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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Ship's bell mantel clock

Large Chelsea Ship's Bell Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This large 20th-century mantel clock by the Chelsea Clock Company features a brass marine-style drum case set upon a stepped rectangular brass base. The light-coloured dial measures 9 1/4 inches across when closed and displays prominent Arabic numerals, spade and poire hands, two winding arbors, and a regulation slot above the maker's signature. According to the auction house, it sounds a ship's bell strike on the half hour and is accompanied by a key. It is marked on the reverse for the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company Archives.

Front three-quarter view of the brass Chelsea ship's bell mantel clock on stepped base
Front three-quarter view of the brass Chelsea ship's bell mantel clock on stepped base — Freeman's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
freemansauction.com
Category
Clock · Ship's bell mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Chelsea Clock Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
3299
Source-reported date
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

Construction and Form

This large 20th-century Chelsea clock features a circular brass drum case mounted upon a stepped, rectangular brass plinth base.

The bezel is hinged with visible mounting screws on the side casing. The clock is reported to weigh approximately 40 pounds.

Evidence for this section
  • “Stepped brass plinth base supporting a heavy circular drum case with a broad bezel.”
  • “Hinged bezel with visible mounting screws along the side casing.”
  • “Weighs approximately 40 pounds.”

Dial and Configuration

The dial measures 9 1/4 inches in diameter when closed and features Arabic hour numerals.

The clock is fitted with two winding apertures below the arbor.

Evidence for this section
  • “Diameter of dial when closed is 9 1/4 inches.”
  • “Silvered dial with black Arabic hour numerals, outer track, and dual winding apertures below the arbor.”

Mechanism and Operational Status

The clock includes a key and is reported to wind, run, and strike on the half hour (ship's bell strike).

It has not been tested for duration or accuracy, nor has it been evaluated by a clock technician.

Evidence for this section
  • “The clock comes with a key; it winds, runs and strikes on the half hour (ship's bell strike), but has not been tested for duraction or accuracy, nor evaluated by a clock technician.”

Provenance and Markings

The reverse of the clock is marked 'Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company Archives 00106'.

The gilt finish on the base shows heavy rubbing and loss.

Evidence for this section
  • “Only marked on backside, "Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company Archives 00106".”
  • “There is heavy rubbing and loss to the gilt finish on the base.”

Open research questions

  • What specific model or movement type is associated with the 'ship's bell' strike mechanism in this size classification?
  • Does the archival number '00106' correlate with external records maintained by the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Large Chelsea Ship's Bell Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Strike TypeShip's bell strike on the half hour“strikes on the half hour (ship's bell strike)”
Dimensions16 1/2 x 18 3/4 x 7 inches“Height 16 1/2 x width 18 3/4 x depth 7 inches.”
Dial Diameter9 1/4 inches“Diameter of dial when closed is 9 1/4 inches.”
WeightApproximately 40 pounds“Weighs approximately 40 pounds.”
Archival MarkingWm. Wrigley Jr. Company Archives 00106“Only marked on backside, "Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company Archives 00106".”

Visible details

  • Stepped brass plinth base supporting a heavy circular drum case with a broad bezel.
  • Silvered dial with black Arabic hour numerals, outer track, and dual winding apertures below the arbor.
  • Hinged bezel with visible mounting screws along the side casing.

Research qualifications

  • Movement interior and rear archival marking are not shown in the provided photographs.
  • Catalogue notes heavy rubbing and loss to the gilt finish on the base.

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

Consulted source

A Large Chelsea Ship's Bell Mantel Clock | Freeman's

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 8dd3a55e22

Terms in this record

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

Other ship's bell mantel clock records