A 12-inch Chelsea Automatic Ship's Bell in rose brass. "Presented by Mrs. Charles H. Pearson, Brookline, MA. / for the / Brooklyn Branch Navy YMCA / 1913." 224137.
This Chelsea Automatic Ship's Bell Clock Outfit is a challenging combination to find. It includes a 12-inch ship's bell clock fitted with the automatic mechanism and the auxiliary 8.5-inch brass bell. The additional bell is designed to be mounted in another location. The 1912 catalog stated, "Nothing more attractive for use on Yachts and in clubs, etc. Is especially desirable for use at Seashore and Country Estates. Bell can be located almost any distance from the clock." The Outfit, 8.5-inch diameter brass bell, special mechanism, and dry cell batteries, was an additional $100 charge over the cost of the clock. In this case, the 12-inch dial clock costs $85 for a total of $185.
This example is in very good condition. The rose brass colored case has been polished and protected with a lacquer finish. It currently exhibits a lovely mellow patina. The serial number "86019" can be found die-stamped in two locations. It is located on the back of the case and the backplate of the movement. The numbers match. According to the serial number on the movement, this clock was made in 1913.
The case measures approximately 14.25 inches in diameter across the back and is 4.5 inches deep. The bezel is hinged and is fitted with glass. It opens from the left, allowing one to access the dial. The lower portion of the bezel is engraved, "Presented by Mrs. Charles H. Pearson, Brookline, MA. / for the / Brooklyn Branch Navy YMCA / 1913." This dial is handpainted and is in original condition. It is brass and treated with a silvered finish. It measures approximately 12 inches in diameter. The time ring is painted with a segmented minute ring and Arabic hour numerals. The Maker's name, working location, and model name, "AUTOMATIC / SHIP'S BELL," are located in the center field.
The movement is of excellent 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.
Collectors eagerly seek out large dial examples.
For more information regarding Chelsea Clocks and the Company, please Jim Dyson's website at: http://www.chelseaclockmuseum.com
Inventory number 224137.
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.
