Thomas Mercer late 19th century 2.5 day marine chronometer
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 19th century
This late 19th-century marine chronometer is attributed to Thomas Mercer of London. Suspended in a gimballed brass bowl within a brass-bound teak box, the chronometer features a 2.5-day duration movement reported to incorporate a Poole auxiliary balance.
The silvered dial carries black Roman hour numerals, outer minute indices, a subsidiary seconds dial, and a state-of-wind indicator below twelve o'clock. Engraved medal motifs commemorate exhibition awards from Paris 1867 and Philadelphia 1876. The dial is signed and numbered 5548, while the case is source-reported to bear a label for retailer H. Hughes & Son Ltd marked with number 1570.
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
- Thomas Mercer of London
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Retailer Label
- H. Hughes & Son Ltd, number 1570
- Balance Feature
- Poole auxiliary
- Case Dimensions
- 7.25in. width x 7.25in. depth x 8in. height
- Movement Duration
- 2.5 day
- Maker / attribution
- Thomas Mercer
- Movement Serial Number
- 5548
Design
- Visible features
- • Silvered dial displays Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds dial, and an up/down state-of-wind indicator. • Engraved exhibition medal illustrations on dial note Paris 1867 and Philadelphia 1876. • Brass bowl mounted in brass gimbal ring inside a wooden box with brass fittings. • Key is visible in the front keyhole escutcheon of the wooden case. • Instruction plaque regarding transit cork is screwed inside the lid.
- Condition and Observations
- The exterior teak case exhibits some fading, a crack running across the back of the lid, and a dent on the front edge. The H. Hughes & Son retailer plaque is described as chipped on its left side. The dial shows signs of slight oxidation. Descriptions provided by the source do not constitute a formal condition report; the absence of a stated defect does not imply the item is free from wear, tear, or effects of aging.
- Dial and Mechanism Features
- The instrument features a silvered dial engraved with illustrations of prize exhibition medals from Paris and Philadelphia. The dial carries the serial number 5548. The internal mechanism is specified as a 2.5-day duration movement. The balance is fitted with a Poole auxiliary balance. According to the source, the movement was functional at the time of cataloging, though it has not been tested for timekeeping accuracy.
- Object Identity and Documentation
- This marine chronometer is attributed to the maker Thomas Mercer of London and is dated to the late 19th century. The piece bears the serial number 5548. A secondary identity is provided by a retailer's plaque attached to the teak case, associated with H. Hughes & Son Ltd, which carries the number 1570. The object is housed in a brass-mounted teak case measuring 7.25 inches in width, 7.25 inches in depth, and 8 inches in height. The case includes an original lock and a working key, though the key is not numbered.
Identification
- Serial number
- 5548
- 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 and balance mechanism are not visible in the photograph.
- Research required: Poole auxiliary balance is source-reported.
- Research required: Retailer plaque for H. Hughes & Son Ltd is not visible in the primary photograph.
- Research required: Source reports movement is going but was not tested for timekeeping accuracy.