Early Ship's Engine Room Clock "American Steam Gauge & Valve Manu. Co. with Seth Thomas Works

Most impressive early 20th century American ship’s engine room clock with the large brass dial artistically engraved “American Steam Gauge & Valve Manufg. Company, Boston, MA.” It has bold Arabic numerals and a minute chapter swept by black spade hands. The subsidiary seconds bit below the “12” is divided into 5 second intervals marked in 15’s. Above at the number “12” is the SLOW-FAST adjustment. The huge case houses its all brass No. 10 movement produced by the Seth Thomas Company. The clock's movement is stamped with the Seth Thomas trademark of “ST” within a diamond, then “MADE IN U.S.A.” The large ship’s clock case is of solid bronze with a flared bezel and thick mounting flange 10 1/2 inches in diameter. The case is 4 inches thick and weighs an impressive 16 pounds! The upper side of the case does retain a small dent in it.

For ease of access and setting it is equipped with a hinged bezel opening and closes fast with a locking catch. This clock survives in good working condition and the case retains a wonderful old brass patina. It is a strong runner on double spring barrels and keeps excellent time. Complete with original winding key. Simply a great American ship’s clock!

Biography:

 The American Steam Gauge Company was established formally in 1851 and incorporated in 1854. Based in Boston, the firm produced all sorts of steam gauges and steam indicators, as well as Amsler's polar planimeter, safety valves, speed indicators, water gauges, whistles, revolution counters, and Seth Thomas and Howard clocks. It also made pyrometers, hyrdrometers, salinometers, mercurial siphon gauges, and steamship equipment. By 1896, the firm had branch offices in New York and Chicago. Around 1902, the business took on a new name--the American Steam Gauge and Valve Manufacturing Company and was reincorporated. It's home base was still Boston, but there were branches in New York, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Atlanta.