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Clocks & Barometers

SR-426. (set) Royal National Life Boat Institution Aneroid Barometer with accompanying desk 'Forecaster' c.1895-1915. Lovely ‘Fisherman’s aneroid barometer by Negretti & Zambra of London as issued by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Such early aneroid barometers were used by the R.N.L.I. at their life-boat stations, and were given by the organization to ships to help prevent tragedies at sea. Barometer is in black painted copper case with beveled glass and 4 ¾” enameled dial with black & red lettering. Barometer is in good working condition. This “Fisherman's Aneroid Barometer” was made by Negretti & Zambra of London. Dial is marked "Barometer FALLS for Warm, Wet, or More Wind. - RISES for Cold, Dry, or Less Wind. Below is lettered "Issued by the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE BOAT INSTITUTION. NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA LONDON" . The dial registers from 31 down to 26 inches of mercury. There is a movable pointer on the outside for marking current atmospheric pressure. Includes two brass brackets to hold instrument firmly in place on the wall. Lot also includes a desk ‘forecaster’ by the same company. This unusual piece includes an “ivorine” face with dials for barometric pressure, rising or falling, and for wind direction, which when positioned indicate a weather prognostication. (VG). $545.

23290c. Demeter, Andy and David. CHELSEA CLOCK COMPANY: The First Hundred Years. 2003. For over a hundred years the Chelsea Clock Company has manufactured a distinguished line of high quality clocks. Regarded as one of America ’s highest quality products, Chelsea Clocks have been presented to heads of state throughout the world. Photographs taken in the White House throughout this century show Chelsea Clocks in settings of distinction. Collectors have long prized them for their quality, beauty, unique design and historic significance. Now for the first time, the history of the Chelsea Clock Company has been written and it reads like a contemporary enterprise including mysteries, disasters, near failure and a fascinating collection of characters. Historical photographs, vintage advertisements, as well as illustrations and photographs from old catalogues are included. Also, for the first time ever there is a detailed model identification guide to help collectors in identifying seldom seen designs. Andrew and David Demeter have created a remarkable volume complete with lists of serial numbers to aid you in authenticating your piece, and photographs of Chelsea Clock Company’s current staff. In Chelsea Clock Company: The First Hundred Years, the Demeters have finally  provided a valuable and sought after resource for collectors and those who appreciate American craftsmanship at its finest. Only 1000 printed and now in great demand when they can be found! (M). $245 plus postage.

RA-404. Original U. S. Light-House Service Stopwatch c.1937. This stopwatch was produced between March 30, 1937 and late 1938 by A.R. & J.E. Meylan Company of New York City. Their advertising of the day noted that they were the  "Largest suppliers of stopwatches to the Government". This piece is actually a chronograph - any watch that can be started and stopped at will to record an elapsed time. Further, it is considered a half chronograph - one that does everything with successive pushes of one button. These are start, stop, and reset. Such timers were issued to each of the 26 Supervisors in 13 Lighthouse Districts for timing the rotation of the lighthouse lenses. As one of only a few stopwatches still known to exist, this watch is accompanied by its original protective cloth bag. The porcelain dial is marked " A.R. & J.E. Meylan. Swiss" and is in very good condition. Likewise, the silver plated case evidences only light  wear. The back of the case is superbly engraved "U.S.L.H.S.". Inside back case is marked with the serial number 241038. Four other numbers were engraved inside cover, probably inventory numbers. The Swiss movement has been expertly cleaned and adjusted and works well. This is truly a very rare opportunity for the sophisticated collector of U. S. Light-House Establishment artifacts. (VG). Reduced $1,596.

27115c. United States Lighthouse Service Brass Wall Clock c.1930’s. Original 8-day wall clock manufactured by the Seth Thomas Clock Company for the United States Lighthouse Service. Black on nickled brass face marked: “U. S. L. H. Service” and “Made by Seth Thomas in USA ”. Clocks from the U. S. Lighthouse Service are rare and always in demand. Clock case is of solid brass, unpolished with good patina, with removable brass bezel. Handsome nickled face too is completely original with expected wear and a bit of soiling. One number with come chipped paint. Clock movement has been professionally cleaned and adjusted. A nice original piece in excellent condition. Overall diameter 7 ¼” Overall height 2 5/8”. Clock with 8-day movement, includes winding key. This is an exceptional find for collectors of early clocks or Light House memorabilia. (VG+). $2395 net.

