Charles Frodsham two-day marine chronometer No. 0040
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 19th century
Maker / issuer
Charles FrodshamThis late nineteenth-century marine chronometer is attributed by the source to Charles Frodsham, 15 New Bond Street, London, and marked No. 0040. The instrument features a four-inch silvered dial with Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds, and a wind indicator, suspended in gimbals within a three-part mahogany box.
According to the source, the single-fusee movement runs for two days and incorporates spotted plates, an Earnshaw-type detent escapement, maintaining power, a blued helical spring, and a bimetallic balance featuring Victor Kullberg's auxiliary compensation.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Two-day marine chronometer
- Height
- 19cm (7.5in)
- Escapement
- Earnshaw type detent escapement
- Dial Diameter
- 4 inches
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Case Construction
- Three part mahogany case with brass furniture
- Movement Duration
- Two day
- Maker and Location
- Charles Frodsham, 15 New Bond Street, London
- Maker / attribution
- Charles Frodsham
- Auxiliary Compensation
- Kullberg type auxiliary compensation
Design
- Visible features
- • Chronometer mounted in a brass gimbal assembly within a three-part mahogany case. • Silvered dial displays black Roman hour numerals, an upper subsidiary state-of-wind dial, and a lower subsidiary seconds dial. • Circular inset plaque, noted by the source as ivory, mounted on the inside face of the upper cover. • Lacquered brass corner fittings, a key escutcheon, and exterior drop handles fitted to the wooden case.
- Case and Mounting
- The marine chronometer is housed within a three-part mahogany case described as being of characteristic form, measuring 19 cm (7.5 in) in height. Visible observations record exterior drop handles, corner fittings, and a key escutcheon in lacquered brass, with the chronometer itself mounted inside a brass gimbal assembly. Mounted to the second cover is an inset circular plaque noted by the cataloguer as ivory, bearing maker and number markings. Auction notices classify the item under wildlife and CITES regulations due to this ivory content.
- Dial and Indications
- The instrument features a 4-inch silvered dial that is signed and numbered. Hour indications are given by black Roman numerals. Visible dial layout observations identify an upper subsidiary dial for the state-of-wind indicator and a lower subsidiary dial for continuous seconds.
- Reported Movement and Mechanism
- The mechanical specifications are documented from the auctioneer's cataloguing rather than external observation, as the movement sits inside the brass bowl. The mechanism is described as a two-day movement powered by a single fusee with spotted plates and maintaining power. The escapement is catalogued as an Earnshaw-type detent paired with a blued helical spring. Temperature regulation is provided by a bimetallic balance featuring Victor Kullberg's later-type auxiliary compensation.
Identification
- Serial number
- 0040
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Movement details, including the single fusee, spotted plates, Earnshaw escapement, and Kullberg balance, are obscured inside the brass bowl and rely on auction documentation.
- Research required: The presence of an ivory plaque subjects the item to CITES trade restrictions and export bans.