Extremely rare and important twelve inch Chelsea Wardroom clock, signed on the dial, movement and the back of the case Chelsea Clock Co. #8970 ." This clock according to the Chelsea factory production records the clock was issued in Feb. 1917. The clock has a 12 inch dial with painted numerals. " The clock has its original Chelsea eight day time only 7 jewel movement and retains the original hands. Their is a small subsidiary seconds dial above the center of the face and a slow/fast adjustment immediately to the right. (CL-549)
Condition: The clock is in outstanding condition and has been recently polished and the dial re-silvered and repainted. The movement has been recently overhauled and is keeping excellent time.
Reference: Demeter, Andrew & David, "Chelsea Clock Company The First Hundred Years", USA: Demeter Publications, 2014, p. 233. The book states: "WARDROOM First seen in the 1911 catalog this impressive bronze case with its half round hinged bezel has concentric steps that widen from the front to the back of the case. Offered with 6, 8 1/2, 10 and 12 inch Plain or Special dials and a Time Only movement. These are extremely rare in any dial size or style and only two 12 inch models were clearly described as having been sold prior to 1914. Discontinued in 1929". The clock movement wa manufactured in 1903 as a duplicate number to a smaller 4 1/2 inch clock bearing the same number. It remained in inventory at the Chelsea factory and was then instaled into this 12" Ward Room Clock in Feb. of 1917 as indicated above.
Dimensions: Diameter of backplate 18 1/2 inches; Diameter of dial 12 inches; , Depth off wall 5 5/8 inches; Weight 59 pounds.