One of a Kind?
ANTIQUE U.S. NAVY
CHELSEA CLOCK
Ca 1897 – 1899
Naval Observatory Certification
and Chelsea Stand
with silver face and Roman numerals. Date of manufacture Ca 1897 – 1899. Complete with original Chelsea
stand as shown.Presented is a very early Chelsea U.S. Navy Serial Number 67510 in a heavy
forged yellow brass case with screw on rose colored bezel, mounted on an Chelsea stand. Both are in original “mint”
condition, but the stand is not as specified by the Navy. The movement is numbered, but the case only has 24/950 scratched
on it.This very early clock has a 4 1/2″ silvered
brass dial with stenciled Roman numerals and inscriptions in black. Between III and XI, is
CHELSEA CLOCK COMPANY * BOSTON, USA and then, “U.S. NAVY, and beneath, the highly sought
after Naval Observatory cartouche, a stylized “N” inside a circle and their serial number 894 which is the lowest we’ve ever
seen.In fact, this clock’s face with its Roman numerals is not something
that has been known before in a U.S. Navy clock. Andrew Demeter, celebrated authority and author of “Chelsea Clock
Company, The First Hundred Years,” 2001, Chelsea, Massachusetts, misses it entirely when discussing Navy Deck and Boat
clocks, but includes a similar clock that was sold to the U.S. Life Saving Service in the same configuration in 1909.
See picture of that clock on the top of page 215.
valueSPECIFICATIONS:
The clock features large Roman numerals with moon style minute and hour hands, seconds bit above the 12 and early form
Fast/Slow adjustment lever at the II position. The classic 4 1/2 inch dial with 8 day jeweled movement is
housed within the original forged bronze case that has a screw-on bezel measuring 5 1/4 inches in diameter.
The precision, all jeweled movement dates this clock to 1910. The Model K movement is in perfect running condition.
This piece of maritime history and clock
maker’s art is one of the best and rarest examples of a U.S. Navy clock in existence. It will make a perfect gift for
someone deserving of the finest.
CONDITION: This
example is in as original “near mint“ condition as can be imagined, keeping good time, and with a nearly
un-blemished original face. The stand on which it is mounted is Chelsea made, but is not original to this clock, and
not Navy specified. The dots over the numerals once held radium for night viewing, but they are no longer radio active.
DIMENSIONS:
4 1/2″ Diameter of Dial
2 1/2″ Deep
5 1/4″ Full DiameterON
STAND: 7 3/4″ H x 9 1/4″ W 4″ D Weight 5 lbs 10 oz
– Old radium dotsWARRANTY: We guarantee that this clock will be working on arrival
and that our description is entirely accurate or your money back. The only conditions are that an email authorization be obtained
within three days, and that the instrument is returned in its original condition and packaging, and insured for its full value.
Unfortunately, shipping charges are not included in this offer and are non-refundable unless we are at fault. This does not
affect our policy on shipping damage which is discussed below.
