MARINE CHRONOMETER BY FAMOUS LONDON MAKERS, CIRCA 1826. The 3" diameter silvered dial signed "PARKINSON & FRODSHAM/Change Alley/London/1743". Roman numerals for hours and Arabic numerals on outer band minutes and second dial. Blued steel hour, minute and second hands. Works protected with shock proofing, bayonet fit, inner dust bowl. Works signed in fancy script "Parkinson & Frodsham Change Alley London". Has Earnshaw type compensating balance wheel. Under side of the top lid retains an early trade label with information "H. C. Blair...Chronometer, Watch and Nautical Instrument Maker...45 Prince St. Bristol...". Fully original mahogany box with brass top corners, top plate, side bands, key escutcheon and carrying handles. Blank ivory plaque inset below the brass release button for the top lid. 6" x 6" x 6 1/2" high. Includes original mahogany outer storage box that has renewed leather carrying straps. Also includes seven paper documents from various instrument firms from locations that include San Francisco, Portland, Maine, Liverpool and New York. They all relate to work done on this instrument. Was used in third quarter of the 19th century by Maine Captain Pennell while commanding the ship "Oregon". The Oregon was built by William Rogers in Bath, Maine in 1875. Captain Pennell made three voyages with the Oregon, one being from Liverpool to San Francisco in 118 days. Overall condition of everything original and excellent noting an age crack along the back edge of the small top lid. A near identical example by these makers just sold at Eldred's marine auction for over ten thousand dollars.
We are always interested in purchasing nautical antiques. If you are selling one piece or your entire collection we would appreciate hearing from you.
107 Ocean Avenue
PO Box 765
Kennebunkport, Maine 04046
Tel: 207-967-3218 - Cell: 561-789-6930 - Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.