CHELSEA WW II U.S. NAVY MARK I DECK
CLOCK
COMPLETE EXAMPLE 3 PIECES

Naval Observatory Cartouche 1941
Presentation Quality

STAND INCLUDED A $75.00 VALUE

The WW II Chelsea MK I Deck Clock’s case was made differently than the ubiquitous
nickel plated Seth Thomas version. It is more refined and far better looking in this unique polished brass, forged, case.

DIMENSIONS: 5 1/2″ Diameter of face 3 1/4″ Full Diameter Weight 10 lbs 6 oz

Presented is a superior example of a Chelsea, back winding, Navy MK I Deck Clock with
a hinged front that is complete with two backing plates. One of these plates acts as a water tight cover and shock absorber
and the other mounts the case to a bulkhead or wall. It is rare to get these clocks with their back cover plate
and finding one with the original mounting plate is an even rarer exception. What is missing is the white plastic gasket that
made the clock waterproof and suitable for mounting on deck. The Chelsea version of what was supposed to be a standardized
mil-spec design is more refined and has a different hinge arrangement than the thousands of chrome plated clocks that
were made by Seth Thomas. This clock is in polished brass with a lacquer coating to preserve its luster. The movement, serial
number 294616 dates from 1941. It has been recently serviced by the former head of the Chelsea repair department, and is keeping
very good time compared to a quartz comparison watch. Navy MK I DECK clocks
of WW II were manufactured in accordance with military specifications 18C-11 and 18C -13. This Chelsea example has modifications
which are unique. The front section holds the movement and has an integral stud on the backing plate that acts as the hinge.
This compares to the more common Seth Thomas version which uses a removable pin, and has a chrome plated case. In both designs,
the back of the front section has all the controls on the rear.  The case and back
plate plus shock absorbing damper. 3 pieces total. Missing gasket. TWO TYPES OF DISPLAY:
A round varnished hardwood block can be used to hang the clock on a wall (i.e. bulkhead) or there is an antique reproduction
Mahogany stand for a desk or table top display as shown in the first picture. Both included at no extra cost.

Typical Seth
Thomas MK I casting uses a separate pin as a hinge Both Andrew Demeter in his definitive book, “Chelsea Clock Company, the first
100 years” and Marvin Whitney in his encyclopedic work, “MILITARY TIMEPIECES” say that these
clocks were chromium plated up to 1941 when cases were switched to Bakelite, a phenolic.

Markings on face
Controls on back have a dust
cover over Mark I Deck clock made by Chelsea
is a rare find, as is a clock of this age and service at sea to be found in this fine condition. It is perfect for a collector
of military pieces or as an important gift.<
Day Time Only Movement Beneath the hand arbor is etched:  MARK I DECK CLOCK
U.S. NAVY
(NO) 126881941(NO)represents the Naval Observatory
which means the clock not only met the military specifications, but also met the stringent standards of this institution which
maintains the Nation’s Time Standard. At the bottom of the dial it is marked Chelsea The following controls are accessed
on the back: Fast – Slow adjustment. To regulate
turn towards S to Slow and vice verso Stop – allows for
precision setting with master clock Set – moves hands It has a Chelsea Model 17K,
11 jewel 8 day movement that is wound, set and stopped through a slotted dust cover at its rear which closes. A separate
start/stop mechanism allows it to be synchronized with a master time piece. The removable vibration
dampener backing plate is attached to the bulkhead plate by six screws and holds the front case secure by a wing nut dog.Back view of Chelsea MK I Deck clock showing dust cover over the controls CONDITION: This example has
seen about 75 years of service, much of it at sea,dampenedves the appearance of being new. The face is in very good condition,
but shows a little evidence of aging when viewed close-up. The dots over the numbers once were painted with irradium for night
viewing, but this has been removed because it was radio active. The lens under most light conditions shows clear, but
has some minor light scratches. The movement has been recently serviced by the former head of the Chelsea repair department
and is keeping very good time. A Chelsea key is included. The case has been recently polished and lacquered.