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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Desk clock

Chelsea "Vanderbilt" Ship's Wheel Brass Desk Clock

Partially verified

Catalogued as a Chelsea "Vanderbilt" model dating to circa 1940, this brass desk clock features a maritime ship's wheel case mounted on a circular base. The light dial with Arabic numerals is printed with "Chelsea Ship's Bell" and retailer inscription "Abercrombie & Fitch Co. New York". Dual winding apertures appear near the 4 and 8 o'clock markers, along with an upper regulation slot. Sourced dimensions indicate a 3.5-inch dial diameter and an overall height of 7.75 inches, and the auction description notes inclusion of a Chelsea key.

Front view of Chelsea brass ship's wheel desk clock on circular base
Front view of Chelsea brass ship's wheel desk clock on circular base — Eldred's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Clock · Desk clock
Maker / attribution
Chelsea Clock Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
6226
Source-reported date
Circa 1940
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 clock is listed in auction documentation as a Chelsea "Vanderbilt" (cataloged with the spelling "vanderbuilt") brass desk clock, cataloged with an origin in Massachusetts and dated circa 1940.

The dial features dual markings, signed "Chelsea Ship's Bell" and designated for retailer "Abercrombie & Fitch Co. New York".

Evidence for this section
  • “CHELSEA "VANDERBUILT" SHIP'S WHEEL BRASS DESK CLOCK”
  • “Massachusetts, Circa 1940”
  • “Arabic numeral dial marked "Chelsea Ship's Bell" and for retailer "Abercrombie & Fitch Co. New York".”

Case Form and Dial Layout

Visible observation shows a brass ship's wheel frame with eight turned spokes, supported on posts over a circular brass plinth. Catalog dimensions specify a dial diameter of 3.5 inches and a total height of 7.75 inches.

The dial presents black Arabic numerals with two winding holes flanking the lower dial area. A fast/slow adjustment slot is positioned above the 12 o'clock marker.

Evidence for this section
  • “Brass ship's wheel frame with eight turned spokes, supported on posts over a circular brass plinth.”
  • “Dial diameter 3.5".”
  • “Total height 7.75".”
  • “White or silvered dial with black Arabic numerals and two winding holes flanking the lower dial.”
  • “Fast/Slow adjustment slot located above the 12 o'clock hour marker.”

Reported Accessories and Operational Status

The listing states that the lot includes a "Chelsea" key, though this accessory is not pictured in the provided photograph.

The seller noted the clock was running at the time of cataloging, with the explicit caveat that operational condition is not guaranteed. Neither internal mechanism plates nor case-back markings are recorded or visible in the lot listing.

Evidence for this section
  • “Includes a "Chelsea" key.”
  • “Running at time of cataloging, but not guaranteed.”

Open research questions

  • What serial number is stamped on the movement or case back to confirm the precise manufacturing year within Chelsea Clock Co. production logs?
  • Is the included key an original factory-supplied Chelsea key matching the winding arbors?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Chelsea "Vanderbilt" Ship's Wheel Brass Desk Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Retailer MarkAbercrombie & Fitch Co. New York“retailer "Abercrombie & Fitch Co. New York"”
Dial SignatureChelsea Ship's Bell“Arabic numeral dial marked "Chelsea Ship's Bell"”
Dial Diameter3.5"“Dial diameter 3.5".”
Total Height7.75"“Total height 7.75".”
OriginMassachusetts“Massachusetts, Circa 1940”
Lot Number6226“Lot 6226”
Reported AccessoryChelsea key“Includes a "Chelsea" key.”
Seller Condition NoteRunning at time of cataloging, but not guaranteed“Running at time of cataloging, but not guaranteed.”

Visible details

  • Brass ship's wheel frame with eight turned spokes, supported on posts over a circular brass plinth.
  • White or silvered dial with black Arabic numerals and two winding holes flanking the lower dial.
  • Fast/Slow adjustment slot located above the 12 o'clock hour marker.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and reverse side of the case are not visible in the provided image.
  • Key mentioned in the catalog text is not shown in Photo 0.
  • Source notes the clock was running at time of cataloging, but operation is not guaranteed.

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

Consulted source

Chelsea "vanderbuilt" Ship's Wheel Brass Desk Clock Massachusetts, Circa 1940 Dial Diameter 3.5". - Sep 17, 2026 | Eldred's In Ma

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record ab6f861222

Terms in this record

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

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