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American Clocks

The history of American clocks begins in colonial New England in the late 1700s. The first American clocks were made by hand one at a time and were mostly tall clocks or grandfather clocks.Thomas Harland, a skilled English clockmaker who settled in Connecticut, trained Eli Terry, who founded the first American clock factory around 1800.

Eli Terry, along with Seth Thomas and Silas Hoadley, applied water-powered machinery to clockmaking. This led to the timepiece industry’s introduction to the Industrial Revolution. Factories began to mass produce clocks with interchangeable parts, a technique that became known as the American system of manufacturing.

Some American clockmakers who made a lasting impression were the Willard family of Massachusetts, Elias Ingraham and Company, and the Ansonia Company. Contemporary New York design company Tiffany and Co. was founded in 1837, representing a departure from European opulence to the new American style. By 1867, Tiffany and Co. was a major competitor in the world of silver, fine jewels, and classic timepieces. Tiffany clocks are sold in more than 200 stores worldwide.


Quick Facts

  • A Simon Willard 1805 Banjo clock sold for $7,380 at Skinner of Boston in 2015
  • An E. Ingraham rosewood Spectacle shelf clock with painted zinc dial in Roman numerals sold for $7,703 at Skinner in 2009
  • An 1880 Tiffany gilt brass and enamel carriage clock featuring Corinthian columns, porcelain dial, and Arabic numerals sold for $4,920 at Skinner Auctions in 2015

Recommended Items at Auction

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Oak Howard Miller Regulator Clock 31 in. (78.7 cm.)
May 14, 6:00 PM EDT
Oak Howard Miller Regulator Clock 31 in. (78.7 cm.)
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$289 Bids
Glo-Dial Clock Co. “Putt-o-Rama" Neon Clock
May 17, 10:00 AM MST
Glo-Dial Clock Co. “Putt-o-Rama" Neon Clock
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
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Seth Thomas Clock
May 18, 6:00 PM EDT
Seth Thomas Clock
by Caswell Prewitt Realty, INC
Est: $0- $0
$254 Bids
Waterbury Clock Co. USA gingerbread style timber mantel clock (56 x 38 x 12cm)
May 15, 10:00 AM AEST
Waterbury Clock Co. USA gingerbread style timber mantel clock (56 x 38 x 12cm)
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Est: AUD80- AUD120
AUD354 Bids
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Master Crafters Electric Working Clock with Light Up Fireplace, 7 x 10 1/2 in. (17.8 x 26.7 cm.)
May 18, 4:00 PM CDT
Master Crafters Electric Working Clock with Light Up Fireplace, 7 x 10 1/2 in. (17.8 x 26.7 cm.)
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Est: $50- $100
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CHELSEA SHIPS CLOCK.
May 28, 10:00 AM EDT
CHELSEA SHIPS CLOCK.
by William Smith Auctions
Est: $600- $800
$3502 Bids
John Wanamaker 400 Day Anniversary Clock
May 15, 10:00 AM EDT
John Wanamaker 400 Day Anniversary Clock
by Nye & Company
Est: $100- $200
$501 Bid
WATERBURY MINI CLOCK COLLECTIBLE
May 15, 10:00 AM EDT
WATERBURY MINI CLOCK COLLECTIBLE
by Vintage Auctions
Est: $25- $50
$101 Bid
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Seth Thomas Mantle Clock
May 14, 6:00 PM EDT
Seth Thomas Mantle Clock
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Est: $0- $0
$31 Bid
A starburst clock by Westclox, brushed metal in black and gold, American/Japanese
May 26, 10:00 AM AEST
A starburst clock by Westclox, brushed metal in black and gold, American/Japanese
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Est: AUD200- AUD300
AUD1001 Bid
Vintage Seth Thomas Reverse Flower Shelf Clock
May 17, 10:00 AM MST
Vintage Seth Thomas Reverse Flower Shelf Clock
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$101 Bid
A Chelsea Ships Bell Clock for Frank Herschede of Cincinnati
May 16, 10:00 AM EDT
A Chelsea Ships Bell Clock for Frank Herschede of Cincinnati
by Lewis & Grant Auctions
Est: $500- $700
$2501 Bid
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SALEM SHIP'S WHEEL BELL CLOCK AND BAROMETER 20th Century Heights 11".
May 22, 9:30 AM EDT
SALEM SHIP'S WHEEL BELL CLOCK AND BAROMETER 20th Century Heights 11".
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Est: $400- $700
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RIVIERE OVERLAY CLOCK 
Jun 12, 9:00 AM EDT
RIVIERE OVERLAY CLOCK 
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Est: $1,500- $2,000
$7500 Bids
Wendell Castle, Wall-Hung Clock
May 15, 11:00 AM EDT
Wendell Castle, Wall-Hung Clock
by Rago Arts and Auction Center
Est: $3,000- $5,000
$2,8000 Bids
3 Piece Gilbert Onyx Clock Set
May 29, 10:00 AM EDT
3 Piece Gilbert Onyx Clock Set
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Est: $100- $200
$500 Bids
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New Haven Clock Co. Author Mantel Clock
May 24, 9:00 AM CDT
New Haven Clock Co. Author Mantel Clock
by Matthew Bullock Auctioneers
Est: $30- $300
$150 Bids
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Seth Thomas Wood Electric Mantel Clock
May 24, 9:00 AM CDT
Seth Thomas Wood Electric Mantel Clock
by Matthew Bullock Auctioneers
Est: $30- $300
$150 Bids
Elgin (American) Mid-Century Modern Starburst Wall Clock Dia. 25"
May 16, 11:00 AM EDT
Elgin (American) Mid-Century Modern Starburst Wall Clock Dia. 25"
by DuMouchelles
Est: $150- $300
$700 Bids
WEEMS & PLATH SHIP'S BELL CLOCK
May 18, 11:00 AM EDT
WEEMS & PLATH SHIP'S BELL CLOCK
by Americana Auctions
Est: $400- $600
$2000 Bids
A group of eight desk clocks,
May 17, 9:30 AM PDT
A group of eight desk clocks,
by Clars Auctions
Est: $100- $200
$500 Bids
A Seth Thomas brass four-glass mantel clock
May 17, 9:30 AM PDT
A Seth Thomas brass four-glass mantel clock
by Clars Auctions
Est: $200- $300
$1000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell American Clocks


Wright

Wright

Eldred's

Eldred's

Morphy Auctions

Morphy Auctions

Clars Auctions

Clars Auctions