This Fine Clock Has Been Sold. Thank you!   RARE ILLINOIS CLOCK CO. WW II U.S. NAVY RATED CHRONOMETER Carrying Case & Naval Observatory Certification   Presented is a WW II ILLINOIS Watch Co. USN rated  chronometer deck watch in a traditional three section varnished wood case with full gimbal mounts. It is complete with its original carrying case, and last official U.S. Naval Observatory rating chart dated April 28, 1944 with maker's name and serial number 1389485 of 1897. The clock is noted as being in service with the U.S. Maritime Commission - our merchant marine. After considerable research, and with help from a number of collectors of Illinois Watch Co. pocket watches, we believe it to be one of only eleven that are known to have survived the war.   What is special about this example is: A Naval Observatory rating sheet Excellent  condition considering its age and war time service Complete with original carrying case Is keeping chronometer rated time BRIEF HISTORY: Even though there is no mention of Illinois movements serving in the military in WW II, two companies, M. Low and Roth Bros., both of NYC, were installing high quality pocket watch movements in seagoing cases under USN contracts. The Navy bought all the could get of these until production of the Hamilton 21 was ramped up to meet the wartime demand.   Marvin Whitney in his definitive work, Military Timepieces, discusses the small boxed chronometers that were assembled early in the War by Roth Brothers, New York to satisfy this demand. Whitney identifies companies such as Hamilton, Elgin and Waltham plus others, but does not include Illinois in his list. The movements were repackaged in heavy weight brass tubs and fitted to plain chronometer style, five inch square, three tier, gimbaled cases with a strapped carrying case included. All these pocket watches carried the name of the movement's maker on the dial as their only identification. Roth also supplied similar movements in a bronze bulkhead (wall) mount with its name prominently imprinted on the dial, but it did not put their name on any part of the assembly for those in a chronometer style housing.     PROVINANCE: This clock was handed down in the same family from grandfather to father to son. It was sold to help pay for a college education. As the son states, "it has sat in the attic for ever".   1897 MOVEMENT CONDITION: Is generally excellent for clock of this age that has seen service at sea and is keeping time well within its rated rate. The 12 hour dial has some minor grime on the face. The lacquered finish is about 90 percent original, but the brass has darkened under it in some areas. The main spring is sound and the clock has run for 40 hours 10 minutes on one winding. After removing the bezel, there is a lever at the two o'clock position which when extended allows the time to be set by the winding stem.   CASES CONDITION: Both cases are in sound condition. The carrying case is made up of small billets of wood which was likely a wartime effort to save on material. Its interior is padded with blue felt. The leather strap is well worn, but useable.   INSIDE CASE DIMENSIONS:          5" square CARRYING CASE DIMENSIONS:   7 1/4" square COMBINED WEIGHT:                     10 pounds     The superior example of a complete ILLINOIS U.S. Navy chronometer with carrying case, and official papers should appeal to someone who desires only the most unusual and desirable.                     Illinois dial               Complete with carrying case           Full gimbals and lock   International buyers welcome, but inquire first.  We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Poland, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean. 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. Unfortunately, shipping charges are not included in this offer and are non-refundable unless we are at fault. This does not affect our policy on shipping damage which is discussed below. SHIPPING & PACKING: The cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination is an additional charge. You may email us beforehand. We price our shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost of packaging materials and handling. 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 in your behalf. ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. No checks from overseas buyers, no credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item. Buy this magnificent ILLINOIS U.S. Navy rated ship's chronometer Now! It is a superior example of a rare WWII timepiece, and a worthy addition for your desk, mantle, collection or as important gift. Copyright 2008 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved