Hamilton Model 21 Chronometer Ship's Clock w/ Both Inner & Outer Wood
Cases 1945USD $3,822.55
Free Shipping
{{variant_type_name}} :
Notify me when the price drops
We will email you if we find a lower price on this product!
Hamilton Model No. 21 Ship's Chronometer Both Inner and Outer Wood Cases Included U.S. Maritime Commission Serial Number 2E10972 World War II Era - Circa 1945 Running?
Here is a nice vintage Hamilton Model No. 21 Ship's Chronometer for your buying consideration. Would make a great gift or keep for yourself! Not many of these chronometers come to the market very often, and certainly not in the pristine condition that this one is in (other than not running at this juncture). There is only one other with only an inner case up, and then a movement only offering on this online store site as of when we listed this item.
This is the large Model 21 Chronometer that was made by Hamilton, not the smaller Model 22. Hamilton was based in Lancaster, PA, unfortunately the company is no longer with us. The Model 21 was considered so accurate, that when properly adjusted was accurate within 1.5 seconds over a 24 hour period.
The Model 21 was used on the larger naval ships like a carrier, battleship or cruiser. The smaller, Model 22, was used on destroyers, frigates, etc. This one was made for the U.S. Maritime Commission and would have most likely been utilized by larger vessels in the commercial fleet used for moving oil, military personnel, tanks, trucks artillery and other equipment, as well as other supplies.
We were told that this Hamilton chronometer had been in the inventory of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michael's MD. for quite a while, and that they recently decided to sell it. This chronometer was made for the U.S. Maritime Commission. Noted as such on the chronometer face. Do not think that this piece was ever put into service, as just in impeccable condition for what a chronometer was used for and the wear and tear we have seen on other instruments like this over the years. That would seemed to be confirmed by the history below on the internet that the last batch of chronometers delivered during WWII ended with the serial number 10902. This chronometer is serial number 10972, just 70 after that date. So a latter 1945 piece is our best guess as to production date. This fine Hamilton Chronometer is being offered to you at a price below what you would see in a high end auction house or clock shops. We have been selling fine items out of our home for over 35 years. We are therefore better positioned to control our acquisition costs, keep commission costs low (if applicable), and finally, we don't have the overhead that the higher end houses and clock shops pass on to their clients .
The Chronometer comes with both the inner and outer wood cases. The latches on both cases operate as expected.
The inner case is in beautiful condition. Has all the brass corner pieces in places, and little to no scratching of the wood surface. The brass lacquered carrying handles are still in place. Has a tag for the U.S. Maritime Commission on the front of the inner case. The Hamilton Watch Co., Lancaster, PA is just above it and also inside and on the inside bottom of the inner case. The glass inside the inner case is still in place, no cracking or blistering. The inside bottom floor of the inner case has the number "13" incised into it. The plate is still in place on the inside of the top lid as to how to wind, set, and transport the piece.
The outer case has a lighter finish than the inner case. Some minor scratching on the case over the years. The leather strap is still in place on the outer case. The original green felt is still in place inside the outer case. No cracks or hairlines to the wood surfaces of either the inner or outer wood cases. The outer case also has something about Seth Thomas printed on it.
The clock face has the serial number of 2E10972 on it, as does the movement inside the case, on both the front and back plates. That would date this chronometer movement to right near the end of World War II in 1945.
The movement is powered by what is described as a 56 hour fusee driven spring wound movement. 14 jewel movement as incised on the back plate of the movement. The two cork pieces (appeared original) holding the escape wheel were in place when we acquired the piece. The movement's chain is in place on the movement, all wrapped up on the flat brass colored wheel for where the hole on the back of the case lines up for winding when you turn it into place. The wind strength shows that it is in the wound down position. The chain then runs over to the bottom of the other fusee cone wheel, see pics.
The movement not running now. Not sure if there is a locking mechanism that I am not picking up on, or what as the movement is like brand new finish and condition wise. So, selling the chronometer in not running condition at this juncture.
The wind key is still with the chronometer.
The movement has a silver colored face with black numbering. The minute, hour, and seconds hand are black and look appropriate to the clock. The wind strength needle is in place on the face of the chronometer as well. The glass bezel is in place. No cracks or blistering to the glass.
