Sir John Bennett 2-day fusee marine chronometer no. 12861
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1840
This two-day marine chronometer by Sir John Bennett is housed in a brass-bound, three-tier rosewood box measuring 190 mm high by 190 mm wide and 185 mm deep. The exterior features flush brass corner brackets, a brass key escutcheon, a rectangular engraved plaque inscribed 'Bennett Maker to the Royal-Observatory 65 Cheapside London', and an ivory-coloured circular disc numbered '12/861'.
The dealer states that the instrument is gimballed in a brass bowl with an offset revolving shutter. The dealer further reports a two-day full-plate fusee movement with Harrison's maintaining power, four turned pillars, Earnshaw spring detent escapement, helical balance spring, and compensation balance. The dial reportedly features Roman numerals, a sub-seconds dial, and an up-and-down indicator.
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
- Date
- Circa 1840
- Type
- Two-day marine chronometer
- Maker
- Sir John Bennett
- Escapement
- Earnshaw spring detent
- Movement type
- 2 Day Fusee Marine Chronometer
- Serial number
- 12861
- Box dimensions
- 190 mm high, 190 mm wide, 185 mm deep
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- Sir John Bennett
Design
- Visible features
- • Three-tier rosewood marine chronometer box with flush brass corner brackets and brass key escutcheon. • Rectangular bone or ivory-coloured nameplate secured by four screws reading 'Bennett MAKER TO THE ROYAL-OBSERVATORY 65 Cheapside, LONDON.' • Circular circular disc below the keyway marked with the fractionally arranged serial number '12 / 861'. • Brass pushbutton catch fitted on the middle tier.
- Dial and Indicators
- The dial features Roman hour numerals and a sub-seconds dial with Arabic ten-second markers. The center of the dial is signed: 'John Bennett/ MAKER TO THE ADMIRALTY, / London No.12861'. An up-and-down indicator is located below the XII marker, marked with Arabic numerals in six-hour intervals (0 to 54) and labels for 'UP', 'WIND', and 'DOWN'.
- Movement Construction
- The instrument contains a two-day full-plate fusee movement with Harrison’s maintaining power, featuring four turned pillars and an Earnshaw spring detent escapement. The movement is fitted with a helical balance spring, compensation balance, and jewel endstones. The dealer reports the brass work is highly polished, with components including a four-wheel train, a gold passing spring, and a red impulse jewel.
- Casing and External Features
- The chronometer is housed in a three-tier, brass-bound, rosewood box measuring 190 mm high, 190 mm wide, and 185 mm deep. External features include an inlaid brass, waisted-lozenge escutcheon on the front, a matching inlay in the lid, and brass drop handles on the sides. The box includes a rectangular nameplate inscribed 'Bennett MAKER TO THE ROYAL-OBSERVATORY 65 Cheapside, LONDON.' A circular disc near the keyway bears the serial number '12 / 861'.
Identification
- Serial number
- 12861
- 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 movement, dial, hands, and gimbals are described in the source listing but are not visible in the supplied closed-box photograph.