Inherited Chelsea Clock and looking for info

[lneedham]

I would appreciate any info I could get on this clock. It belonged to my grandfather. I would like to clean the brass and refinish the wood frame, but don't want to damage it. It works well and keeps decent time. The only strange thing is that it does not have a serial number (see pictures). I was wondering if it could be a reproduction? Its VERY heavy.

Update: It took it off the stand and it obviously was a gift to my grandfather since it had been engraved, and had the serial number and was made in Nov of 1954. It had a stamp from the company which says Air Force Stock 8TAA-220000, CCC part number 20544. Again, I'd just like to know if it would be ok to clean it up and not depreciate any value it might have. Thanks.

 

[eskmill]

Welcome to the NAWCC Message Board lneedham.

I believe your Grandfather was given a fine Chelsea "message room" clock made for just about every one of the armed services. The reason for the notation on the face is somewhat of a mystery and not being a Chelsea clock collector, I can only guess that Chelsea had a large surplus quantity of these message room clocks and offered them at very reasonable cost.

Is the brass clock case actually fastened to the wood cradle? Or, is it simply nested in the cradle....we see all kinds of Chelsea clocks on this message board and all of them are highly sought after as they are exceptionally fine timepieces.

If the finish on the brass case is even just "fair," I'd suggest doing nothing more than wiping it with a soft cloth. Avoid using a polish such as brasso etc. unless you want to go "all-the-way" with the job. These brass cases were heavily coated with a clear finish to prevent the brass from tarnish for a few years. Over time, the brass does change color and assumes a "patina" that suggests age.....most collectors admire the right amount of "patina" and don't appreciate brightly polished brass.

If the clock has not been serviced since new.....it's way, way over due and should be returned to the factory for regular maintenance. Of course, you may seek a qualified repairer to do the job....it's your choice.

Take care of your family heirloom Chelsea clock.

 

[lneedham]

Welcome to the NAWCC Message Board lneedham.

I believe your Grandfather was given a fine Chelsea "message room" clock made for just about every one of the armed services. The reason for the notation on the face is somewhat of a mystery and not being a Chelsea clock collector, I can only guess that Chelsea had a large surplus quantity of these message room clocks and offered them at very reasonable cost.

Is the brass clock case actually fastened to the wood cradle? Or, is it simply nested in the cradle....we see all kinds of Chelsea clocks on this message board and all of them are highly sought after as they are exceptionally fine timepieces.

If the finish on the brass case is even just "fair," I'd suggest doing nothing more than wiping it with a soft cloth. Avoid using a polish such as brasso etc. unless you want to go "all-the-way" with the job. These brass cases were heavily coated with a clear finish to prevent the brass from tarnish for a few years. Over time, the brass does change color and assumes a "patina" that suggests age.....most collectors admire the right amount of "patina" and don't appreciate brightly polished brass.

If the clock has not been serviced since new.....it's way, way over due and should be returned to the factory for regular maintenance. Of course, you may seek a qualified repairer to do the job....it's your choice.

Take care of your family heirloom Chelsea clock.

Thank you for your response! Yes, the clock is fastened to the cradle with 3 screws. The brass is in good shape and does have a nice patina, so I will leave it alone. It does have a bit of corrosion on the inside of the one of the door hinges, I think you can see it in one of the pictures. But none otherwise. I would like to strip and refinish the cradle in a darker color. Did these cradles come with the clocks? I found another clock exactly like this on ebay and they are selling the cradle alone for $375! It is slighly different then mine. And its obviously been refinished. And yes, I will look to have it serviced. Thanks again...