A Mahogany and Metal twelve-inch Red Brass case Chelsea Ships Bell with a Special Grand dial. Chelsea, Massachusetts. 224114.
This Mahogany and Metal twelve-inch Red Brass case Chelsea Ships Bell was retailed by Louis Weule Co. San Francisco, CA. This is a truly exceptional piece, distinguished by its impressive Red Brass case and Special Grand dial, making it one of only two clocks known to exist in this size and dial configuration. Owning this clock is a privilege reserved for the most discerning collectors.
This Chelsea Ship's Clock, often mistakenly called the "Commander" model, is known as the "Mahogany and Metal" due to its early serial number, 23783. In 1906, it was listed in the catalog for $125, a testament to its historical significance. According to the serial number 23783 on the movement, this clock was made in 1907, connecting you directly to a bygone era.
This clock is in excellent condition, a testament to its quality and durability. With its polished surfaces, the red brass case presents a warm glow, and the patina is superb. It is rare to come across a big-cased Chelsea clock in such pristine condition.
The wooden base measures approximately 20.25 across and is 8.5 inches deep. The bezel is hinged and is fitted with glass. It opens from the left, allowing one to access the 12-inch diameter dial. Special Grand dials are formatted with a fancy pierced center inset. The Retailer's name and Ships Bell are engraved on this surface. The brass Arabic hour numerals are applied at the hour positions along the close minute ring. This time ring has silver washed. The hands are steel and have been blued.
Louis Weule Co. was founded in 1862 by Charles Pace of London. It was taken over by Weule in 1892, and the name was changed in 1906 after the San Francisco earthquake and fire. The Company dealt with nautical charts, instruments, and supplies. The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park in San Francisco, CA, has several of the Company's ledger books, correspondence, and invoices in their collection. They also have Weule's personal Jornal dating from January 1, 1904, through December 31, 1908.
The movement is of excellent quality. It is spring wound and is designed to run for eight days and to strike on the hour and half hour in a nautical time sequence. This means that at 12:30, this clock will strike once. 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. The escapement features a balance wheel. This allows this clock to be used in environments that are not stable. As a result, it will continue to run while being moved. The plates of this movement are circularly shaped. The back plate is die-stamped with the company information.
Large diameter dial Chelsea clocks are highly collectible that collectors eagerly seek out. The combination of special features and the clocks' excellent condition make it a valuable addition to any collection.
For more information regarding Chelsea Clocks and the Company, please Jim Dyson's website at: http://www.chelseaclockmuseum.com
Inventory number 224114.
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.
