Parkinson & Frodsham Silver Spring Detent Escapement Deck-Watch No. 948
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1823 – 4
According to the Science Museum Group, this silver spring detent escapement deck-watch was made in London by Parkinson & Frodsham and is hallmarked for 1823–4. Housed in a mahogany box measuring 57 mm by 89 mm by 120 mm, the timepiece features a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial, and blued steel hands.
The dial and an exterior plaque bear the broad arrow mark and serial number 948. Source records state that the movement features a flat spiral balance-spring with a stud on a flexible arm. The source also reports that this watch accompanied Captain William Parry aboard HMS Hecla during his June 1827 North Pole attempt.
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
- Deck-watch
- Escapement
- Silver spring detent escapement
- Hallmark date
- 1823 – 4
- Dial signature
- signed 'Parkinson & Frodsham London 948' and the broad arrow mark
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Expedition history
- Capt. William Parry aboard ‘Hecla’ in June 1827
- Maker / attribution
- Parkinson & Frodsham
- Museum collection number
- Clockmakers' Museum No. 447
Design
- Visible features
- • Mahogany deck box fitted with rectangular inset plaques inscribed 'PARKINSON & FRODSHAM' and 'ONE ^ DAY 948'. • White enamel dial featuring black Roman hour numerals, outer minute track with Arabic 5-minute markings, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. • Dial is inscribed 'PARKINSON & FRODSHAM LONDON 948' above a broad arrow ordnance mark. • Blued steel hands for hours, minutes, and seconds. • A winding or case key is inserted into the front keyhole and secured with a pink woven fabric ribbon.
- Maker Marks and Identification
- The dial is signed 'Parkinson & Frodsham London 948' and bears the broad arrow mark. The object is recorded in the Clockmakers' Museum collection under number 447, with the official object number L2015-3359. The watch is hallmarked for 1823–4. Institutional records state the watch accompanied Captain William Parry aboard the 'Hecla' during his June 1827 attempt to reach the North Pole.
- Physical Description and Housing
- The timepiece is housed in a mahogany box measuring 57 mm by 89 mm by 120 mm. The box features inset plaques inscribed 'PARKINSON & FRODSHAM' and 'ONE ^ DAY 948'. A winding or case key is stored with the object, secured by a pink ribbon. The watch features a white enamel dial with black Roman hour numerals, an outer minute track with Arabic 5-minute markings, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. Blued steel hands are present for hours, minutes, and seconds.
- Mechanism and Technical Specifications
- The timepiece is identified as a silver spring detent escapement deck-watch. Source records specify that the movement features a flat spiral balance-spring with a stud on a flexible arm, described as aiding the even coiling and uncoiling of the spring. The internal movement components are concealed within the mahogany box in the current display configuration.
Identification
- Serial number
- 948
- 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 interior watch case and movement details are concealed inside the wooden box in this view.
- Research required: Expedition provenance and internal technical specifications rely on institutional catalogue documentation.