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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Ship's bell desk clock

Chelsea Ship's Bell Clock

Partially verified

Source-dated to the early 20th century in America, this Chelsea ship's bell clock features a silvered dial set within a brass ship's wheel casing. The circular dial displays Arabic numerals, an outer track, and two winding arbors, with the dial inscription reading 'CHELSEA SHIP'S BELL'. The wheel assembly rests upon a sweeping brass plinth supported by a rectangular dark wooden base. According to the auction catalogue, the clock measures 10 1/4 inches high, 8 3/4 inches wide, and 4 3/8 inches deep.

Front view of Chelsea ship's bell clock in brass wheel casing on plinth base
Front view of Chelsea ship's bell clock in brass wheel casing on plinth base — Bonhams Skinner. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Clock · Ship's bell desk clock
Maker / attribution
Chelsea
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
29
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

Identity and Provenance

Catalogued as an American ship's bell clock by Chelsea, this timepiece is source-dated to the early 20th century. It appeared as Lot 29 in Bonhams Skinner's sale 'The William Dana Lippman Collection: Splendor of American Furniture' held in Marlborough, Massachusetts.

The auction entry does not document an explicit manufacturing year or previous ownership history prior to its inclusion in the Lippman collection.

Evidence for this section
  • “Chelsea Ship's Bell Clock, America, early 20th century.”
  • “The William Dana Lippman Collection: Splendor of American Furniture | Bonhams Skinner”

Case Design and Dimensions

The clock is housed in a brass ship's wheel case, with visual observations confirming eight turned spokes radiating from the rim. The wheel is supported by a brass plinth mounted over a dark wood base.

The catalogued dimensions for the clock are 10 1/4 inches high, 8 3/4 inches wide, and 4 3/8 inches deep.

Evidence for this section
  • “The clock with silvered dial framed within a brass ship's wheel, on brass plinth and wood base.”
  • “Ship's wheel bezel features eight turned spokes radiating from the circular case.”
  • “Ht. 10 1/4, wd. 8 3/4, dp. 4 3/8 in.”

Dial Configuration and Inscriptions

The dial is silvered and displays Arabic numerals, a peripheral minute track, and two winding arbors positioned between the 4 and 8 numeral locations.

Below the central hand arbor, the dial is marked with the inscription 'CHELSEA SHIP'S BELL'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silvered dial displays Arabic numerals, a peripheral minute track, and two winding arbors positioned between 4 and 8.”
  • “Dial is inscribed 'CHELSEA SHIP'S BELL' beneath the central arbor.”

Open research questions

  • What serial number is stamped on the rear movement or case back, and what precise year of manufacture does it indicate according to Chelsea factory records?
  • What movement caliber powers the clock, and what is the configuration of the ship's bell striking mechanism?
  • What wood species comprises the lower base?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Chelsea Ship's Bell Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerChelsea“Chelsea Ship's Bell Clock, America, early 20th century.”
OriginAmerica“Chelsea Ship's Bell Clock, America, early 20th century.”
Dateearly 20th century“Chelsea Ship's Bell Clock, America, early 20th century.”
Dial and Case DescriptionSilvered dial framed in a brass ship's wheel on brass plinth and wood base“The clock with silvered dial framed within a brass ship's wheel, on brass plinth and wood base.”
DimensionsHt. 10 1/4, wd. 8 3/4, dp. 4 3/8 in.“Ht. 10 1/4, wd. 8 3/4, dp. 4 3/8 in.”
CollectionThe William Dana Lippman Collection: Splendor of American Furniture“The William Dana Lippman Collection: Splendor of American Furniture | Bonhams Skinner”
Auction Sale PriceUS$768 inc. premium“Sold for US$768 inc. premium”

Visible details

  • Ship's wheel bezel features eight turned spokes radiating from the circular case.
  • Silvered dial displays Arabic numerals, a peripheral minute track, and two winding arbors positioned between 4 and 8.
  • Dial is inscribed 'CHELSEA SHIP'S BELL' beneath the central arbor.
  • Mounted on a tiered plinth combining polished brass and a dark wood bottom plinth.

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement and reverse case are neither described nor depicted in the auction catalogue.
  • Movement caliber and serial number are not specified.

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

Consulted source

Bonhams Skinner : Chelsea Ship's Bell Clock, America, early 20th century.

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record aacf79b952

Terms in this record

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

Other ship's bell desk clock records