Chelsea Clock Co. 'Yacht Wheel' Ship's Bell Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1970
This Chelsea Clock Co. 'Yacht Wheel' ship's bell mantel clock dates to circa 1970 according to the auction catalog. Produced in Boston, Massachusetts, the clock features a brass and bronze wheel-form case with a hinged front bezel door mounted on a flared mahogany pedestal base.
Its silvered brass dial is fitted with blued spade hands, Arabic numerals, two winding apertures, a slow/fast regulation slot, and inscriptions reading 'N.Y. Nautical Instrument & Service Corp.' and 'Chelsea Ship's Bell'. Powering the clock is an eight-day, spring-driven brass movement with lever escapement and ship's bell strike mechanism.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Ship's bell mantel clock
- Model
- Yacht Wheel ship's bell mantel clock
- Dimensions
- 11in x 8in x 4.5in
- Movement type
- Eight day, time and ship's bell strike, spring driven brass movement with lever escapement
- Place recorded
- United States
- Dial inscription
- NY Nautical Instrument Service Corp
- Maker and origin
- Chelsea Clock Co., Boston, Mass.
- Case stamped number
- 769084
- Maker / attribution
- Chelsea Clock Co.
- Movement serial number
- 721744
Design
- Visible features
- • Steering wheel motif case featuring eight turned metal spokes projecting from the central bezel ring • Silvered dial displays Arabic hour numerals, outer railway minute track, blued spade hands, and a regulation slot between 9 and 10 o'clock • Mounted on a stepped base combining flared metallic uprights with a wooden plinth • Dial inscribed with 'N.Y. NAUTICAL INSTRUMENT & SERVICE CORP.' above center and 'CHELSEA SHIP'S BELL' below center
- Case Form and Construction
- The clock is designed around a maritime steering wheel motif featuring eight turned metal spokes projecting from the central bezel ring, with a hinged front bezel door. The auction listing describes the case as brass and bronze, resting on a 'mahogany pedestal' and separately referencing a 'wood and bronze coated base'. Visual observation confirms the assembly is mounted on a stepped plinth combining flared metallic uprights with a wooden base. Overall dimensions are listed as 11 inches high by 8 inches wide and 4.5 inches deep. The auction catalog records the case as stamped with number 769084, distinct from the movement serial number.
- Movement and Source Condition Notes
- According to the auction catalog, the clock is powered by an eight-day, spring-driven brass movement with lever escapement and ship's bell strike mechanism, recorded under serial number 721744. The lot entry dates the piece to circa 1970. Regarding operational status at cataloguing, the source notes that the movement strikes but was not ticking. Cosmetic condition notes from the source report that the brass case has a spotty appearance with lacquer degradation, and the base displays tarnishing and blemishes. Rear case views and the interior movement are not depicted in the source.
- Dial Features and Retail Inscriptions
- The clock is fitted with a silvered brass dial displaying Arabic hour numerals, an outer railway minute track, and blued spade hands. Visual inspection shows a slow/fast regulation slot situated between the 9 and 10 o'clock numerals alongside dual winding apertures in the lower dial face. The dial carries specialized retailer and maker lettering, inscribed 'N.Y. NAUTICAL INSTRUMENT & SERVICE CORP.' above the center arbor and 'CHELSEA SHIP'S BELL' below. The catalog claims the dial and hands are original, noting minor surface knicks and scratches.
Identification
- Serial number
- 721744
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Source notes the brass case exhibits a spotty appearance with lacquer degradation, the base has blemishes and tarnishing, and the movement strikes but was not ticking at cataloguing
- Research required: Rear case and interior movement views are not shown