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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Ship's bell clock

Salem Ships Bell 8-Day Jeweled Maritime Clock

Partially verified

This maritime ship's bell clock by Salem features an 8-day jeweled movement in a circular brass-plated bulkhead-style case. The source identifies the dial as silver, which is printed with outer 12-hour Arabic numerals, inner 13–24 military hour markers, and an exterior minute track. Positioned beneath 12 o'clock are an adjustment scale flanked by 'F' and 'S' alongside a 'SILENT / STRIKE' selection indicator. Two winding apertures are located in the lower half of the dial. The case incorporates a front-opening hinged bezel with an external latch and mounting holes along its outer flange.

Front view of Salem Ships Bell 8-day maritime clock in brass case
Front view of Salem Ships Bell 8-day maritime clock in brass case — Golden Sun Auctions, Inc.. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Clock · Ship's bell clock
Maker / attribution
Salem
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
0018
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Not established

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

Dial Configuration and Indications

The clock is configured with what the source describes as a silver dial, printed with standard 1-to-12 Arabic numerals on the main hour circle and an inner track of 13-to-24 military hours. Time is indicated by pierced spade-style black hands revolving over an exterior minute track.

Below the 12 o'clock position, the dial incorporates a regulation adjustment index marked with 'F' and 'S' as well as strike control markings labeled 'SILENT' and 'STRIKE'. Printed dial markings include 'SALEM / SHIPS BELL' in the upper field and '8 DAY / JEWELED' in the lower register, located near two exposed winding arbors in the lower half of the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “silver dial”
  • “Features inner 13-24 military hour numerals alongside standard 1-12 Arabic numerals”
  • “Pierced spade-style black hands”
  • “Dial marked 'SALEM / SHIPS BELL' and '8 DAY / JEWELED'”
  • “Regulation index marked 'F' and 'S' below 12 o'clock with 'SILENT' and 'STRIKE' markings”
  • “Visible dual winding arbors in the lower half of the dial”

Case Construction and Form

The clock is housed in a circular case reported by the auctioneer as brass plate, listed with exterior dimensions of 7" wide x 3". The front incorporates a hinged outer bezel with a visible hinge positioned on the left side and a closure catch on the right.

Regarding preservation, the seller catalog notes that the brass finish exhibits some pitting, and the clock does not include a key.

Evidence for this section
  • “Brass plate case with, silver dial. Measures 7" wide x 3".”
  • “Hinged outer bezel with a visible hinge on the left and closure catch on the right”
  • “brass finish with some pitting. Does not include key.”

Movement Description and Source Limits

The cataloguer describes the object as a jeweled eight day clock bearing the title 'Salem Ships Bell', corresponding visually with dual winding arbors on the dial face. However, the movement itself is not displayed outside the case in the auction catalog.

Internal caliber specifications, jewel count details, country of manufacture, and escapement construction are not recorded in this source. In addition, the catalog states that the lot does not include a key, and operational functionality is not tested or verified in the documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “jeweled eight day clock”
  • “Salem Ships Bell”
  • “Visible dual winding arbors in the lower half of the dial”
  • “Does not include key.”

Open research questions

  • What movement maker marks, country of origin, or caliber numbers are stamped on the movement plates inside the case?
  • Is the strike mechanism executed on an internal bell or a wire gong?
  • What specific base metal is used beneath the brass-plated finish?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Salem Ships Bell 8-Day Jeweled Maritime Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement type8-day jeweled“jeweled eight day clock”
Case materialBrass plate“Brass plate case”
Dial colorSilver“silver dial”
Dimensions7" wide x 3"“Measures 7" wide x 3"”
Condition notesBrass finish with some pitting, lacks key“brass finish with some pitting. Does not include key.”
Movement typeJeweled eight day“jeweled eight day clock”
Key inclusionNot included“Does not include key.”

Visible details

  • Hinged outer bezel with a visible hinge on the left and closure catch on the right
  • Dial marked 'SALEM / SHIPS BELL' and '8 DAY / JEWELED'
  • Features inner 13-24 military hour numerals alongside standard 1-12 Arabic numerals
  • Visible dual winding arbors in the lower half of the dial
  • Regulation index marked 'F' and 'S' below 12 o'clock with 'SILENT' and 'STRIKE' markings
  • Pierced spade-style black hands

Research qualifications

  • Source notes pitting on the brass finish
  • Original winding key is not included
  • Internal movement caliber and origin marks are not visible as the case remains closed

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

Consulted source

Vintage Salem Ships Bell 8 Day Jeweled Maritime Clock - Apr 27, 2025 | Golden Sun Auctions, Inc. In Ca

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 9ad299c924

Terms in this record

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

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