C1 Seth Thomas External Bell Ship's Clock
These 100 plus year old clocks were designed to be bulkhead mounted in a ship's wheelhouse. The bell mounted outside of the clock makes it loud enough to be heard above the vessel's normal sounds and the Ship's Bells system provides bell rings on each half hour.
The ship's work crews reported for two four hour shifts each 24 hour period, with shifts starting at 12, 4 and 8 each 12 hour period. Bell rings start at 12 with 8 bells, then one bell at 12:30, two bells at 1, three at 1:30, four at 2, five at 2:30, six at 3 and seven at 3:30. Then 8 bells at 4 with the same progression following. The system allows anyone within earshot the ability to know the time without looking at the clock.
Since these clocks were made by Seth-Thomas in the late 1800s to early 1900s, the metal main springs were not perfected to be wound for more than 36 hours. The Quartermaster or a senior officer on the ship had the highly necessary duty to make sure the clocks were wound once a day.
This clock is somewhat special in that it has part of the old seller's label on the back. Plus the clock was recently adjusted and runs perfectly for a full 36 hours on a wind.
Clock is 11 inches high, 6 1/2 inches wide and 3 1/2 inches deep. Old nickel finish is in beautiful condition as is the clock's face which features a strike advance lever and a Fast/Slow adjustment tab. Winding key included. The winding hole for the clock is on the right side and the Ship's Bells is on the left. If one would choose to not have the bells ring, simply do not wind the left side.
Some of our customers have mounted these old clocks on a mahogany plaque for special presentations if you are looking for a great gift idea.
Clock price includes shipping cost of $50 to lower 48 U.S. states.