Marine chronometer by Robert Roskell
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1840
This early Victorian 56-hour marine chronometer was manufactured by the Liverpool maker Robert Roskell (1773-1847). The timepiece is housed in a three-tier, brass-bound mahogany box featuring carrying handles and a bone plaque inscribed with the number 1082.
The chronometer movement is spring-driven with fusee and stop-work. The round, silvered dial is signed "Robert Roskell Liverpool" and carries the identification numbers 1082 and 52966. It displays Roman numerals, brass hands, a subsidiary seconds dial, and a state-of-wind indicator positioned at the 12 o'clock mark. The chronometer is mounted on brass gimbals within its wooden housing, measuring 16.5 cm in width, 17.7 cm in height, and 16.5 cm in depth.
The piece is attributed to circa 1840 based on the maker's working period.
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
- Maker
- Robert Roskell (1773-1847)
- Dimensions
- 16.5cm wide, 17.7cm high, 16.5cm deep
- Box material
- Mahogany
- Movement type
- Fusee
- Dial signature
- Robert Roskell Liverpool
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Serial numbers
- 1082/52966
- Maker / attribution
- Robert Roskell
- Chronometer duration
- 56 hours
Design
- Visible features
- • Brass gimbal mount inside the wooden box • Bone identification plaque on the exterior case • State-of-wind indicator at the 12 o'clock position • Subsidiary seconds dial located at the bottom of the main dial
- Dial and Indication
- The chronometer features a round, silvered dial marked with Roman numerals and equipped with brass hands. The dial is signed "Robert Roskell Liverpool" and includes two subsidiary displays. A state-of-wind indicator is positioned at the 12 o'clock position to show the remaining power reserve, while a subsidiary seconds dial is located towards the bottom. The dial surface bears the identification numbers 1082 and 52966. These markings provide a specific reference for the instrument alongside the maker's signature.
- Case and Presentation
- The chronometer is housed in a three-tier mahogany box secured with brass fittings. The exterior features brass corner protectors and brass carrying handles to facilitate transport in maritime environments. A distinctive feature of the housing is the inset bone plaque on the front, which bears the number 1082, corresponding with the internal identification marks. Internally, the chronometer is suspended on a set of brass gimbals, which allow the instrument to remain level despite the motion of a vessel. The box dimensions are recorded as 16.5 cm in width, 17.7 cm in height, and 16.5 cm in depth.
- Movement and Attribution
- The mechanism is a 2-day, spring-driven fusee movement equipped with stop-work. It is attributed to the Liverpool-based maker Robert Roskell, who was active between 1773 and 1847. The source dates this specific chronometer to approximately 1840. His work is connected to the later firm of Hunt & Roskell through his son's partnership.
Identification
- Serial number
- 1082/52966
- 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: The exact date of manufacture is approximate, provided as 'around C1840'.
- Research required: The significance of the dual numbering sequence (1082/52966) is not explained in the source