2925. (clock) Seth Thomas Mark-I Deck Clock , U.S. Navy c.1939. Original and very scarce nickel or chrome plated brass pre World War II U. S. Navy deck clock was manufactured in accordance with military specifications 18C-11 and 18C -13. This waterproof clock was made to be mounted on a bulkhead in the wardroom, bridge or ship's office. It has a large 5 ½” dial in a case of a rare two piece design. Face has white spade hands on a black dial with acid etched Arabic numerals in white. The tan dots at the top of the numbers at one time held iridium for night use. This clock had been certified by the U.S. Naval Observatory assigned their own serial number 1806 which is noted on the dial, along with the date 1939. The clock is fitted in a swing left-open case to expose the back, where the winding and set shafts are located, complete with a sliding cover to seal the mechanism from dust and dirt. The movement is an 11-jewel 8 day movement that is wound, set and adjusted through the slotted cover at its rear. A separate start/stop mechanism allows it to be synchronized with a master time piece. The front of the case also serves as a watertight closure and has a ridge that seals into a groove in a gasket. This gasket between the bulkhead bracket and movement has hardened with age. The bezel is dogged to the bracket by turning a chrome wing nut and all is secure. The maker is etched below the lower rim below the 6 hour mark and reads “Made by Seth Thomas in USA ”. The case is of heavy forged bronze, and it is of a design that was the most sophisticated of ship's clocks of this era other than chronometers. Clock is quite substantial - the outside diameter is about 8 ¼” and its depth is 4 ½” . The weight of its forged brass case is about 16 pounds. This example has seen 69 years of service, mostly at sea, yet still shows fine, reminding us of the extensive wartime service that it must have seen. The face is in good condition with no evidence of aging. The hands have been repainted. The clock has been professionally cleaned and adjusted and keeps excellent time. Includes early winding key. This is an exceptional find for collectors of early clocks or U. S. Navy memorabilia. (VG+). $1295

RA-405. United States Lighthouse Service Brass Wall Clock c.1920-1930’s. Original 8-day wall clock manufactured by the Seth Thomas Clock Company for the United States Lighthouse Service. Black on nickled brass face marked: “U. S. L. H. Service” and “Made by Seth Thomas in USA ”. Clocks from the U. S. Lighthouse Service are rare and always in demand. Clock case is of solid brass, with original nickel plating, with good patina, with removable brass bezel. Handsome nickeled face too is completely original with expected wear and a bit of soiling. Without second hand. Clock has been running fine and keeps good time. A nice original piece in excellent condition. Overall diameter 7 ¼” Overall height 2 5/8”.Clock with 8-day movement, includes winding key. This is an exceptional find for collectors of early clocks or Light House memorabilia. (VG+). Reduced $1,756.

NL-07. (barometer) U. S. Navy Aneroid Barometer with Thermometer marked “U. S. Navy”. c.1920’s – 1930’s. Face marked “Taylor Instrument Companies Rochester. N.Y. Tycos”.  Back marked “2048”. All in black letters on a white background. 5 ¼” diameter. White dial with curved open face. Barometer has been professionally cleaned and adjusted, works fine as does curved mercury Fahrenheit thermometer. Just slight stain on face, some soiling. A beautiful piece. (VG+). $545.

29214. Steel Case U. S. Army Signal Corps Recording Barograph Manufactured by Friez Instruments for the United States Army. c.1943. Mounted in metal case, with glass viewing panels and revolving 24-hour recording disc.  Case measures 9 ½” high by 13" wide by 6 ½” deep. Nameplate marked “Signal Corps Barograph ML-3-A Serial No. 1014 Order No. 11767-WE-43 Made by Friez Instrument Division, Bendix Aviation Corporation”, Baltimore, Maryland USA. Unit is painted brown wood-grain over gray. Includes package of original charts with Instruction Manual for Models 790-1 and 790-2 dated 1948. Appears complete less ink, disc clock mechanism runs well, needs some adjustment and repair. (G+). $75.

20520f. United States Coast Guard Brass Wall Clock. Original 8-day wall clock manufactured by the Seth Thomas Clock Company for the United States Coast Guard. Black on brass face marked: “ U. S. COAST GUARD No. 1183”. “Made by Seth Thomas in USA ”. Clock case is of solid brass, will polish nicely, with removable brass bezel. Face has not been touched up, hands painted white, otherwise unusually clean and bright, a beautiful piece in excellent condition. Overall diameter 7 ¼” Overall height 2 5/8”. Clock with 8-day movement, running, keeps good time, with winding key. A wonderful example of an early Coast Guard Timepiece. (VG+). $1095 net.

28350. (barometer) U. S. Navy Aneroid barometer – USS Jeffers, U.S. Navy DMS 27 c.1942. In phenolic case, white face. Includes original U.S. Weather Bureau calibration tag noting USS Jeffers DMS 27 as originating vessel. Face marked “U. S. Navy” “Made by Fee & Stemwedle Inc., Chicago”. All in black letters on a white background. The USS Jeffers was a Gleaves class destroyer launched August 26, 1942. Barometer has been professionally cleaned and adjusted, works fine. A beautiful piece. (VG+). $525.

USS Jeffers. (US Navy photo.)

22473b. Detex Newman Portable Watchclock. Such watch clocks were used by Coastguardsmen in their patrols of ship and shore stations to log in their rounds and assure that all of the route was covered. The Newman model was introduced in 1927, twenty-five years after Mr. Newman's first use of that principal. The "Detex Newman" uses the basic principal of all Newman clocks -- direct embossing from the station key The Newman uses a paper disc  that provides for 24 hours recording and a station key that recorded the mark of the respective station on the disc. This is a very well made eight-day unit that actually runs about 10 to 12 days if in good condition. It has nickel plated brass plates and utilizes an 11-jewel platform escapement. These were made by several suppliers over the years. Clock is in very good condition, leather case and strap intact, glass face intact. Appears complete. Included is wooden box that was used for storage. Also includes 6 key stations with keys, stack of paper discs and set of winding and opening keys. Clock is in running condition. Not marked. (VG+). $165.

