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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Ship's bell clock

Chelsea Boston Ship's Bell Clock on Stand

Partially verified

This lot features a Chelsea Boston ship's bell clock mounted on a shaped wooden base, dated by the auction house to the early 1980s. The silvered metal dial features outer black Arabic numerals from 1 to 12 along with an inner 24-hour military scale, signed 'Boston' below 12 o'clock. Two winding apertures are positioned between the lower hour numerals. Source measurements indicate a rear flange measuring approximately 7-1/2 inches in diameter and a wooden base spanning 14 inches wide. A presentation plate is secured by screws to the front of the stand.

Front view of Chelsea Boston ship's bell clock mounted on wooden display stand
Front view of Chelsea Boston ship's bell clock mounted on wooden display stand — Blackwell Auctions LLC. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Ship's bell clock
Maker / attribution
Chelsea
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
11
Source-reported date
early 1980s
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

Object Identity and Mount

The auction catalog describes the piece as a "Vintage early 1980s Chelsea Boston ship's bell clock on wood stand." The circular case is mounted on a shaped wooden support base.

Dimension data reported by the auctioneer lists: "Rear flange measures about 7-1/2\" in diameter" and "Base is 14\" wide." An "Engraved plate on stand" is also recorded in the lot description.

Evidence for this section
  • “Vintage early 1980s Chelsea Boston ship's bell clock on wood stand.”
  • “Rear flange measures about 7-1/2" in diameter.”
  • “Base is 14" wide.”
  • “Engraved plate on stand.”

Dial Configuration and Physical Features

Visible observation shows a "Circular metal dial with 12-hour Arabic numerals, outer minute track, and inner 24-hour track." The dial is signed 'Boston' in script below the 12/00 mark.

The dial face exhibits "Two winding arbors located at approximately 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock." The brass or brass-finished cylindrical case shows "Visible surface oxidation on the brass bezel rim."

Evidence for this section
  • “Circular metal dial with 12-hour Arabic numerals, outer minute track, and inner 24-hour track”
  • “Signed 'Boston' in script below the 12/00 mark”
  • “Two winding arbors located at approximately 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock”
  • “Visible surface oxidation on the brass bezel rim”

Reported Condition and Mechanical Observations

According to the seller's condition notes, the movement "Runs when wound." However, this operational state is reported by the seller rather than independently verified.

The source explicitly notes maintenance and completeness defects: "Minute hand needs new retaining nut" and "Needs new key." In addition, the catalog records "Some minor surface oxidation on case."

Evidence for this section
  • “Runs when wound.”
  • “Minute hand needs new retaining nut.”
  • “Needs new key.”
  • “Some minor surface oxidation on case.”

Open research questions

  • What text or inscription is engraved on the plate affixed to the wooden stand?
  • What is the serial number stamped on the Chelsea Boston movement or case?
  • What specific caliber or movement model is installed inside the housing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Chelsea Boston Ship's Bell Clock on Stand
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Date AttributionEarly 1980s“Vintage early 1980s Chelsea Boston ship's bell clock”
Rear Flange DiameterAbout 7-1/2"“Rear flange measures about 7-1/2" in diameter.”
Base Width14"“Base is 14" wide.”
Stand MountWood stand“on wood stand”
ConditionRuns when wound, missing retaining nut and key“Runs when wound. Minute hand needs new retaining nut. Needs new key. Some minor surface oxidation on case.”
Stand PlaqueEngraved plate present on stand“Engraved plate on stand.”

Visible details

  • Circular metal dial with 12-hour Arabic numerals, outer minute track, and inner 24-hour track
  • Signed 'Boston' in script below the 12/00 mark
  • Two winding arbors located at approximately 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock
  • Brass or brass-finished cylindrical case mounted on a stepped mahogany-tone wooden mantel base
  • Engraved rectangular metal plaque affixed to the lower front base
  • Visible surface oxidation on the brass bezel rim

Research qualifications

  • Auction report indicates the minute hand requires a new retaining nut and no key is included
  • Movement caliber and internal mechanism are not illustrated or specified by the source

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Chelsea Boston Ships Bell Clock on Stand

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record b013250cb8

Terms in this record

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

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