The chronometer's inner case is 8-5/8" tall, by 8.5" across, by 8" wide. The chronometer's outer case is 9-3/8" tall, by 12" across, by 10.25" wide. The clock face is 3-9/16" across. Let us know if you have any questions or need additional pictures. Don’t be shy to make an offer, we are always open to reasonable suggestions.
Some information about the Hamilton Model 21 Chronometer from the internet;
"Prior to World War two, a small number American firms manufactured or more appropriately finished chronometers from parts imported from European makers. Chronometer making was specialization and was still considered a craft. Only a few hundred clocks were produced in this country in any given year.
Anticipating the arrival of war, in 1939 the U.S. Naval Observatory had asked a number of American domestic watch manufacturers to manufacture a marine chronometer that the U. S. Government could purchase. During the first World War, the Americans found themselves at the mercy of the European made instruments. And these were in short supply. They were also concerned that once the war started the export of European parts and finished instruments would be halted. The big firms of Hamilton and Elgin agreed to participate in the program. It was not until 1941 that Hamilton agreed to work on the project. Thirteen weeks after surprise attack at Pearl Harbor, Hamilton delivered two prototypes for review to the Naval Observatory.
The Model 21 was warmly received by those who observed its accuracy and ingenuity. Hamilton's design for its Model 21 chronometer did not copy traditional European standards. Instead the design introduced key changes to improve accuracy. The modifications included changes to the escapement and the chronometer's oscillating unit the balance and hairspring assembly. It passed with an error rate of 1.55 seconds per day. It was also capable of being manufactured using assembly line techniques and were therefore quicker and easier to produce in numbers. Within eighteen months, Hamilton had produced 400 chronometers for the war effort and production rose sharply to approximately 500 pieces a month by 1944, they had delivered 10,902 chronometers by the end of the war. Production continued after the war until 1970 when a final total of 13,984 Model 21 chronometers were manufactured."
Make sure that this item meets your needs and requirements before deciding to acquire it. The item can be returned, there is a 15% restocking fee to do so. So, please carefully review all the attached pictures, ask all the questions you have, come see in person or send a friend to see the item on your behalf, prior to deciding to acquire it.
Please check out our other Timeless Tokens store listings as we are regularly adding new items. We specialize in antique and vintage artwork, books, collectibles, furniture, musical instruments, paper ephemera, marine/nautical, and clocks. Thanks for your business. (A24001).
Payment Policy Per Ebay policy . No personal checks. Immediate payment is required for items where the full listing price is paid. When a best offer price is accepted, the sooner payment is made, the sooner your item will be shipped. Once full payment is received, your item will be shipped on the same or next business day (depending on the time of day the purchase is made). For example, an item paid for on Tuesday will be shipped no later than end of day Wednesday. An item paid for on Friday will be shipped no later than end of day Monday. U.S. Federal holidays will impact shipping dates.
Shipping Policy Shipping is available to: 48 contiguous U.S. states and Canada . Select countries (disclosed in individual item description). PayPal confirmed addresses only. No APO/FPO delivery. Items will be shipped via USPS or UPS Ground , based on the buyer's preference. Shipped on the same or next business day following receipt of full payment. UPS/USPS tracking number will be provided. Shipping includes the cost of insurance, where applicable. Special shipping requests can be communicated and agreed upon at the time of sale. A separate handling charge may apply to certain items that require additional packaging in order to ensure safe shipping. Please refer to the individual listings to see if a handling charge applies. If an item is shipped to a country outside of the United States, the buyer is responsible for any brokerage, tariffs, taxes, customs, or other charges imposed by that country. The seller reserves the right to choose the international shipping carrier based on shipping method selected at the time of payment. The seller will not understate the value of any item on customs forms. If you purchase or win more than one auction in which the items can safely be shipped together, we will send you a combined invoice. We take great pride in is our wrapping to ensure that your order is safely shipped to you. You might find our shipping costs higher than other sellers, but it is due to the extra time, packing care, and materials we utilize. Of over 900 packages shipped last year, we had only two items with issues, a 99.8% damage free delivery rate. Keep in mind, we are not shipping soft goods, like shirts or pants. We are shipping vintage/antique items that are fragile and require special care. We also obtain insurance on any item that was bought for $50 or more, and require signature on delivery for items that are valued at ove r $200. Plus we have to pay the 11.75% of the final value and shipping fees that eBay and PayPal charges .
