Antique Seth Thomas Adamantine Sonora Bell Chime Mantel Clock Lovely Century Old Time Piece.

This clock is sold as is. It is missing the key. Please see pictures as I have limited knowledge of antique clocks. These are highly sought after antiques. The case is beautiful.

The Seth Thomas Clock Company in Thomaston, Connecticut, made this adamantine veneered shelf clock.

Seth Thomas' Sonora Chime clocks are known for having two separate brass movements. The front works are Seth Thomas' Number 89. It is a deadbeat, time-and-strike/half-hour strike design, striking the hour a bell. It is powered by two coiled steel springs and designed to run for eight days once fully wound. The second set of works is mounted behind the primary movement. It is also powered by a coiled steel spring with an eight-day duration of power. This set of works is the quarter chiming mechanism, movement #900, known as the Four-bell Sonora chime setup. This movement is actuated by a lever connected to the main works. Once tripped, the second set of works will strike the quarters hours on a set of four bells. The tune is Westminster and is a progressive sequence that requires four blows on the first quarter hour, eight on the half-hour, twelve on the three-quarter hour, and sixteen on the hour and the hour strike. The bells are described as producing pure tones and rich melodies. Their sound is incredible and often surprises people who hear them for the first time.

This simple case form is veneered in adamantine. The term "Adamantine" is the name given to the cellulose-based veneer material. It simulates the look of marble. Yet, it is much lighter and, therefore, easier to handle. Seth Thomas offered a variety of colors. This version features an attractive Rosewood coloring and graining. The grain pattern exhibited in this selection is vibrant.

The dial bezel is brass and fitted with a convex piece of glass with a beveled edge. This bezel closes tight via a pressure fit. The 5-inch silvered dial features painted Arabic numerals and minute dots. The speed adjustment is located below the center arbor and is adjusted with a key. The black hands are spade-shaped and contrast nicely against the silver-colored dial.

A lever is mounted on the side of the case. One would move this to select the clock striking options. It has two positions, on or off. When set in the off position, a metal bar only prevents the clock from striking the quarter hours.

The model number 5 sold for $25 in 1911.