Chelsea U. S. Light House Establishment Marine clock. 4.5 inch diameter dial. 224146.
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 because they had them stamped inside the case, or occasionally, the lower tablet or dials were lettered with their logo at the factory. Identifying a clock as having served in the service adds to the interest and collectibility of what could be a common 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, operated by the individual States, was transferred to the government. As a result, their maintenance cost was now the Treasury's responsibility.
The brass base case is finished in nickel and boasts a historic patina. It has the appearance of being in service and used- like it was taken off the wall yesterday. This base case measures about 5.5 inches in diameter and 2.5 inches deep. It is mounted on a circular mahogany-wood plate.
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 "Chelsea Clock Company, Boston. U.S.A. / U.S.L.H. ESTB." Chelsea-Boston is printed below the minute ring.
Chelsea's movements are of excellent 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 seven jewels, a Breguet-style hairspring, a compensating balance, an elaborately engraved bridge, cut and hardened steel pinions, and ground and polished pivots. The front plate is die-stamped with company information and serial number 8890. This early serial number confirms this example was made between 1910 and 1914. This movement version uses a Fast / Slow rate adjustment wheel located on the dial.
Chelsea clocks with lighthouse references are a rare and sought-after find for collectors of Light House memorabilia. This clock, with its unique history and features, is a prized possession for any Chelsea collector, adding excitement to your collection. It is a reminder that Chelsea's motto, "Time Keepers of the Sea." was appropriate.
Inventory number 224146.
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.
