Antique of the Month - An early 20th Century Ship’s Clock from Southampton, England

 This month’s Antique of the Month from the Historic Johanna Brotch House is a ship’s clock from the early 20th Century.  Made by the F. Smith & Son ship chandlery (ship supply store), this clock winds by hand (as they all did then) and was wall mounted (see the screw holes.  It was likely on the bridge or, if on a larger ship, possibly near the navigation table.  It could also have been in the captain’s quarters.  For sure, this one’s seen a lot of sea time!  The company F. Smith and Son were chandlery retailers supplying yachts and ships in the early 20th century.  In 1913, their store was at 23 Oxford Street in Southampton, so it’s likely this clock dates from around that time.  

     Note that besides the maker’s name is also the trademark Sestrel which is the brand of Henry Browne & Son who were important British compass makers.  They made only the highest quality marine navigation gear under the “Sestrel” trademark.  F. Smith & Son may have incorporated the Sestrel internal clockwork gears and mechanism into the brass housing of their making.  

     Not that it matters, but RMS Titanic departed from Southampton in 1912, so this timepiece is not only very close in time but also in place, having been made in Southampton, possibly in the same year.  

     It’s a real gem (it still works!) and I hope you enjoy the photos!