There is a note on the back of this indicating that the motor was replaced in 1980, and from what it sounds like, it may have been replaced with a motor from another Seth Thomas Clock. The stamp on the motor says 1969. the person who wrote the note obtained the clock in 1970. It does not say whether it was new at that time or if it was an antique. I have tried to find a similar clock on the internet, but have not seen any Seth Thomas clocks that have such a dark background or that look hand-made like this one. I don't know if it is a fake or something made to look old to celebrate the year the company was established, or if the wood work is actually from 1813. I'd imagine it is not worth much anyway with the battery powered motor replacement, but if anyone has any info, I'd appreciate it!
Seth Thomas Clock 1813 "Declaration" Model? E 899-A78
Any clock with a battery operated motor is of very recent manufacture, and not of any historical interest to collectors. I've not seen this particular clock before, but it is similar to a great many Colonial/Federal style items made during the run up to The USA's Bicentennial in 1976. I hope you didn't pay too much for it, similar pieces often are hard to sell even at auction, most sell for lessthan $50.00.
LovejoyÂ