estateRUTH.

Identification

Chelsea Clock Co. U.S. Maritime Commission Bakelite Ship's Clock

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

Maker and U. S. Maritime Commission attribution are explicitly confirmed by marks on the dial and the molded mark on the case back.

Story

Chelsea Clock Co. of Boston, Massachusetts, is one of America's premier clockmakers, renowned for supplying precision timepieces to the U. S. military. This specific model was produced for the U. S. Maritime Commission during WWII, with the scratched serial number (455166) firmly dating its production to 1944. The use of a Bakelite case was a wartime necessity implemented to conserve brass for munitions. The market for WWII-era militaria and maritime instruments remains robust, supported by a dedicated collector base.

Maker / Origin

Chelsea Clock Co.

Condition & Value

The visible evidence confirms the presence of the original Bakelite case and the correct U. S. Maritime Commission dial markings. The primary condition factors that will dictate the final value are currently unverified: the mechanical health of the movement, the presence of the winding key, and the cosmetic condition of the dial under the glass. Collectors prefer these items to remain unpolished, with their original wartime patina intact. The Bakelite case shows typical age-related surface scuffing and tape residue on the reverse, with visible patina on the dial and hands.

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 militaria and maritime instruments remains robust, supported by a dedicated collector base. Chelsea clocks, in particular, are highly regarded for their robust movements and historical significance. Buyers differentiate strongly between 'as-found' examples, which trade briskly on secondary platforms, and fully serviced, polished examples that command significant premiums in specialized retail settings.

Value Drivers

▲ Authentic WWII-era U. S. Maritime Commission issue by Chelsea Clock Co.

▲ Serial number (455166) firmly dates the piece to 1944 production.

▲ Original Bakelite case, a desirable wartime diagnostic feature.

Concerns

▼ Unverified mechanical condition — a non-running movement will anchor the value near the $200 floor.

▼ Unverified winding key — a missing key requires the buyer to source a replacement.

▼ Unverified dial diameter — standard 6-inch dials trade lower than the rarer 8. 5-inch or 10-inch variants.

Best Venue

Test the clock to determine if it runs and keeps time; if it does, note this prominently in your listing. List the item on a specialized militaria/maritime auction platform or eBay with clear, well-lit photos of the dial, the case back showing the serial number, and the movement (if accessible). Do not attempt to polish or alter the Bakelite case.

Upside Potential

If the clock is confirmed to be in excellent running condition, retains its original key, and is one of the larger dial variants (8. 5 or 10 inches), it could reach or exceed the $450 high-end at auction. Professional servicing and overhauling could eventually push its retail value into the $800+ tier.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 6 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Skipjack Nautical Wares
    WWII U.S. Maritime Commission Clock, Chelsea Clock Co.
    Link could not be verified.
    $675
  • eBay
    Excellent WWII Chelsea 12E Maritime Commission Deck Clock - Runs 13 days STRONG
    Link could not be verified.
    $425
  • Schmitt Horan· 2009-11-07
    Chelsea Wartime SHIPS BELL, for the U. S. Maritime Commission, 6" dial in a bake-lite case with metal reinforcement, serial #390135
    Excerpt describes a brass Doric boudoir clock, conflicting with the title.
    $425
  • eBay
    6" Vintage Chelsea Clock U.S. Maritime Commission Ship Clock Ca.1944 restored.
    Link could not be verified.
    $275
  • Schmitt Horan· 2009-11-06
    Chelsea Wartime SHIPS BELL, for the U. S. Maritime Commission, 6" dial in a bake-lite case with metal reinforcement
    Excerpt describes a brass Doric boudoir clock, conflicting with the title.
    $200
  • Premier Auction Galleries· 2026-05-30
    Chelsea U.S. Maritime Commission Clock
    Excerpt describes a Seth Thomas brass clock, conflicting with the Chelsea title.
    $40