The Chelsea Yacht Wheel Ship's Bell Mantel Clock. This clock features a 6-inch dial. 226151.
This large clock with an engraved dial was retailed by "J. E. CALDWELL & CO." This example attests to the exquisite craftsmanship of the Chelsea Clock Company, located in Chelsea, Massachusetts.
This fine Chelsea Yacht Wheel Ship's Bell Clock mantel clock case is approximately 18 inches high, 12.5 inches wide, and 5.75 inches deep.
The Yacht wheel form consists of a metal base and case that is attached to a sturdy mahogany platform. This is a very stable arrangement. The case's surfaces retain a consistent historic patina which exhibits very little wear. The Chelsea catalog describes this finish as a “shaded old brass finish.” A shield-shaped hinge on the right supports the dial bezel, and a push-button latch on the left locks it closed. One opens this bezel to access the dial, open moon hands, and winding arbors.
This silvered brass dial features engraved Arabic hour numerals, an engraved closed minute ring, and the Retailer's name and company information. The model name, “SHIP'S BELL," is located in the center field. The retailer's name is located above it. This reads, "J. E. CALDWELL & CO."
The Chelsea Clock Co. made high-quality movements designed to run for eight days once fully wound. The strike train uses a ship's bell striking arrangement on a coil-shaped gong inside the case. It strikes the traditional ship's bell code: one bell for each half-hour on a four-hour watch. The watch starts at 12:00. At 12:30, it strikes once. At 1:00, it strikes twice. This continues until it strikes eight times at 4:00, then the process repeats. This format is common in nautical settings. The gong's sound is deep and rich, sure to please.
This Chelsea clock was made between 1920 and 1924 based on the serial number "137656" die-stamped into the movement's back plate
This 100-plus-year-old clock is sold fully serviced and in excellent working order, a testament to its quality and durability. The movement has been completely disassembled and cleaned. We addressed wear areas during the rebuild. We then lubricated and tested the movement to ensure proper performance.
Inventory number 226151.
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.
