U.S. Maritime Commission Sweep second hand clock. Chelsea Clock Company Boston, Massachusetts. 217108.
This Chelsea Type B Model 12E Deck/Engine Room Clock is designed to be a wall-mounted timepiece. It was made to the U.S. Government's specifications for the U.S. Maritime Commission right around World War II.
The case is made of black phenolic resin and features a hinged bezel that is secured with a small .5-inch knurled screw knob fastener. The dial is 6 inches in diameter and is treated with a silver finish that contrasts with the black numerals and black enamel spade hands, sweep second hand. This 12-hour dial is marked "Chelsea Clock Co. / Boston" and also "U.S. Maritime Commission / Ser. No. 7240." The movement, number 343732, is of excellent quality and features Chelsea's improved "micrometer" worm gear regulator.
For additional information about the Chelsea Clock Company, please review Andy Demeter's book, Chelsea Clock Company / The First Hundred Years.
Inventory number 217108.
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.