Returns Policy Returns are accepted by seller within 30 days of receipt of item where an item is not as d escribed. The Buyer will be assessed a 15% restocking fee of the Item and Shipping Cost should they decide to return this item for whatever the reason. Please note that a restocking fee is charged to to cover costs related to the loss of listing time and other potential sales, plus the amount of care and time that goes into preparing our unique and fragile items for shipping. In accordance with eBay's B uyer P rotection P rogram, the purchase price plus original shipping cost will be refunded to the buyer once the item has been received by the seller , m inu s the 15% restocking fee not ed . Buyer would p ay for the return shipping cost and any applicable insurance cost (item is the buyer's financial respons i bility until the it em is safely returned to the se ller by shipper) .
Guarantee All items are as described, with any item history, known defects or imperfections disclosed in each listing. Item description and pictures should be carefully reviewed prior to purchase. Any questions or inquiries or any additional pictures should be requested of the seller prior to purchase. Since one of our most important goals is to provide each buyer with outstanding customer service, we ask that you please contact us to resolve any issues regarding your purchase before leaving feedback and a DSR Star rating. We will do our best to immediately resolve any concerns/issues you have so that you are fully satisfied with your purchase. In order to help serve you better, any positive feedback you can provide on your shopping experience would be greatly appreciated!
About Us Welcome to Timeless Tokens, our online store, offering antiques, collectibles, and conventional merchandise for every need and occasion . Timeless Token represents the fulfillment of a long-held dream ~ to create a business that allows us pursue our passion for finding unique collectibles and everyday items that can be shared with and appreciated by all. In addition to offering unique, quality products that we hope you’ll enjoy, we also strive to provide outstanding customer service that will encourage you to visit often and trust that your purchase will be treated with special care. Our listings are updated regularly and focus on items that we know best - vintage artwork, books, clocks, collectibles, furniture, toys/model trains, musical instruments, and decorative boxes. We appreciate your taking the time to visit our store, and hope you will provide us feedback that will enable us to make your shopping experience the best it can be. Referrals are an important part of our business. If you as an eBay buyer are happy with our products and service, please pass our eBay store name along to friends, family, neighbors, and business associates.
Here is a nice vintage Hamilton Model No. 21 Ship's Chronometer for your buying consideration. Would make a great gift or keep for yourself! Not many of these chronometers come to the market very often, and certainly not in the pristine condition that this one is in (other than not running at this juncture). There is only one other with only an inner case up, and then a movement only offering on this online store site as of when we listed this item.
This is the large Model 21 Chronometer that was made by Hamilton, not the smaller Model 22. Hamilton was based in Lancaster, PA, unfortunately the company is no longer with us. The Model 21 was considered so accurate, that when properly adjusted was accurate within 1.5 seconds over a 24 hour period.
The Model 21 was used on the larger naval ships like a carrier, battleship or cruiser. The smaller, Model 22, was used on destroyers, frigates, etc. This one was made for the U.S. Maritime Commission and would have most likely been utilized by larger vessels in the commercial fleet used for moving oil, military personnel, tanks, trucks artillery and other equipment, as well as other supplies.
We were told that this Hamilton chronometer had been in the inventory of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michael's MD. for quite a while, and that they recently decided to sell it. This chronometer was made for the U.S. Maritime Commission. Noted as such on the chronometer face. Do not think that this piece was ever put into service, as just in impeccable condition for what a chronometer was used for and the wear and tear we have seen on other instruments like this over the years. That would seemed to be confirmed by the history below on the internet that the last batch of chronometers delivered during WWII ended with the serial number 10902. This chronometer is serial number 10972, just 70 after that date. So a latter 1945 piece is our best guess as to production date. This fine Hamilton Chronometer is being offered to you at a price below what you would see in a high end auction house or clock shops. We have been selling fine items out of our home for over 35 years. We are therefore better positioned to control our acquisition costs, keep commission costs low (if applicable), and finally, we don't have the overhead that the higher end houses and clock shops pass on to their clients .
