244.         $50

Seth Thomas Clock Co. “French Lever 8-inch”, ca. 1879.  Seth Thomas made this now rare model in three sizes (8, 10, & 12 inch dials), each with and without a strike.  This smaller 8-inch model has a strike, on a brass bell.  The walnut case with ebonized trim rings and a gold ring around the period glass is 12 inches in diameter.  The dial is old glossy paper on the original dial pan, with proper ST hands, including the seconds bit.  The 8-day, time-and-strike lever-spring movement is signed, running and striking, but like #243, stops randomly.  I think both need to be worked in, as the springs are probably stiff from sitting for years.  This one is less willing to run than #243. Again, no sales records for this model in any size.  I like the styling, but, based on their rareness, apparently were not big sellers in the late 1800’s.  $50–$250.