Thomas Mercer Ltd. Marine Chronometer No. 18195
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
first half of the 20th century
Attributed to Thomas Mercer Ltd. of St. Albans, England, and dated by the source to the first half of the 20th century, this marine chronometer is mounted in a brass gimbal within a mahogany box measuring 19 cm wide, 18 cm deep, and 18 cm high.
The silvered dial is signed 'THOMAS MERCER LTD / ST. ALBANS. ENGLAND.' and features Roman numerals, blued steel hands, an up-and-down indicator below XII, and a subsidiary seconds dial marked 18195 above VI. A service label from Observator B.V., Rotterdam, is affixed inside the glazed lid.
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
- Width 19 cm, depth 18 cm, height 18 cm
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Condition notes
- Wear, dirt. Not functional tested
- Maker / attribution
- Thomas Mercer Ltd.
- Source title and attribution
- Marine chronometer, Thomas Mercer Ltd., St. Albans, England, first half of the 20th century
- Case material and retailer inscription
- Mahogany case marked Sold by Marine Instruments Ltd London & Glasgow No 18195
Design
- Visible features
- • Mahogany box with glazed upper lid, brass stay arm, and winding key rest. • Gimballed brass bowl with locking mechanism and counterweight. • Silvered dial signed 'THOMAS MERCER LTD ST. ALBANS. ENGLAND.' with Roman numerals and outer railway minute track. • Power-reserve indication marked 'UP' and 'DOWN' below XII. • Subsidiary seconds register numbered '18195' positioned above VI. • Paper label inside lid from 'OBSERVATOR B.V. ROTTERDAM' recording chronometer 'Thomas Mercer 18195', vessel 'Benjamins', and cleaning dated 'febr. 1982'.
- Operational Status
- The source states the chronometer has not been functionally tested. The mechanical interior and movement were not specified or described in the source.
- Identification and Provenance
- This marine chronometer is attributed to Thomas Mercer Ltd. of St. Albans, England, and dated by the source to the first half of the 20th century. The mahogany case bears an inscription stating it was 'Sold by Marine Instruments Ltd London & Glasgow' and includes the serial number 18195.
- Construction and Physical Specifications
- The instrument is housed in a mahogany case measuring 19 cm in width, 18 cm in depth, and 18 cm in height. The source documents the item condition as exhibiting wear and dirt.
Identification
- Serial number
- 18195
- 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: Source notes the chronometer was not functionally tested.
- Research required: Movement condition and internal construction are not visible in the photograph.