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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Ship's bell clock

Seth Thomas Brass Nautical Ship's Bell Clock

Partially verified

This Seth Thomas nautical clock features a brass drum case mounted above an external suspended brass bell on a rear wooden bracket. The dial displays bold Roman numeral hour markers, an outer track, and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned beneath XII. Twin winding apertures sit between the center arbor and the lower dial quadrants. A slow/fast regulation slot with an adjustment lever is visible above the 12 o'clock numeral. The dial is printed with 'SETH THOMAS U.S.A.' and 'MANUFACTURED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. According to the auction catalogue, the clock measures 10.5 inches high by 6.3 inches wide.

Seth Thomas brass nautical ship's bell clock with external lower bell
Seth Thomas brass nautical ship's bell clock with external lower bell — Myers Fine Art. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Ship's bell clock
Maker / attribution
Seth Thomas
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
455
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

Case and Bell Assembly

The timepiece features a cylindrical brass drum case positioned above an external brass bell. Both components are mounted to a shaped wooden backing board, with the brass case fitted with side mounting screws and a top hanging loop.

According to the auction listing, the overall unit measures 10.5 inches high and 6.3 inches wide.

Evidence for this section
  • “Brass drum case with side mounting screws and a top hanging loop”
  • “External brass bell mounted beneath the case on a shaped wooden backing board”
  • “Measures 10.5 inches high and 6.3 inches wide.”

Dial Configuration and Markings

The dial has a light-colored surface displaying Roman numeral hour markers, spade hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial located beneath XII. A regulation aperture with an adjustment indicator is situated above the 12 o'clock position, and twin winding apertures are placed at approximately 4 and 8 o'clock.

Printed markings on the dial read 'SETH THOMAS U.S.A.' at the center and 'MANUFACTURED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' along the lower edge.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silvered or light-colored dial with Roman numerals and spade hands”
  • “Subsidiary seconds dial located beneath the XII hour marker”
  • “Slow/fast regulation aperture and indicator above XII”
  • “Twin winding apertures at approximately 4 and 8 o'clock positions”
  • “Dial marked 'SETH THOMAS U.S.A.' at center and 'MANUFACTURED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' along the lower rim”

Condition and Mechanical Reports

The auction description notes that 'the glass is glued in and missing its original interior fitter ring.'

The source also records that 'The ship?s clock is running and striking at this time'. However, the internal movement, backplate, and striking linkages remain concealed within the drum case and were not independently tested or detailed.

Evidence for this section
  • “the glass is glued in and missing its original interior fitter ring.”
  • “The ship?s clock is running and striking at this time”

Open research questions

  • What specific caliber or movement model is installed inside the brass drum case?
  • How is the strike mechanism linked between the movement and the external lower bell?
  • Does the bezel or case exhibit any damage or alteration related to the glued-in glass and absent fitter ring?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Seth Thomas Brass Nautical Ship's Bell Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dimensions10.5 inches high and 6.3 inches wide“Measures 10.5 inches high and 6.3 inches wide.”
Condition notesGlass glued in and missing original interior fitter ring“the glass is glued in and missing its original interior fitter ring.”
Operational statusRunning and striking at time of cataloguing“The ship?s clock is running and striking at this time”
Reported conditionGlass glued in and missing original interior fitter ring“the glass is glued in and missing its original interior fitter ring.”
Reported operational statusRunning and striking at time of cataloguing“The ship?s clock is running and striking at this time”

Visible details

  • Brass drum case with side mounting screws and a top hanging loop
  • External brass bell mounted beneath the case on a shaped wooden backing board
  • Silvered or light-colored dial with Roman numerals and spade hands
  • Subsidiary seconds dial located beneath the XII hour marker
  • Twin winding apertures at approximately 4 and 8 o'clock positions
  • Slow/fast regulation aperture and indicator above XII
  • Dial marked 'SETH THOMAS U.S.A.' at center and 'MANUFACTURED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' along the lower rim

Research qualifications

  • Movement interior, escapement, and backplate are not visible in the photograph
  • Source reports the dial glass is glued in and the original interior fitter ring is missing
  • Source reports the clock was running and striking at cataloguing, but mechanical functionality is not independently tested

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Seth Thomas Brass Nautical Ships Bell Clock

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 3c9e78dfbe

Terms in this record

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

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