A 12-inch Chelsea Ship's Bell. Chelsea Clock Co., Chelsea, Massachusetts. 218142.
This is a ship's clock. This example is in very good original condition. This case is brass and is quite heavy. Fortunately, it retains its original finish and currently exhibits a lovely original mellow patina. It is very unusual to find a big-cased Chelsea in this condition. The vast majority of the examples I have seen have been cleaned and polished multiple times over their lifetime. The serial number "23775" can be found die-stamped in two locations. It is located on the back of the case and the backplate of the movement. The numbers match. According to the serial number on the movement, this clock was made in 1906.
The case measures approximately 14.25 inches in diameter across the back and is 4.5 inches deep. The bezel is hinged and is fitted with glass. It opens from the left, allowing one to access the dial. The dial is brass and treated with a silvered finish. It measures approximately 12 inches in diameter. The time ring is painted with a minute ring with Arabic hour numerals. The Maker's name, working location, and model name," SHIP'S BELL," are located in the center field.
The movement is of very good quality. It is spring wound and is designed to run for eight days and to strike on the hour and half hour in a military 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 at 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.
This is a very collectible example. Collectors eagerly seek these out.
Inventory Number 218142.
For more information regarding Chelsea Clocks and the Company, please Jim Dyson's website at: http://www.chelseaclockmuseum.com
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.
