Charles Frodsham Two-Day Marine Chronometer No. 2819
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1860
Maker / issuer
Charles FrodshamThis mid-19th-century English two-day marine chronometer by Charles Frodsham is housed in a gimballed brass bowl within a brass-bound wooden box, accompanied by a fitted outer transport box with a leather strap.
The silvered dial features Roman numerals, an up-and-down state-of-wind indicator below XII graduated from 0 to 56 hours, and a subsidiary seconds dial above VI. The dial and the circular plaque on the case are marked with the maker's name and serial number 2819, alongside the 84 Strand, London address. The silvered inner bezel rim bears an inscription referencing the 1855 Exposition Universelle Grande Médaille d'Honneur.
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
- Drive
- Spring barrel via chain fusee
- Escapement
- Earnshaw spring detent escapement
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Bezel inscription
- EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE DE 1855 GRANDE MEDAILLE D’HONNEUR
- Case construction
- Three-tier rosewood case
- Maker / attribution
- Charles Frodsham
- Maker's signature and address
- CARLES FRODSHAM 84 STRAND LONDON No 2819
Design
- Visible features
- • Silvered dial with Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds dial above VI, and state-of-wind indicator below XII. • Chronometer mounted in a brass gimbal ring inside a brass-bound wooden box with a circular bone plaque on the middle section. • Separate wooden outer transport case lined with green velvet and fitted with an adjustable buckled leather carrying strap.
- Dial and Indication
- The four-inch silvered dial features Roman hour numerals with minute and five-minute divisions. The bezel is inscribed on the inner silvered rim with the text ‘EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE DE 1855 GRANDE MEDAILLE D’HONNEUR’. Time is indicated by gilt brass hands. A subsidiary seconds dial is located above the six o'clock position, using a blued-steel hand on a ring with Arabic ten-second, five-second, and second divisions. An up-and-down winding indicator, graduated 0 to 56 hours, is positioned below the twelve o'clock marker.
- Mechanism and Construction
- The two-day duration movement is built between two circular plates and utilizes a chain fusee driven by a spring in a spring barrel. It features an Earnshaw spring detent escapement, a compensated balance, and a helical spring. The instrument is wound by a special key with a ratchet mechanism to prevent winding in the incorrect direction. The key may be stored in a hole provided in the top right corner of the case. The winding hole itself is protected by a circular sprung shutter.
- Identity and Exterior Presentation
- This marine chronometer, identified as No. 2819, is housed in a three-tier rosewood case with brass binding. The lower section includes drop handles on the sides, while the front features a lock and key with an inlaid brass escutcheon. The upper portion includes a glazed section and a brass button to lock the top lid. The chronometer movement is held in a gimballed brass bowl, which can be secured for transport by a handle in the bottom right corner of the case. A circular bone plaque on the front of the upper part is inscribed with the maker and serial number.
Identification
- Serial number
- 2819
- 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: Internal movement components (chain fusee, plates, Earnshaw detent escapement, and balance) are not visible in the photograph.