Description

Williamsburg Chelsea Clock “The Wythe House” with cabinet made by the Kittinger Furniture Company

Circa 1962, Chelsea Clock Company, Chelsea, Massachusetts “The Wythe House” Mantle clock. The Chelsea Clock Company of Boston made this clock under the license (and supervision of) Colonial Williamsburg based on a clock in their collection within the Wythe House. There was a lot of interest in Williamsburg in the early 20th century and efforts were made to restore many of the edifices from this Colonial America settlment in the 1930s, pausing during WWII and then restarting in the 1950s leading up to the Bicentennial Celebration.  The Wythe House clock features Chelsea’s hand-assembled 8-day balance wheel movement (not temperamental to how the clock is positioned or level) with serial No. 649186.  The Williamsburg Chelsea Clock strikes the complete hours on the hour as well as a single strike on the half on a melodious blued steel snail gong.

This is the most desirable version of this clock….there were two other versions, an electric one and a time-only mechanical one.  This striking mechanical version is quite a bit more difficult to produce for this Williamsburg Chelsea Clock example.  This version retailed for $250 in 1956.

The clock is in excellent, near-mint condition and is now 60 years old.  The piece retains its original finish and orignal winding key.  The Chelsea movement is in good working order, keeping time and striking the time correctly.  Thwe unit appears to have been well cared for over time and is very clean.

The Chelsea Clock Company has been in business since 1897 and takes great pride in hand-assembled ships clocks.  Many of the over 300 parts that go into one of their striking clock movements are hand-made as well and gold plated for corrosion and durability.

Williamsburg Chelsea Clock Case produced by Kittinger Furniture Company

The cabinet for the clock was manufactured by the famous Kittinger Funiture Company of Buffalo and is in the most desirable “speckled” finish Mahagony with holly wood inlay.  This company manufactures furniture for the White House.  The case is a hand-rubbed solid mahogany cabinet with an inlaid design of solid holly wood. The feet, face-frame, and top handle are of solid brass. The original paper label attributing it to Williamsburg restoration is positioned on the inside of the case and stamped into the mahogany wood on the inside of the rear door.  The pictures provided give a true representation of the excellent overall condition of the Wythe House Chelsea clock.  The piece retains its original finish and comes with the original Chelsea key which can be hung from a hook mounted inside the rear door.   The Chelsea movement is in good working order and is very clean. Dimensions: H” 10 1/2 ” W. 7 1/2″ D. 4″

This Williamsburg Chelsea Clock is an excellent example that would make a lovely addition to any home living room, library, or home office.