A Chelsea Library Clock retailed by Tiffany & Co. House strike. 8.5-inch diameter dial. 224141.
Chelsea's "Library" models, particularly in large diameters, are a rare find. The ads for this specific model in the Chelsea catalogs proudly proclaimed its patented case design on August 21, 1906. What sets it apart is the unique positioning of the clock's head directly over the base.
This heavy yellow brass case has been expertly polished and protected with a lacquer finish. The case design elevates the bracket base on four compressed ball feet. The base is symmetrical and includes a unique beading detail in the molding step. The rear flange and dial bezel are a non-typical Chelsea shape. Both are decorated with a coined edge along the perimeter. The bezel is hinged and fitted with glass. It opens to access the dial.
The plain dial, measuring 8.5 inches in diameter, has undergone a professional re-silvering and re-lining process. This meticulous restoration involves carefully removing the old silver and applying a new layer, ensuring the dial looks as good as new. It proudly bears the inscription 'Tiffany & Co / New York.' The Tiffany Company was the original retailer of this clock and sold it out of their showrooms.
Chelsea-made movements are of excellent quality and enjoy an outstanding reputation for providing reliable service. It is powered by coiled springs and is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. The balance wheel escapement allows this clock to be used in environments that are not stable. As a result, it will continue to run while being moved. The brass movement plates are circularly shaped. The back plate is die-stamped with the company information, "Chelsea Clock Co. / Boston, USA." Chelsea's production serial number, 68048, is also stamped in this location. This clock features a House Strike. This means it will strike each hour on the hour on a coil gong mounted inside the case. The high-grade movement has been recently serviced. The clock works perfectly.
The serial number 68048 on the movement and case bottom, dating the clock to 1910, connects you to a rich historical legacy.
Inventory number 224141.
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.
