A six-inch Chelsea Ship’s Bell. Chelsea, Massachusetts. 222121.
This is a ship’s clock, which implies that this model is designed to strike on the hour and half hour in a military time sequence. In other words, at 12:30, this clock will strike once on a coil gong located inside the case. At 1:00, the movement will strike twice, and at each half-hour interval until 4:00, it will strike an additional blow. At 4:00, this clock will strike a total of 8 times. At 8:30, this sequence will then repeat itself by starting over. This example is in very good condition. This case is brass and finished in nickel. It is heavy. The serial number is 282159. The case measures approximately 7.25 inches in diameter across the back and is 3.5 inches deep. The dial bezel is fitted with glass and is secured to the case by screwing it in place. This union is threaded, thus forming a very tight weather seal. The dial is brass and treated with a silvered finish. It measures approximately 6 inches in diameter and is engraved with a minute ring with Arabic numerals. The Maker’s name and model name,” SHIP’S BELL,” are in the center field.
The movement is of very good quality. It is spring-powered and designed to run eight days on a full wind and strike the hours and a half hours on a military time sequence. The escapement features a balance wheel. This allows this clock to be put in environments that are not stable. As a result, it will continue to run while being moved. The back plate is die-stamped with the company information. According to the serial number on the movement, this clock was made around 1936.
This is a very collectible example. Collectors eagerly seek these out.
For more information regarding Chelsea Clocks and the Company, please visit Jim Dyson’s “The Chelsea Clock Museum” at https://chelseaclockmuseum.com.
Inventory number 222121.
The Chelsea Clock Company Board of Directors met for the first time on July 28, 1897. The Board consisted of Whipple N. Potter, Jr., President, Charles H. Pearson, Treasurer, Reginald Foster, Clerk and Secretary. Allen L. Shepherd served on the Board with the elected officers. This first group of individuals was not together long. The Chelsea firm persevered and has enjoyed a long run of success as a result of making clocks of superior manufacture. This company made many clocks. Some of which were in the style of the Willard timepiece or banjo clock, the E. Howard Model No., 70 and more famously, marine clocks. This company remains in business today.
