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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Ship's bell clock

Bailey, Banks, & Biddle Co. Ship's Bell Clock

Partially verified

This early 20th-century ship's bell clock is catalogued by Bonhams Skinner as originating from Bailey, Banks, & Biddle Co. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The nautical timekeeper is housed in a bronze ship's wheel frame mounted atop a flared bronze plinth, which rests on a dark molded wooden base. Its white dial features Arabic numeral hour markers, two winding apertures, and two centrally pivoted hands, measuring approximately 17 inches in height.

Front view of the ship's bell wheel clock mounted on a bronze plinth and molded wood base
Front view of the ship's bell wheel clock mounted on a bronze plinth and molded wood base — Bonhams Skinner. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Clock · Ship's bell clock
Maker / attribution
Bailey, Banks, & Biddle Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
64
Source-reported date
early 20th century
Country
United States

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Construction and Form

The catalog describes the timepiece as "framed in a bronze ships wheel with bronze plinth and molded wood base" with a listed height of "Ht. 17 in." Visible inspection shows the bronze wheel case fitted with eight turned spokes radiating from the rim.

The wheel assembly is supported on a flared bronze pedestal base that rests upon a stepped rectangular dark wood plinth.

Evidence for this section
  • “The clock framed in a bronze ships wheel with bronze plinth and molded wood base.”
  • “Ht. 17 in.”
  • “Ship's wheel design features eight turned bronze spokes extending from the outer rim.”
  • “Flared bronze pedestal base set upon a stepped rectangular dark wood plinth.”

Dial Configuration

The clock displays a white dial calibrated with black Arabic numerals and an outer minute track.

Two winding arbors are visibly positioned on the dial between the 4 and 8 hour markers. The source description does not specify movement train details.

Evidence for this section
  • “White dial with black Arabic numerals and minute track.”
  • “Dial exhibits two winding arbors positioned between the 4 and 8 hour markers.”

Cataloguing and Movement Details

The lot is catalogued under the title "Ship's Bell Clock, Bailey, Banks, & Biddle Co., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, early 20th century." Specific internal movement construction, escapement, and bell mechanisms are not recorded in this source.

Neither the reverse side of the case nor internal movement plates are illustrated or transcribed in the listing, leaving maker marks or serial numbers behind the dial unrecorded.

Evidence for this section
  • “Ship's Bell Clock, Bailey, Banks, & Biddle Co., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, early 20th century.”

Open research questions

  • What movement maker or patent stamps, if any, are engraved on the movement plates inside the bronze wheel case?
  • Does the reverse of the dial or movement back plate show a serial number matching a specific production year?
  • What specific bell strike arrangement is incorporated into the movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bailey, Banks, & Biddle Co. Ship's Bell Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBailey, Banks, & Biddle Co.“Bailey, Banks, & Biddle Co., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania”
Dateearly 20th century“early 20th century.”
Framingbronze ships wheel with bronze plinth and molded wood base“The clock framed in a bronze ships wheel with bronze plinth and molded wood base.”
Height17 in.“Ht. 17 in.”
Auction CollectionThe William Dana Lippman Collection: Splendor of American Furniture“The William Dana Lippman Collection: Splendor of American Furniture | Bonhams Skinner”
Sale Date and Location14 November 2023, Marlborough, Massachusetts“14 November 2023, 10:00 EST Skinner Marlborough, Massachusetts”
Realized PriceUS$1,088 inc. premium“Sold for US$1,088 inc. premium”

Visible details

  • White dial with black Arabic numerals and minute track.
  • Ship's wheel design features eight turned bronze spokes extending from the outer rim.
  • Dial exhibits two winding arbors positioned between the 4 and 8 hour markers.
  • Flared bronze pedestal base set upon a stepped rectangular dark wood plinth.

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement details and maker markings behind the dial are not described or pictured.
  • Reverse side and case depth are not shown.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Bonhams Skinner : Ship's Bell Clock, Bailey, Banks, & Biddle Co., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, early 20th century.

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 93ca7bbe0e

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other ship's bell clock records