2756. Salem Ship’s Bell 8-Day Maritime Clock. Pat. October 25, 1921. Model 115-A. Beautiful salem ship’s bell striking clock. Heavy nickel plated cast brass case with heavy curved glass screw off bezel covers a beautiful dial with slight patina. Dial measures 4 inches track to track, bezel measures 5 1/2 inches, and case with bezel attached is almost 3 inches deep. Clock does run and strike, but starts hard and stops now and then – needs servicing but is priced right for this charming early piece. (VG-). $395.

2843. [Coast Guard barometer] Original U. S. Coast Guard aneroid wall barometer by Taylor Instruments. This exquisite piece appears to have been manufactured for the Coast Guard prior to 1950 and is similar to their Model No. 98 of the period. Barometer measures 5 ¼” in diameter and is 2 ½” deep. Labeled “ U. S. COAST GUARD”. “ Taylor Rochester N.Y. USA ”. Brass bezel had been dented due to a fall some years ago but glass is completely intact. Barometer is clean, has been just been cleaned, repaired and adjusted (copy of receipt included) , is fully operational and is a most rare piece. When polished, this will be a superb display piece. (VG).  $795.

United States Light House Establishment Reproduction Banjo Clock

'THE DAYBEACON' by Jones & Jones Clockmakers

Light House Establishment Reproduction Banjo Clock With Featured Reverse Painted Glasses By Noted Artist Tom Moberg.

Beautiful hand made reproduction clock would grace any wall. Clock includes painted zinc dial, hand made by a professional metalsmith, and measures 38 ¼” inches overall height, 16 inches overall width, and 5 ¼” deep. Beautiful dark mahogany finished case with hand applied satin overlay includes a wood bezel,  31-day key-wind time and strike pendulum movement (hour and half-hour strike), rack and snail striking mechanism and barrel enclosed mainsprings. Beautiful Light House Establishment reverse painted glass tablet is lettered with 23k gold. The reverse painted glasses are crafted by artist Tom Moberg, considered by many to be the finest reverse glass artist in the country. Hand made and hand painted dial on zinc plate is set off by paired spade-style hands. Included are a brass pendulum bob with wood rod, hinged throat door, and wire gong with metal base. The case is enhanced with a new finish of dark mahogany with a hand applied satin lacquer overlay. Winding key is included. #26108. $995. (no discounts apply) (Clocks are made on request. Delivery takes about 8-10 weeks)

Early WW II United States Navy Wall Clock Original brass 8-day wall clock manufactured by the Chelsea Clock Company for the United States Navy. White numbering on black on brass face marked: "U. S. NAVY Ser. No. 74287E" "Chelsea Clock Co., Boston". Clock case is of brass with hinged bezel. Face is original, has not been touched up, unusually clean and bright, with original hands. Overall diameter 7 ½", height 2 5/8". Clock with 8-day movement, runs well, with winding key. Clocks from the U. S. Navy are rare and always in demand. This one is exceptional because it is in good original condition and dates from the early 1940’s. Nicely polished red brass case with screw bezel. Wonderful Example of an early Navy Timepiece. #B-195 $1195 net.

23290. Demeter, Andy and David. CHELSEA CLOCK COMPANY: The First Hundred Years. 2003. For over a hundred years the Chelsea Clock Company has manufactured a distinguished line of high quality clocks. Regarded as one of America’s highest quality products, Chelsea Clocks have been presented to heads of state throughout the world. Photographs taken in the White House throughout this century show Chelsea Clocks in settings of distinction. Collectors have long prized them for their quality, beauty, unique design and historic significance. Now for the first time, the history of the Chelsea Clock Company has been written and it reads like a contemporary enterprise including mysteries, disasters, near failure and a fascinating collection of characters. Historical photographs, vintage advertisements, as well as illustrations and photographs from old catalogues are included. Also, for the first time ever there is a detailed model identification guide to help collectors in identifying seldom seen designs. Andrew and David Demeter have created a remarkable volume complete with lists of serial numbers to aid you in authenticating your piece, and photographs of Chelsea Clock Company’s current staff. In Chelsea Clock Company: The First Hundred Years, the Demeters have finally provided a valuable and sought after resource for collectors and those who appreciate American craftsmanship at its finest. (M). Available occasionally - please inquire. 

Procedure to order items:

1. I suggest that you call us or email to check on availability of any item that you would like other than recent books. As items go quite quickly, please call and leave a message to reserve items that you would like. I will return your call, hold the items and await your letter or credit card information. We will also weigh the items and advise postage. 

2. You may then call or email credit card information, or forward a check in the mail.

Most items are mailed US Priority Mail or UPS. Additional information on our "Ordering Page". 

Massachusetts residents must add 6.25% sales tax.

All text and illustrations on web site Ó James W. Claflin . 06/14/2010 All rights reserved. Use prohibited without written permission.

If you would like a photo of selected items if not shown to aid in decision making, please feel free to ask.