D McGregor & Co. Two-Day Marine Chronometer No. 1784
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1865
This Scottish two-day marine chronometer is reported by Bonhams to have been made circa 1865 by D McGregor & Co. in Glasgow and Greenock, bearing number 1784. The lot entry describes a 3 3/4-inch silvered dial with subsidiary seconds and up-and-down dials.
Its internal movement is catalogued as a fusee mechanism featuring Earnshaw's spring detent escapement, a helical balance spring, and a compensation balance. The brass bowl is gimbal-mounted in a brass-bound rosewood case fitted with a double-hinged lid, a signed ivory plaque on the front, and shaped brass side carrying handles.
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
- Dimensions
- 16.5cm (6 1/2in) wide
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker Signature
- D McGregor & Co. Maker to the Admiralty Glasgow & Greenock, No. 1784
- Case Construction
- Brass-bound rosewood case with double hinged lid and signed ivory plaque
- Movement Mechanism
- Fusee movement with Earnshaw's spring detent escapement, compensation balance, and helical spring
- Maker / attribution
- D McGregor & Co.
- Dial Size and Configuration
- 3 3/4-inch silvered dial with subsidiary seconds and up-and-down dials
Design
- Visible features
- • Chronometer brass bowl is supported within a brass gimbal ring inside the wooden case. • Hinged top lid is raised, displaying an applied maker plaque and decorative brass corner straps. • Brass drop carrying handle mounted on the exterior side of the rosewood box. • Brass escutcheon keyhole visible on the front face of the lower box section.
- Dial and Signature
- The instrument features a 3 3/4-inch silvered dial. The dial layout includes subsidiary seconds and up-and-down dials. The dial is signed and numbered 'D McGregor & Co. Maker to the Admiralty Glasgow & Greenock, No. 1784'.
- Movement and Mechanism
- The chronometer utilizes a fusee movement. Regulation is provided by an Earnshaw's spring detent escapement. The movement incorporates a compensation balance and a helical balance spring. The source identifies the object as circa 1865.
- Case and External Architecture
- The chronometer is housed in a brass-bound rosewood case measuring 16.5 cm (6 1/2 inches) in width. The case is constructed with a double-hinged lid and is fitted with shaped brass carrying handles on the sides. External features include a brass escutcheon keyhole on the front of the lower box section and an applied ivory plaque signed by the maker. The internal brass bowl is mounted within a brass gimbal ring.
Identification
- Serial number
- 1784
- 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: Dial details and internal movement components are not clearly legible or visible in the single photograph.
- Research required: Ivory plaque material is stated by the source and subject to international trade regulations.