This Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., "Chime Clock No.14" mahogany 5
bell Sonora Chime is an 8 day mantel clock.
Made circa 1915,
the case is in very good original condition. The mahogany is quite rich
and sparkles in certain light. There are a few dings in the wood,
otherwise a great case. The signed silvered dial shows some small
tarnish spots.
The thick beveled glass bezel is original to the clock and in excellent condition and closes tightly.
The movements are correct with the time movement stamped "89 O" , and the sonora chime movement stamped "90 B". The movements were recently serviced and oiled by an expert. The clock keeps good time.
The
beauty of this clock, however, is quite simply -- the bells!. These 5
nested bells are in great working order and have a beautiful resonance. In
the video below, we purposely filmed the clock with the chime spring
mostly unwound, so as to slow down the bells to have each bell show its
true sound. (winding the chime arbor fully slightly speeds up the
chimes, and they are still wonderful!).
This is a full sized mantle clock, measuring approximately 14 inches tall, 9-1/2 inches wide, and 7-1/2 inches deep.
Comes with a key.
The name “Sonora” comes from the Sonora Chime Company. William Hoschke
of New York, New York applied for his patent on this design on April 16,
1907, and the patent was granted on April 18, 1908.
Seth Thomas purchased the rights to
Hoschke's bell chime mechanism and resonators patent around 1912,
changed the movements, and successfully marketed a full line of
“Sonora” clocks with numerous models and configurations. The unique,
rich, resonant sound of Sonora bell chimes comes from the wooden
expansive sound chamber in which the cup bells are mounted. They are
struck with leather-tipped hammers.