A Chelsea Ships Bell. Centennial Addition Number 931. 223053.
This is a special model. The Chelsea Clock Company of Chelsea, MA, designed this attractive model in the late 1990s to honor the 100th anniversary of being in business. For this milestone, only a special clock would fit the bill. This limited-edition model is supported by a mahogany base elevated on four brass pad feet. The traditionally brass-formed case features a hinged bezel. The bezel opens to access the six-inch diameter dial. The segmented minute ring is closed, the Arabic-style hour numerals are applied and presented in a tumbled fashion, and the pierced ornamental centerpiece is gold-plated. On this is painted the company name and the dates 1897-1997. One can see the gearing and the escapement positioned on the front plate through the piercings. The 11-jewel, 8-day, key-wound mechanical movement chimes in a sequence that follows the mariner watch code, “Ship’s Bells.”
This is a very collectible example due to the “Special dial.” Special dial examples are difficult to come by. Collectors eagerly seek them out. In addition, we have the clock's original box.
For more information regarding Chelsea Clocks and the Company, please read Andy & David Demeter’s book, “Chelsea Clock Company: The First Hundred Years.”
Height 9”, Width 9 7/8”, Depth 4 1/8”
Inventory 223053.
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.
