Twelve-inch large dial Chelsea Ship’s Bell Clock signed above the center of the hands “US MARITIME COMMISSION” circa 1942. The back of the movement is signed CHELSEA CLOCK CO. BOSTON U.S.A., serial number on movement #334013. On the dial between the winding post the clock is engraved Chelsea Ship’s Bell. The clock has its original 8-day Chelsea time and strike movement with the number#321161. The same number matches the same number stamped at the bottom edge of the rear of the case. The clock has its original engraved dial with wax filled Arabic numerals. Above the “US Maritime Commission” inscription is a slow/fast adjustment. The clock has a yellow brass case applied shield shaped hinge and hinged bezel.
Condition: The clock has been restored and is running accurately. (CL-635)
Dimensions:
Note: The USMC ordered about 60 of these 12” brass ship’s bell clocks from about 1942-1943. They were to be positioned in the lounge area on C4 cargo/tanker type ships. Documentation of this in a library in San Francisco. 12” clock production at Chelsea came to a grinding halt about 1930. Just a very small number after 1930 were produced, with the exception of the 60 for USMC. Understand this was in WW2 and brass was a strategic material, the Navy had gone to phenolic/black plastic cases to conserve brass, but here comes the USMC ordering and getting approval for these extravagant clocks. At this "US Maritime Commission" 12 inch striking Chelsea clocks or any 12 inch striker have practically vanished from the market for sale.
