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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Regulator wall clock

Chelsea Clock Company No. 1 Pendulum Clock

Partially verified

This wall clock is catalogued as a No. 1 Pendulum Clock made by the Chelsea Clock Company in Boston, dated by the auction house to the early to mid-20th century. Housed in an oak wood drop regulator case measuring 34 by 16 by 5.5 inches, it features brass hardware and a lower glazed door. The white dial displays Roman numerals, spade-style hands, and a single winding aperture positioned off-center, inscribed with the maker's name. A wooden pendulum rod with a circular brass bob is visible through the rectangular lower viewing glass.

Front view of the Chelsea Clock Company No. 1 pendulum wall clock in an oak case
Front view of the Chelsea Clock Company No. 1 pendulum wall clock in an oak case — Hoch LTD.. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Regulator wall clock
Maker / attribution
Chelsea Clock Company
Reference
No. 1 Pendulum Clock
Catalogue / lot identifier
64
Source-reported date
Early to mid 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

Identity and Model Designation

The auction catalogue identifies this wall clock as a "model name No. 1 Pendulum Clock" produced by "Chelsea Clock Company, Boston" and dates it to the "Early to mid 20th century". Direct visual observation confirms the dial is inscribed "CHELSEA CLOCK CO. BOSTON" beneath the center arbor.

The lot is catalogued with provenance noted as "From a Princeton, New Jersey collection." Further individual ownership history or factory production logs are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “model name No. 1 Pendulum Clock”
  • “Chelsea Clock Company, Boston”
  • “Early to mid 20th century”
  • “From a Princeton, New Jersey collection.”
  • “Dial is inscribed 'CHELSEA CLOCK CO. BOSTON' beneath the center arbor.”

Case Form and Observed Construction

The clock is constructed from "oak wood" and listed with dimensions of "34\" x 16\" x 5.5\"." Although the auction listing text describes it as "An octagonal long drop regulator clock", visual observation shows a "Circular molded upper bezel surmounts a rectangular drop case with glazed door displaying a brass pendulum bob."

The auction text also describes the case as "featuring brass hardware and a glass door". Inside the lower glazed door, a wooden pendulum rod and a circular brass bob are visually apparent.

Evidence for this section
  • “An octagonal long drop regulator clock in oak wood made by Chelsea Clock Company in Boston, featuring brass hardware and a glass door, model name No. 1 Pendulum Clock.”
  • “34" x 16" x 5.5"”
  • “Circular molded upper bezel surmounts a rectangular drop case with glazed door displaying a brass pendulum bob.”

Dial Configuration and Mechanical Observations

Visual observation records that "A single winding arbor is located near the 2 o'clock position on the dial." The white dial features black Roman hour numerals and spade-style hands.

Regarding operational status, the seller condition report explicitly states "Not tested." The internal movement mechanism, pendulum suspension, and case interior are not depicted or described in the provided auction listing.

Evidence for this section
  • “A single winding arbor is located near the 2 o'clock position on the dial.”
  • “Not tested.”

Open research questions

  • What movement caliber, serial number, or patent markings are stamped on the movement plate inside the case?
  • Why does the catalog description state 'octagonal long drop regulator' when direct observation shows a circular upper bezel?
  • Does any original Chelsea Clock Company manufacturing label or paper instruction sheet remain on the interior backboard?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Chelsea Clock Company No. 1 Pendulum Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Model NameNo. 1 Pendulum Clock“model name No. 1 Pendulum Clock”
MakerChelsea Clock Company, Boston“Chelsea Clock Company, Boston”
Case MaterialOak wood“oak wood made by Chelsea Clock Company”
Dimensions34" x 16" x 5.5"“34" x 16" x 5.5"”
DateEarly to mid 20th century“Early to mid 20th century”
ProvenancePrinceton, New Jersey collection“From a Princeton, New Jersey collection.”
Hardware MaterialBrass“featuring brass hardware and a glass door”
Seller-Reported Operational StatusNot tested“Not tested.”
Seller-Reported ConditionVery good condition, no evident marks to surface“Very good condition, no evident marks to surface.”

Visible details

  • Dial is inscribed 'CHELSEA CLOCK CO. BOSTON' beneath the center arbor.
  • Circular molded upper bezel surmounts a rectangular drop case with glazed door displaying a brass pendulum bob.
  • A single winding arbor is located near the 2 o'clock position on the dial.

Research qualifications

  • Movement condition was noted as not tested by the auction house.
  • The interior movement, serial numbers, and case interior are not depicted.
  • The auction house description mentions an 'octagonal long drop regulator', but the upper bezel is visibly circular.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Chelsea Clock Company Antique Pendulum Wall Clock

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 7d72b7d729

Terms in this record

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

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