The Chronometer comes with both the inner and outer wood cases. The latches on both cases operate as expected.
The inner case is in beautiful condition. Has all the brass corner pieces in places, and little to no scratching of the wood surface. The brass lacquered carrying handles are still in place. Has a tag for the U.S. Maritime Commission on the front of the inner case. The Hamilton Watch Co., Lancaster, PA is just above it and also inside and on the inside bottom of the inner case. The glass inside the inner case is still in place, no cracking or blistering. The inside bottom floor of the inner case has the number "13" incised into it. The plate is still in place on the inside of the top lid as to how to wind, set, and transport the piece.
The outer case has a lighter finish than the inner case. Some minor scratching on the case over the years. The leather strap is still in place on the outer case. The original green felt is still in place inside the outer case. No cracks or hairlines to the wood surfaces of either the inner or outer wood cases. The outer case also has something about Seth Thomas printed on it.
The clock face has the serial number of 2E10972 on it, as does the movement inside the case, on both the front and back plates. That would date this chronometer movement to right near the end of World War II in 1945.
The movement is powered by what is described as a 56 hour fusee driven spring wound movement. 14 jewel movement as incised on the back plate of the movement. The two cork pieces (appeared original) holding the escape wheel were in place when we acquired the piece. The movement's chain is in place on the movement, all wrapped up on the flat brass colored wheel for where the hole on the back of the case lines up for winding when you turn it into place. The wind strength shows that it is in the wound down position. The chain then runs over to the bottom of the other fusee cone wheel, see pics.
The movement not running now. Not sure if there is a locking mechanism that I am not picking up on, or what as the movement is like brand new finish and condition wise. So, selling the chronometer in not running condition at this juncture.
The wind key is still with the chronometer.
The movement has a silver colored face with black numbering. The minute, hour, and seconds hand are black and look appropriate to the clock. The wind strength needle is in place on the face of the chronometer as well. The glass bezel is in place. No cracks or blistering to the glass.
The chronometer's inner case is 8-5/8" tall, by 8.5" across, by 8" wide. The chronometer's outer case is 9-3/8" tall, by 12" across, by 10.25" wide. The clock face is 3-9/16" across. Let us know if you have any questions or need additional pictures. Don’t be shy to make an offer, we are always open to reasonable suggestions.
Some information about the Hamilton Model 21 Chronometer from the internet;
"Prior to World War two, a small number American firms manufactured or more appropriately finished chronometers from parts imported from European makers. Chronometer making was specialization and was still considered a craft. Only a few hundred clocks were produced in this country in any given year.
Anticipating the arrival of war, in 1939 the U.S. Naval Observatory had asked a number of American domestic watch manufacturers to manufacture a marine chronometer that the U. S. Government could purchase. During the first World War, the Americans found themselves at the mercy of the European made instruments. And these were in short supply. They were also concerned that once the war started the export of European parts and finished instruments would be halted. The big firms of Hamilton and Elgin agreed to participate in the program. It was not until 1941 that Hamilton agreed to work on the project. Thirteen weeks after surprise attack at Pearl Harbor, Hamilton delivered two prototypes for review to the Naval Observatory.
The Model 21 was warmly received by those who observed its accuracy and ingenuity. Hamilton's design for its Model 21 chronometer did not copy traditional European standards. Instead the design introduced key changes to improve accuracy. The modifications included changes to the escapement and the chronometer's oscillating unit the balance and hairspring assembly. It passed with an error rate of 1.55 seconds per day. It was also capable of being manufactured using assembly line techniques and were therefore quicker and easier to produce in numbers. Within eighteen months, Hamilton had produced 400 chronometers for the war effort and production rose sharply to approximately 500 pieces a month by 1944, they had delivered 10,902 chronometers by the end of the war. Production continued after the war until 1970 when a final total of 13,984 Model 21 chronometers were manufactured."
