Parkinson and Frodsham 2-day marine chronometer No. 1769
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1820
This early 19th-century two-day marine chronometer was made by Parkinson and Frodsham of London and is numbered 1769 on both its silvered dial and three-tier brass-bound mahogany box.
The instrument features an 8 cm diameter dial and is gimbal-mounted within its transit case. According to the dealer description, the chain fusee movement includes cylindrical ring-turned pillars, an Earnshaw spring detent escapement, a bimetallic compensated balance with a diamond endpiece, a blued steel hairspring, and an internal sprung dust cover. The chronometer also retains its original tipsy winding key.
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
- Height 17cm, Width 15cm, Depth 15cm
- Escapement
- Earnshaw spring detent
- Dial Diameter
- 8 cm
- Serial Number
- 1769
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Movement Duration
- 2 day
- Maker / attribution
- Parkinson and Frodsham
Design
- Visible features
- • Chronometer bowl is mounted on brass gimbals within a green felt-lined three-tier wooden box. • The box features brass corner brackets, a front keyhole with a key inserted, and brass drop handles on the sides. • A rectangular plaque inscribed with number 1769 is mounted along the upper rim of the mid-tier of the box. • The silvered dial displays Roman numerals, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial.
- Dial Presentation
- The chronometer features a silvered dial measuring 8 cm in diameter. Visible dial details include Roman numeral hour markers, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial. The dealer listing describes the silvered dial as signed by Parkinson and Frodsham, London, and records the serial number 1769 directly on the dial face.
- Casing and Mounting
- The instrument is housed within a three-tier mahogany box reinforced with brass corner brackets. Visible exterior fittings include side brass drop handles and a front keyhole shown with a key inserted. Inside, the box is lined with green felt and encloses a brass gimbal assembly supporting the chronometer bowl. Numbered identification is present on the housing: a rectangular plaque inscribed with the number 1769 is mounted along the upper rim of the box's middle tier, matching the serial number stated to be on both the box and the dial.
- Reported Movement and Accessories
- The movement is stated by the dealer to have a 2-day running duration and to be signed by Parkinson and Frodsham, London. Described internal components include a chain fusee, cylindrical ring-turned pillars, an Earnshaw spring detent escapement, a bimetallic compensated balance with a diamond endpiece, a blued steel hairspring, and an internal sprung dust cover. Because the movement remains unexposed in the provided open-box photograph, these technical details rely entirely on the dealer's description. The listing also notes that the chronometer retains an original tipsy winding key. Hansord Antiques dates the instrument to the 19th century, specifically circa 1820.
Identification
- Serial number
- 1769
- 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 features including the chain fusee, Earnshaw detent escapement, and balance are not visible in the open-box photograph and rely entirely on the dealer's report.
- Research required: The dealer declares the period as 19th century and specifically dates it to circa 1820.