U.S. Navy Marine clock with an 8.5-inch diameter black 24-dial and a sweep second-hand made by the Chelsea Clock Company, Boston, Massachusetts. 226021.
This Chelsea Type B Model 12E Deck/Engine Room Clock is designed for wall mounting. The Chelsea Clock Company met the U.S. Government's specifications for the U.S. Navy during World War II.
The case is made of black phenolic resin and has a hinged bezel secured with a 0.5-inch knurled screw knob. During World War II, brass was scarce and in high demand for war production, so phenolic resin cases were developed as a suitable replacement. These cases are heat- and water-resistant, lightweight, and durable. The black dial is 8.5 inches in diameter. The dial graphics, spade hands, and sweep second hand provide contrast. This 24-hour dial is marked "CHELSEA CLOCK CO. / BOSTON" and "U.S. NAVY / SER. No. 83428E." The movement is of excellent quality and features Chelsea's improved "micrometer" worm gear regulator.
For additional information about the Chelsea Clock Company, please review Andy Demeter's book Chelsea Clock Company / The First Hundred Years. You are also encouraged to visit Jim Dyson's comprehensive website, The Chelsea Clock Museum.
Inventory number 226021.
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.
