Overview
Maker and U. S. Maritime Commission attribution are explicitly confirmed by marks on the dial and the molded mark on the case back.
Identification
Chelsea Clock Co. U.S. Maritime Commission Bakelite Ship's Clock
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Story
Manufactured by the Chelsea Clock Co. in Boston, Massachusetts, circa 1944. The black Bakelite case was a specific wartime measure implemented to conserve brass for the war effort, and the dial markings confirm its official issuance to the U. S. Maritime Commission. The market for WWII-era Chelsea ship's clocks remains robust among militaria collectors and horologists. The Bakelite cases, born out of wartime brass conservation, are highly recognizable and sought after.
Maker / Origin
Chelsea Clock Co.
Condition & Value
The user confirms the clock retains its original key and is in working order, keeping time. This is a major positive for a mechanical clock of this age, indicating the movement is intact and functional, though it remains in 'as-found' rather than fully overhauled condition.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The market for WWII-era Chelsea ship's clocks remains robust among militaria collectors and horologists. The Bakelite cases, born out of wartime brass conservation, are highly recognizable and sought after. While fully restored retail examples command high premiums, there is a strong, liquid secondary market for honest, working originals that appeal to collectors wanting authentic, untouched history.
Value Drivers
▲ Confirmed working condition and timekeeping ability significantly boosts buyer confidence and lifts the baseline value.
▲ Inclusion of the winding key completes the set and removes a common replacement cost for buyers.
▲ Wartime 1944 serial number and U. S. Maritime Commission attribution provide strong, verifiable historical provenance.
▲ Bakelite case is a recognizable, desirable WWII diagnostic feature.
Concerns
▼ Exact dial size is unverified; standard 6-inch dials represent the baseline, while larger sizes command a premium.
▼ Service history is unknown; while it runs now, collectors may still factor in the eventual cost of a professional cleaning and oiling.
Best Venue
This is a highly liquid collector's item. To maximize return without investing in a professional overhaul, list it on a major marketplace (like eBay) or a specialized militaria/horology auction. Highlight the working condition, the inclusion of the key, and the specific 1944 serial number in the listing title.
Upside Potential
If the dial is confirmed to be the larger 8. 5-inch or 10-inch variant rather than the standard 6-inch, the final sale price could easily push toward or slightly exceed the $500 mark.