12 Inch Ward Room Clock made for the William Bond Shop Boston
InformationExtremely rare and important twelve inch Chelsea clock, signed on the movement: "CHELSEA CLOCK CO BOSTON USA" and numbered on the movement: "36093" and the number is also stamped on the back of the case. The clock has a 12 inch dial with painted numerals. The dial has beautifully engraved inscript: "William Bond & Son Boston." The Chelsea ledgers indicate that this clock was sold to the Bond Company on April 13, 1912. At the time William Bond had a thriving clock shop in Boston where they sold their own precision clocks and chronometers. The Bond store also retailed high quality clocks of other manufacturers including Chelsea clocks. This clock apparently was ordered by the William Bond Company as a display sample representing one of the finest clocks in their inventory and proudly displayed their company name on the engraved dial. The clock has its original Chelsea eight day time only movement and retains the original hands. Their is a small subsiderary seconds dial above the center of the face and a slow/fast adjustment immediately to the right. The clock was ordered with optional upgraded eleven jeweled escapement. (CL-530)
Condition: The clock is in outstanding condition and retains the original wavy glass. The movement has been recently overhauled and is keeping excellent time and the case has been polished and lacquered.
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."
Note 1: On November 20, 2010 Skinner Auction Gallery in Marlboro MA sold the Bond shop Regulator No. 396 which was built by Bond in 1868 for $539,500. which indicates the importance of the Bond Clock Company in the history of American clock manufacturing.
Note 2: Included with the clock is a letter by Andrew Demeter, the author of the Chelsea clock book, discussing the rarity and merits of this 12 inch Chelsea Wardroom clock.
Dimensions: Diameter of backplate 18 1/2 inches; Diameter of dial 12 inches; , Depth off wall 5 5/8 inches; Weight 59 pounds.
