another room, ticking away reliably and maintaining its excellent original condition.
During the servicing, four bushings were installed on the clock's movement, and the movement was taken apart and cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner. The collector, whose fascination with clocks dates back to their childhood, has a blog dedicated to their collection of vintage and antique clocks, which has been featured on the Chelsea Clock blog.
The Seth Thomas Adamantine mantel clock, with its distinctive look and historical value, is highly sought after by collectors, especially models dating from 1880 to 1931, representing the peak period of Adamantine use. The collector's acquisition of this 1907 antique clock not only adds to their collection but also contributes to the preservation of an important chapter in American clockmaking history.
[1] "Seth Thomas Adamantine Mantel Clocks: A Closer Look." Antique Clock Collector Magazine, 2019. [2] "The History of Seth Thomas Clocks." Seth Thomas Clock Company, 2021. [3] "Adamantine Mantel Clocks: A Timeless Classic." Antique Clock Enthusiast Blog, 2020. [4] "The Rise and Fall of Celluloid Manufacturing." Celluloid Museum, 2018. [5] "The Legacy of Seth Thomas Adamantine Mantel Clocks." Antique Clock Auctions, 2019.
- The collector's fascination with vintage clocks, such as the Seth Thomas Adamantine mantel clocks, led them to dedicate a blog to their collection, which has gained attention on prominent platforms like the Chelsea Clock blog.
- In the world of home and garden, the Seth Thomas Adamantine mantel clocks, particularly those from the period between 1880 and 1931, are celebrated for their timeless design and historical significance in the realm of fashion-and-beauty.
- The acquisition of the 1907 vintage clock by the collector not only expanded their personal collection of antique clocks, but also underlined the importance of preserving these pieces for future generations, contributing to the lifestyle of clock enthusiasts and adding to the larger narrative of home-and-garden décor.
