A Chelsea 4.5-inch "U. S. Light House Service" Marine clock. 224145.
The U. S. Lighthouse Service is known to have purchased numerous clocks from the Howard & Davis Clock Company, the E. Howard & Company, the Chelsea Clock Company, and the Seth Thomas Clock Company. These clocks were put into service in their buildings and used by the lighthouse keepers. A small number of the clocks that the service purchased are identifiable by a stamping inside the case, or occasionally, the lower tablet or dials are lettered with their logo at the factory. Identifying a clock as having served in the service adds to the interest and collectibility of the example.
The United States Light House Establishment (USLHE) was created and operated under the Department of Treasury in 1789. Shortly after, all U. S. lighthouse ownership was transferred to the government. Individual states operated the twelve lighthouses that existed then. These were taken over, and the maintenance cost was now the Treasury's responsibility.
The case is mounted on a circular walnut-wood plate. The brass base case is finished in nickel and boasts a historic patina. It looks lightly used, a sign of its careful maintenance. This base case measures about 5.5 inches in diameter and 2.5 inches deep.
The 4-inch diameter brass dial retains a silver finish. The graphics, including the Roman-style hour numerals, segmented minute ring, subsidiary seconds display, etc, are painted. The face proudly bears the inscription "U.S.L.H. Service." Chelsea-Boston is found below the minute ring.
Chelsea's movements are of very good quality and, as a result, have built a solid reputation for reliability. The spring-driven marine movements power the mechanism for eight days between windings. The movement design is robust. It is constructed with 7 jewels, a Breguet-style hairspring, a compensating balance, an engraved bridge, cut and hardened steel pinions, and ground and polished pivots. The plates are finished in nickel. The back plate is die-stamped with company information and serial number 198563. This serial number confirms this example was made between 1930 and 1934. This movement version uses a Fast / Slow rate adjustment wheel is positioned on the dial.
Chelsea clocks with lighthouse references are a rare and sought-after find for collectors of Light House memorabilia. Chelsea collectors, a passionate and dedicated community, eagerly seek purpose-built marine clock examples like this one.
Inventory number 224145.
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.