Make sure that this item meets your needs and requirements before deciding to acquire it. The item can be returned, there is a 15% restocking fee to do so. So, please carefully review all the attached pictures, ask all the questions you have, come see in person or send a friend to see the item on your behalf, prior to deciding to acquire it.
Please check out our other Timeless Tokens store listings as we are regularly adding new items. We specialize in antique and vintage artwork, books, collectibles, furniture, musical instruments, paper ephemera, marine/nautical, and clocks. Thanks for your business. (A24001).
Payment Policy Per Ebay policy . No personal checks. Immediate payment is required for items where the full listing price is paid. When a best offer price is accepted, the sooner payment is made, the sooner your item will be shipped. Once full payment is received, your item will be shipped on the same or next business day (depending on the time of day the purchase is made). For example, an item paid for on Tuesday will be shipped no later than end of day Wednesday. An item paid for on Friday will be shipped no later than end of day Monday. U.S. Federal holidays will impact shipping dates.
Shipping Policy Shipping is available to: 48 contiguous U.S. states and Canada . Select countries (disclosed in individual item description). PayPal confirmed addresses only. No APO/FPO delivery. Items will be shipped via USPS or UPS Ground , based on the buyer's preference. Shipped on the same or next business day following receipt of full payment. UPS/USPS tracking number will be provided. Shipping includes the cost of insurance, where applicable. Special shipping requests can be communicated and agreed upon at the time of sale. A separate handling charge may apply to certain items that require additional packaging in order to ensure safe shipping. Please refer to the individual listings to see if a handling charge applies. If an item is shipped to a country outside of the United States, the buyer is responsible for any brokerage, tariffs, taxes, customs, or other charges imposed by that country. The seller reserves the right to choose the international shipping carrier based on shipping method selected at the time of payment. The seller will not understate the value of any item on customs forms. If you purchase or win more than one auction in which the items can safely be shipped together, we will send you a combined invoice. We take great pride in is our wrapping to ensure that your order is safely shipped to you. You might find our shipping costs higher than other sellers, but it is due to the extra time, packing care, and materials we utilize. Of over 900 packages shipped last year, we had only two items with issues, a 99.8% damage free delivery rate. Keep in mind, we are not shipping soft goods, like shirts or pants. We are shipping vintage/antique items that are fragile and require special care. We also obtain insurance on any item that was bought for $50 or more, and require signature on delivery for items that are valued at ove r $200. Plus we have to pay the 11.75% of the final value and shipping fees that eBay and PayPal charges .
Returns Policy Returns are accepted by seller within 30 days of receipt of item where an item is not as d escribed
Guarantee All items are as described, with any item history, known defects or imperfections disclosed in each listing. Item description and pictures should be carefully reviewed prior to purchase. Any questions or inquiries or any additional pictures should be requested of the seller prior to purchase. Since one of our most important goals is to provide each buyer with outstanding customer service, we ask that you please contact us to resolve any issues regarding your purchase before leaving feedback and a DSR Star rating. We will do our best to immediately resolve any concerns/issues you have so that you are fully satisfied with your purchase. In order to help serve you better, any positive feedback you can provide on your shopping experience would be greatly appreciated!
About Us Welcome to Timeless Tokens, our online store, offering antiques, collectibles, and conventional merchandise for every need and occasion . Timeless Token represents the fulfillment of a long-held dream ~ to create a business that allows us pursue our passion for finding unique collectibles and everyday items that can be shared with and appreciated by all. In addition to offering unique, quality products that we hope you’ll enjoy, we also strive to provide outstanding customer service that will encourage you to visit often and trust that your purchase will be treated with special care. Our listings are updated regularly and focus on items that we know best - vintage artwork, books, clocks, collectibles, furniture, toys/model trains, musical instruments, and decorative boxes. We appreciate your taking the time to visit our store, and hope you will provide us feedback that will enable us to make your shopping experience the best it can be. Referrals are an important part of our business. If you as an eBay buyer are happy with our products and service, please pass our eBay store name along to friends, family, neighbors, and business associates.
Returns Accepted for this item if it's within 30 Days
Price type
IN STOCK
OUT STOCK
.
