Victorian brass mounted mahogany cased two-day marine chronometer, Richard Hornby
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1870
This Victorian two-day marine chronometer is source-attributed to maker Richard Hornby of Liverpool, dating to circa 1870. The chronometer is mounted in a brass-bound three-tier mahogany box featuring brass corner reinforcements and an octagonal ivory plaque numbered 298.
The gimbal-mounted brass bowl houses a 3.875-inch silvered Roman numeral dial with an up/down winding indicator and a subsidiary seconds dial. According to the auction description, the movement features a single chain fusee with Harrison's maintaining power, four circular pillars, an Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement, a helical balance spring, and a split bimetallic balance with wedge-shaped weights.
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
- Case Width
- 15.5cm (6ins)
- Escapement
- Earnshaw type spring detent escapement
- Dial Diameter
- 3.875 inches
- Maker and Date
- Richard Hornby, Liverpool, circa 1870
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Movement Mechanism
- Single chain fusee movement with Harrison's maintaining power
- Maker / attribution
- Richard Hornby
- Dial Signature and Number
- Rich'd Hornby, Liverpool. No. 298
Design
- Case and Housing
- The chronometer is enclosed in a three-tier mahogany box. The exterior features brass corner caps on the top tier and additional brass reinforcement straps on the lower angles. A gimbal system mounts the brass bowl within the box. An octagonal ivory plate on the upper tier is engraved with the serial number '298'.
- Visible features
- • Gimbal-mounted brass bowl seated inside an open three-tier mahogany box. • Silvered dial with Roman numerals, central winding indicator, and subsidiary seconds dial. • Octagonal ivory plaque on the front of the upper box tier inscribed with serial number 298. • Brass corner mounts and strap reinforcements visible on the mahogany casing.
- Dial and Indication
- The 3.875-inch circular silvered dial displays Roman numerals and includes a subsidiary seconds dial. A 'WIND DOWN/UP' indicator is positioned in the center of the dial. The dial is secured to the lacquered brass bowl by a slender screw-down bezel.
- Provenance and Markings
- The piece is signed 'Rich'd Hornby, Liverpool. No. 298'. Admiralty records indicate the chronometer was held on loan between April 1944 and May 1945 but was not issued to a vessel. The underside of the brass bowl is stamped with 'H.S.' and an 'M.O.D.' arrow device.
- Movement and Technical Specifications
- The movement is described as a four-pillar, single chain fusee type with Harrison's maintaining power. It features an Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement, a split bimetallic balance with wedge-shaped weights, and a helical balance spring. The backplate includes a blued steel spring set-up ratchet, and the underside of the brass bowl features a winding hole shutter.
Identification
- Serial number
- 298
- 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 internal movement components, maintaining power, and escapement details are source-reported and not visible through the dial view.
- Research required: The circular winding hole shutter and M.O.D. stamping on the underside are not depicted in this image.