Antique American Clocks January 2020
29. $475
Southern Calendar Clock Co. “Fashion No. 1”, ca. 1876. SCCC used a Seth Thomas Parlor
Calendar No. 3 case and movements (with one important difference) for their first Fashion clocks in the early 1870’s. How do
you tell a Fashion No. 1 from a Seth Thomas Parlor Calendar No. 3? That important difference in the cases – SCCC cases had an
ogee-style base (seen here) rather than a quarter-round base, as found on the ST clock (see Ly, Calendar Clocks, page 259). Of course, SCCC labeled their dials with “FASHION” on the time dial, and “SOUTHERN CALENDAR CLOCK CO.” on the calendar dial (note
that later versions of this model had more extensive lettering). The original dials were paper over square zinc dials; many
collectors have had the dials painted as the paper dials decayed, and as found here. These dials have been painted and “aged”
artificially. The 8-day time-and-strike movement is signed Seth Thomas and strikes on an original steel bell, as found in the
early versions of this model. The calendar movement was patented by R.T. Andrews in 1876 and was also used in the Parlor Calendar
No. 3. This one is quite dirty and sticky, but miraculously the day and date advance when triggered by the time movement. This was the only Fashion veneered in mahogany, and the veneer here looks great, with a clear finish. The only repair I see
is on the upper bezel between the 6 and 7. There is an instruction label on the door, and another label, mostly missing, inside. This model is much less common than the later models, and you often find it pretty beat up. $475-$600. Thanks to Tim Ritchhart
for a great explanation of the differences between the ST and SCCC clocks.