DIMENSIONS: 5 1/2" Diameter of face 3 1/4" Deep 7 1/4" Full Diameter Weight 10 lbs 6 oz 

Presented is a fine Chelsea chromed brass cased clock completely restored example, back winding, WW II, Navy MK I Deck Clock with a hinged front that is complete with two backing plates. One of these plates acted as a water tight cover and shock absorber and the other mounts the case to a bulkhead or wall. It is rare to get these clocks with their back cover plate and finding one with the original mounting plate is an even rarer exception. The Chelsea version of what was a supposedly standardized mil-spec design is more refined and has a different hinge arrangement than the thousands of nickel plated clocks that were made by Seth Thomas. It has been recently serviced by a clock smith who specializes in military ship’s clocks. It is keeping very good time compared to a quartz comparison watch.  

Navy MK I DECK clocks of WW II were manufactured in accordance with military specifications 18C-11 and 18C -13. This Chelsea example has modifications which are unique. The front section holds the movement and has an integral stud on the backing plate that acts as the hinge. This compares to the more common Seth Thomas version which uses a removable pin, and has a nickel plated case. In both designs, the back of the front section has all the controls on the rear.

The Navy MK I Deck Clock   MK I hinge

Both Andrew Demeter in his definitive book, "Chelsea Clock Company, the first 100 years" and Marvin Whitney in his encyclopedic work, "MILITARY TIMEPIECES" say that these clocks were chromium plated up to 1941 when cases were switched to Bakelite, a phenolic. It is our opinion that they were nickel not chrome plated.

Back

Mark I Deck clock made by Chelsea is a rare find, as is a clock of this age and service at sea to be found in this fine condition. It is perfect for a collector of military pieces or as an important gift.

Detail of controls

Beneath the hand arbor is etched: 

MARK I DECK CLOCK
U.S. NAVY
(NO) 839   1939

(NO)represents the Naval Observatory which means the clock not only met the military specifications, but also met the stringent standards of this institution which maintains the Nation's Time Standard. At the bottom of the dial it is marked Chelsea.

The following controls are accessed on the back:

Fast - Slow adjustment. To regulate turn towards S to Slow and vice versa

Stop - allows for precision setting with master clock

Set - moves hands                    Winding Arbor

It has a Chelsea Model 17K, 11 jewel 8 day movement that is wound, set and stopped through a slotted dust cover at its rear which closes. A separate start/stop mechanism allows it to be synchronized with a master time piece. 

The removable vibration dampener backing plate is attached to the bulkhead plate by six screws and holds the front case secure by a wing nut dog.

Sides and Back view CONDITION: This example has seen about 81 years of service, much of it at sea, but has the appearance of being almost new. The face is in excellent condition, the lens is clear with some small abrasions when viewed close-up. The dots over the numbers are still painted with irradium for night viewing. This is usually removed because it was radio active. The movement has been recently serviced by a clock smith that specializes in military ships clocks and is keeping good time. A key is included. NO NONSENSE WARRANTY: We guarantee that this clock will be working on arrival and that our description is entirely accurate or your money back. The only conditions are that an email authorization be obtained within three days, and that the instrument is returned in its original condition and packaging, and insured for its full value. Shipping charges within the continental United States are included in this offer if the error is ours. This does not affect our policy on shipping damage which is discussed below. PACKAGING: We take great care in packaging our clocks for shipment which includes bubble wrap, placing in a box, and then placing in a larger box surrounded by impact absorbent material. However, we are not responsible, once it is turned over to the carrier. Full Value insurance is required. In the event of damage due to shipping we will assist you in all respects even to filing a claim on your behalf. This U.S. Navy black face clock has a dramatic appearance and makes a perfect gift or as an addition for your den wall or in a collection. For desk display, our fine wood stand is included at no charge. ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. Our prices are quoted net to seller, so credit cards and PayPal may incur additional fees. Copyright 2020 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved