Review by
DAVID WARNER Ten years ago Tran Duy Ly published his first edition of Seth Thomas Clocks & Movements to stunning reviews. The book was greatly commended for many reasons, none more important than it being the first real comprehensive guide to the identification and values of most Seth Thomas clocks and movements manufactured during the firm's first century of production since 1810. Before the conception of Mr. Ly's guide, collectors everywhere often seemed more busy examining a myriad of individual clock catalogs than the clock itself. Tran Duy Ly, in one innovative volume, eliminated that problem for Seth Thomas collectors by exhaustively extracting a complete spectrum of the best catalog representations of the clockmaker's finest accomplishments to place in his guide. The pages of his Seth Thomas Clocks & Movements contained refreshing, exact reproductions of Seth Thomas clocks found in original catalogs. Also, the arrangement of clocks was logical and indexed for ease of use - reflecting the publisher-editor's own insight as a highly knowledgeable and respected collector. Immediately, the collector's ability to quickly identify a clock and determine its originality and value was aided immensely by Mr. Ly's work. Thus, on hearing of the release of his second edition of Seth Thomas Clocks & Movements my expectations were high to say the least. Although I hardly thought the first edition could be improved, upon examination of the new edition I was shown otherwise. Mr. Ly has kept the best features of the original including his format, so loved by clock collectors everywhere, and the plethora of the clockmaker's finest works. But he has also added much more new material and meticulous detailing to the vast collection of clocks already there. Highly precise and clear photographs have been added to the ensemble of catalog reproductions and many illustrations have been enlarged. As is the case with all his publications, there is a supplementary price guide which includes current, realistic values of each clock as determined by a national panel of the best-informed and experienced experts on Seth Thomas clocks. The editor-publisher has thoughtfully separated the price from the book thereby allowing their updating - as values of clocks are never static. Tran Duy Ly, considered the leader in horological reference books and price guide information, includes his own, tested words of wisdom in the section "Important Tips." This section is a staple in all of his publications simply because it provides such sound advice for both novice and experienced collectors, dealers, and restorers. The section gives instruction, from one who has a lifetime of experience, regarding buying, selling, collecting, investing, speculation, and auctions. Factors which establish the prices of clocks and the finer points of grading the condition of a clock are some other topics discussed. Chris H. Bailey, a prominent authority of American clock history and former curator of the American Clock Museum in Bristol, Connecticut, has contributed an elegant 10-page history of Seth Thomas and his clock company. There is an eye-appealing City Series section which contains clear and crisp illustrations of models not included in the early edition such as the Alton, Cairo, Erie, Lafayette, Peoria, and Topeka. A complete treatment of Calendar clocks is also provided including Fashion calendar clocks. Of note throughout the book are the displays of original catalog illustrations of many clocks accompanied by actual, sharp photographs of the specific clock, its movement, and dial. This publication is also enriched by the knowledge of additional experts such as, Thomas Chapell on the topic of Sonora Chime clocks, Charles May on Fashion Calendar clocks, Tom Spittler on Longcase clocks and Mantel Clocks-Wood Cases and Paul V. Heffner on the dating of Seth Thomas clocks. Mr. Ly has again included a separate, thorough and more vast Movements section. Hundreds of illustrations and descriptions of Seth Thomas movements, along with a cross-referenced table, are provided and will no doubt give an added dimension of knowledge to clock collectors and repairers. Mr. Tran Duy Ly's newest book, the second edition of Seth Thomas Clocks & Movements, holds true with the precedence of excellence set forth by his many previous publications - those who own one are sure to agree with me. I am confident that this will be the definitive source of information on Seth Thomas clocks for all collectors. In recent years, Seth Thomas clocks have become evermore rare and collectable and this new guide is sure to serve as the perfect collecting tool for us all. | ||||
