The Vanderbuilt. A 3.75 Chelsea Ships Bell. Chelsea, Massachusetts. This nautically themed Desk Clock was retailed by the Boston jeweler Shreve, Crump & Low Co. 223096.
This “SHIP’S BELL” striking clock is designed to sit on one’s desk. This example is in good original condition and features a patinated bronze finish. This case is made of brass and is surprisingly heavy. It is 8 inches tall, 7 inches wide, and 5 inches deep. The dial is 3.75 inches in diameter.
The serial number “657280” can be found die-stamped on the back of the case and the backplate of the movement. According to the serial number on the movement, this clock was made between 1960 and 1964.
The dial 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. The display information is engraved and filled with black paint for contrast. The Maker’s name and movement style,” CHELSEA / SHIP’S BELL,” is located in the center field. The Retailer’s name is engraved in the upper section. This reads, “SHREVE, CRUMP & LOW CO. / BOSTON.” Blued steel spade-shaped hands display the time.
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 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.
This is a very collectible example and is sold fully serviced and in excellent working order.
For more information regarding Chelsea Clocks and the Company, please Jim Dyson’s website at: http://www.chelseaclockmuseum.com
Inventory number 223096.
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.
