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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Desk / table clock

General Electric Model 3898 Nautical Table Clock

Partially verified

This General Electric model 3898 table clock is designed in a nautical ship's wheel form. The circular dark-toned case is bordered by six protruding brass-toned spokes that serve as the wheel's handles, with the lower two acting as feet. A five-pointed star sits atop the circular bezel. The light-colored dial features Arabic numerals, a General Electric emblem beneath 12 o'clock, a red circular indicator dot, and an anchor illustration above the 6 o'clock position. According to the auction listing, the clock powers up and runs.

Front view of General Electric model 3898 nautical ship's wheel table clock
Front view of General Electric model 3898 nautical ship's wheel table clock — Ripley Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Desk / table clock
Maker / attribution
General Electric
Reference
3898
Catalogue / lot identifier
8823
Source-reported date
Not established
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 Casing Construction

The auction lot is catalogued as a 'General electric clock model 3898 nautical seemed table clock'. Visual observation records a ship's wheel form featuring six turned brass-tone spokes, with an applied five-pointed star mounted at the top of the outer wooden bezel.

The wood type of the circular bezel is not specified in the auction record. Two of the six brass-tone spokes point downward from the circular case to support the clock on a flat surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “General electric clock model 3898 nautical seemed table clock”
  • “Ship's wheel design with six turned brass-tone spokes”
  • “Applied five-pointed star mounted at the top of the outer wooden bezel”

Dial Features and Maritime Motifs

The dial displays standard numerals and is encircled by a rope-style inner ring. Visible decorative elements include an anchor motif illustrated above the 6 o'clock position and a maker emblem under 12 o'clock.

A small circular aperture with a red dot indicator is situated above the center arbor on the dial face, though its specific internal function is not identified in the auction description.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial illustrated with an anchor motif and framed by a rope-style inner ring”

Reported Functionality and Power Supply

The cataloguer reports that the clock 'powers up and runs', based on the auction listing's operational claim. An electrical power cord is visibly extending from behind the casing.

Internal components, mechanical movement markings, and the condition of the rear housing are not shown in the catalogue photograph or described in the text.

Evidence for this section
  • “powers up and runs,”
  • “Visible power cord extending from behind the casing”

Open research questions

  • What movement caliber or motor specification is installed in the rear housing?
  • What wood species was used for the outer helm bezel?
  • What was the original production date or date range for General Electric model 3898?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for General Electric Model 3898 Nautical Table Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerGeneral Electric“General electric clock”
Model3898“model 3898”
Lot Number8823“Lot 8823”
Functionality ReportedPowers up and runs“powers up and runs”
Reported FunctionalityPowers up and runs“powers up and runs”

Visible details

  • Ship's wheel design with six turned brass-tone spokes
  • Applied five-pointed star mounted at the top of the outer wooden bezel
  • Dial illustrated with an anchor motif and framed by a rope-style inner ring
  • Visible power cord extending from behind the casing

Research qualifications

  • Internal electrical movement and rear casing details are not visible in the photograph
  • Exact production year and case wood type are not specified in the auction catalogue

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: General electric clock model 3898 nautical seemed table clock, powers up and runs,

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 69b64400d5

Terms in this record

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