Clock · Desk or pocket clock

Chelsea Brass Airplane or Automotive Clock

Partially verified

This brass-cased horological object is identified as a Chelsea 'Airplane or Automotive' clock, produced in 1897. The timepiece, which was retailed by Smith Patterson Co. of Boston, is designed as a desk or pocket clock. It features a circular brass housing and includes a brass winding key. The dial is equipped with Arabic numerals for hour markings and includes a small seconds sub-dial positioned at the top. A manual regulation slot, marked for slow (S) and fast (F) adjustments, is positioned above the dial aperture. The overall dimensions are recorded as 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 x 2 1/2 inches. This object is attributed to the manufacturing output of the Chelsea Clock company, which maintains a historical reputation for producing marine-style mechanical movements and brass-cased clocks within the United States. The piece demonstrates a utilitarian aesthetic consistent with specialized automotive or aviation instrumentation of the era.

Front view of the Chelsea brass desk clock showing the dial, hands, seconds sub-dial, and accompanying brass winding key. — Sarasota Estate Auction / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: orbiscollectibles.com
Category: Clock · Desk or pocket clock
Maker / attribution: Chelsea Clock
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 205785477
Source-reported date: 1897
Source-reported place: 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

Physical Design and Dial Features

The clock is encased in a solid brass housing, measuring approximately 3 1/4 by 3 1/4 by 2 1/2 inches. The dial display is marked with clear Arabic numerals for the primary hour indications. Positioned prominently at the upper portion of the dial is a secondary seconds sub-dial, which measures increments of sixty. The dial bears the signature of the retailer, Smith Patterson Co., alongside the city of origin, Boston.

A key feature of the movement's external adjustment system is the regulation slot located at the top of the dial. This mechanism allows for manual adjustment of the timing rate, utilizing an indicator marked with 'S' for slow and 'F' for fast. The object is accompanied by its brass winding key, which is used for manual operation of the internal mechanism.

Evidence for this section

“brass-cased desk or pocket clock”
“featuring Arabic numerals, a top seconds sub-dial, a slow/fast regulation slot”
“retailed by Smith Patterson Co. Boston”

Manufacturing and Attribution

The object is attributed to the Chelsea Clock company based on its production date of 1897. The manufacturer, based in Chelsea, is identified in documentation as a producer of mechanical clocks characterized by their precision and engineering. Their production history includes a range of timepieces, specifically noted for marine-grade construction.

The listing classifies this specific example as an 'Airplane or Automotive' clock. This designation suggests an intended use within mobile environments, requiring durability and accuracy. While the piece bears the hallmarks of the maker's nautical and instrument-grade designs, independent verification of the specific automotive or aviation categorization remains necessary for complete historical placement.

Evidence for this section

“Chelsea Airplane or Automotive Clock”
“Chelsea Clock has been producing high-quality American clocks since 1897”
“Chelsea clocks are distinguished by their solid brass cases, finely engineered mechanical movements”

Documentation and Record Status

This entry represents a specific recorded specimen identified under the auction object ID 205785477. The auction house Sarasota Estate Auction provided the initial descriptions used for this catalogue record. It is noted that while the piece is consistent with the general output of the Chelsea factory, official validation of the model's exact type and heritage status is subject to further research in specialist horological literature.

The record serves as a documented observation of one physical item. The source information focuses on the provenance provided by the auction archival record, ensuring that the documented facts are derived from the original listing. No further catalogue numbers or factory archives have been cross-referenced at this time.

Evidence for this section

“Listing object ID 205785477”
“Auction-house description published on Invaluable”
“independent type authentication remains research required”

Open research questions

Does the 'Airplane or Automotive' classification match specific factory model registers from 1897?
What internal movement caliber corresponds to this specific dial layout and regulation configuration?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Chelsea Brass Airplane or Automotive Clock
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	Chelsea Clock	“Chelsea Clock has been producing high-quality American clocks since 1897”
Retailer	Smith Patterson Co. Boston	“retailed by Smith Patterson Co. Boston”
Dimensions	3 1/4 x 3 1/4 x 2 1/2 in	“3 1/4 x 3 1/4 x 2 1/2 in.”
Material	Brass	“brass-cased desk or pocket clock”
Regulation	Manual slow/fast regulator	“a slow/fast regulation slot”

Visible details

Brass case construction with rounded profile
Dial features Smith Patterson Co. Boston signature
Regulation lever at 12 o'clock labeled S and F
Seconds sub-dial positioned at top of main dial

Research qualifications

Authentication of the specific model type remains research required
Classification as an automotive or airplane clock is derived solely from the auction listing title

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

Consulted source

Clock, brass, Chelsea, Boston, 1897

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 3f5ad3c2bd

Terms in this record

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