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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Ship's clock

Seth Thomas Brass Ship's Clock with Bell

Partially verified

This twentieth-century brass ship's clock by Seth Thomas features an integrated lower bell mounted below the main circular case. The dial displays bold Arabic numerals, outer minute markings, a subsidiary seconds dial below the twelve o'clock position, and a slow/fast regulation aperture. Two winding arbors sit at the lower quadrant flanking the center arbor. The dial is signed 'SETH THOMAS' and marked 'MADE IN U.S.A.' at the lower edge. According to the auction listing, the overall height is 10 3/4 inches and the diameter is 7 inches.

Front view of the brass ship's clock showing dial, hands, winding arbors, and attached bottom bell
Front view of the brass ship's clock showing dial, hands, winding arbors, and attached bottom bell — Crescent City Auction Gallery. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bidsquare.com
Category
Clock · Ship's clock
Maker / attribution
Seth Thomas
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
770
Source-reported date
20th c.
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 Form and External Bell

The timepiece is housed in a circular brass casing featuring an externally mounted bell positioned directly beneath the main drum. Catalog specifications record dimensions of 10 3/4 inches in height and 7 inches in diameter.

The source condition report describes moderate wear on the top and along the edge of the door, including heavy wear spanning approximately 3 inches, as well as a flea-size wear spot on the front side of the door. Further noted flaws include grey paint residue along roughly 3 inches of the edge, a flea-size black spot on the bell, and scratches and dents around the holes in the back plate.

Evidence for this section
  • “Circular brass housing with a prominent polished external bell positioned directly beneath the main dial drum.”
  • “H.- 10 3/4 in., Dia.- 7 in.”
  • “Moderate wear is observed on the top and around the edge of the door, with heavy wear to approximately 3 inches.”
  • “A flea-size spot of wear is observed on the front side of the door.”
  • “Grey paint residue is seen along approximately 3 inches of the edge. A flea-size black spot is seen on the bell.”
  • “Scratches and dents are noted around the holes in the back plate.”

Dial Configuration and Winding Arbors

The dial displays Arabic hour numerals, spade-style hands, and a subsidiary seconds track positioned below 12 o'clock. A regulation adjustment slot marked S and F is located above the 12 o'clock position.

Two winding arbors are situated symmetrically between the 3–4 and 8–9 positions. The auction catalog notes light wear around the face and hands and states that keys are lacking.

Evidence for this section
  • “White or silvered dial with Arabic hour numerals, spade-style hands, and a subsidiary seconds track below 12 o'clock.”
  • “Regulator adjustment slot located above the 12 position labeled S and F.”
  • “Two winding squares located symmetrically between 3-4 and 8-9.”
  • “Light wear is seen around the face and hands.”
  • “Keys are lacking.”

Dating and Operational Documentation

The clock is dated to the 20th century in the auction listing title and description. Internal movement marks, serial numbers, and specific calibers are not recorded in the provided documentation.

The source presents contradictory statements regarding operational condition: the lot description states 'running', whereas the condition report specifies 'Not tested for working order.'

Evidence for this section
  • “Seth Thomas Brass Ship's Clock, 20th c., with bell”
  • “running”
  • “Not tested for working order.”

Open research questions

  • What movement caliber is installed within the brass case, and does it feature an integrated strike train connected to the external bell?
  • Does the movement plate or case interior carry production serial numbers or date stamps narrowing its 20th-century manufacture date?
  • Does the hammer mechanism chime standard nautical watch intervals on the lower bell?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Seth Thomas Brass Ship's Clock with Bell
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerSeth Thomas“Seth Thomas Brass Ship's Clock, 20th c., with bell”
Date20th century“20th c.”
Height10 3/4 in.“H.- 10 3/4 in.”
Diameter7 in.“Dia.- 7 in.”
Lot Number770“Lot 770”
Winding Key StatusLacking“Keys are lacking.”
Paint ResidueGrey paint residue along approximately 3 inches of the edge“Grey paint residue is seen along approximately 3 inches of the edge.”
Bell BlemishFlea-size black spot“A flea-size black spot is seen on the bell.”

Visible details

  • Circular brass housing with a prominent polished external bell positioned directly beneath the main dial drum.
  • White or silvered dial with Arabic hour numerals, spade-style hands, and a subsidiary seconds track below 12 o'clock.
  • Regulator adjustment slot located above the 12 position labeled S and F.
  • Two winding squares located symmetrically between 3-4 and 8-9.

Research qualifications

  • Contradictory source condition notes: listed as 'running' in the description but stated as 'Not tested for working order' in the condition report.
  • The listing notes that winding keys are missing.
  • Internal movement is not visible in the provided imagery.

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

Consulted source

Seth Thomas Brass Ship's Clock, 20th c., with bell sold at auction on 31st July | Bidsquare

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record a810d86e53

Terms in this record

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