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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Ship's bell clock

Chelsea Ship's Bell Clock

Partially verified

This Chelsea Ship's Bell clock is a brass-cased timepiece designed for maritime use. It features a circular brass housing with a metallic dial displaying Arabic numerals for the hours and a rail-track minute scale. The dial is centrally signed "CHELSEA SHIP'S BELL." The movement includes a regulation lever, visible on the dial, with indicators for "S" and "F" to adjust the timekeeping speed. The clock has two winding arbors positioned at approximately the four and eight o'clock positions. The physical dimensions are approximately 5 inches by 3 inches. The auction description identifies a stamped serial number, 719203, located on the back of the case. The object is presented in an unpolished brass finish, with the auction description noting the clock is in very good condition.

Front view of the Chelsea Ship's Bell clock, showing the brass bezel, dual winding arbors, and the regulation lever.
Front view of the Chelsea Ship's Bell clock, showing the brass bezel, dual winding arbors, and the regulation lever. — DejaVu Estate Sales & Auctions (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Ship's bell clock
Maker / attribution
Chelsea Clock Company
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
866M
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
719203

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 and Dial

The clock is housed in a circular brass case with a matte appearance. The dial face is light in color and features black printed Arabic numerals representing the twelve-hour cycle. A distinctive feature on the dial is a small regulation lever positioned near the ten o'clock marker, labeled with "S" and "F" to indicate slow and fast adjustments.

The winding system is visible on the dial, with two distinct arbors located in the lower portion of the clock, symmetrically placed near the four and eight o'clock numerals. The central portion of the dial bears the inscription "CHELSEA SHIP'S BELL" in a sans-serif typeface, clearly identifying the model and maker.

Evidence for this section
  • “CHELSEA SHIP'S BELL”
  • “CHELSEA SHIP'S BELL ANTIQUE BRASS CLOCK”

Identification and Marks

The object is identified by a serial number stamped on the reverse side of the case. According to the provided information, the number 719203 serves as the primary identifier for this unit. No other maker's marks or registration numbers are documented in the source material provided for this specific lot.

The internal or rear mechanisms are not visible in the provided imagery, nor are there additional descriptive details regarding the back plate or mounting hardware beyond the mention of the serial stamp.

Evidence for this section
  • “719203 STAMP ON BACK”

Condition and Presentation

The auction description characterizes the clock as being in very good condition. The brass exterior exhibits a darkened patina consistent with age and exposure, and the dial appears clear with legible markings.

The lot was presented for auction by DejaVu Estate Sales & Auctions. The dimensions provided specify the clock is approximately 5 inches by 3 inches, though the specific orientation of these measurements is not further clarified.

Evidence for this section
  • “-VERY GOOD CONDITION”
  • “-APPROX 5" X 3”

Open research questions

  • What is the approximate production date range associated with serial number 719203?
  • Does the serial number 719203 correspond to records held in the Chelsea Clock archives?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Chelsea Ship's Bell Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerChelsea Clock Company“CHELSEA SHIP'S BELL”
Serial Number719203“719203 STAMP ON BACK”
Dimensions5" x 3"“APPROX 5" X 3”
ConditionVery good“-VERY GOOD CONDITION”
Lot Number866M“Lot 866M”

Visible details

  • Brass case with aged, unpolished patina
  • Regulation lever at 10 o'clock position
  • Dial signed with maker name and model type

Research qualifications

  • Date of manufacture is not stated in source
  • Origin of the brass material is not specified

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

Consulted source

CHELSEA SHIP'S BELL ANTIQUE BRASS CLOCK

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record b0c9e94b84

Terms in this record

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

Other ship's bell clock records