Expert: William J Perkins - 1/7/2009

Question
Hi,
I just purchased on ebay a ST mantle clock and am hoping you can identify it for me before I get it. year, type of chime etc. this is all I've got.-
Seth Thomas 8-day key wound, chiming clock
directions for A-208 series strike movements on back of door.
E899-156 lss.5"
It also has "Lynton 2w" and 6312 stamped on the door.
inscribed on the movement is made in Germany for ST clocks Thomaston Conn and "A.
It is mahogany and measurements given are 16-1/2"(w) x 8"(h) x 3-3/4" (d)...any ideas?

Answer
In 1932 the company became a division of General Time.  For all practical purposes the company ceased to exist.  The name was licensed to many providers.  Although these clocks bear the name Seth Thomas they are not Seth Thomas's in anything but name.  Nearly all of them had inferior German or Korean movements.  When you get the clock, open its backdoor, copy and send me all the information you can find that is stamped upon the movements brass backplate.  From that I can often identify the actual maker.  Regards WJP