Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Mar 11, 2012

LOT 196

CHARLES FRODSHAM PRECISION 8-DAY MANTEL CHRONOMETER WITH DETENT ESCAPEMENT Chas. Frodsham & Co., Clockmakers to the Queen, 84, Strand, London, No. 1948. Made circa 1860. Very fine and extremely rare, rosewood, 8-day going precision mantel chronometer with detent escapement and power-reserve indication. Accompanied by the original fitted mahogany traveling box.

CHF 8,000 - 12,000

USD 8,700 - 13,000 / EUR 6,500 - 10,000

Sold: CHF 18,750

C. Rectangular, rosewood, carved cornice, glazed top for viewing the escapement, arch-top gilt-brass rimmed glazed side panels, front door with silvered fi let, rosewood back door with compartment for balance packing material, giltbrass bun feet. D. Silvered with champlevé radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds at 12, power-reserve indication below. Blued steel spade hands. M. Rectangular gilt-brass, spotted decoration, 4 ring-turned pillars, fusee and chain for going train, jeweled contrate wheel pivots, Earnshaw?s spring detent escapement on a matte gilt platform, cut bimetallic compensation balance with mean time and temperature adjustment screws, free-sprung blued steel helical balance spring, diamond endstone. Dial signed. Dim. 20.5 x 13.2 x 11.8 cm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3-14**

Good

Damaged

Repair required, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

This clock, with Earnshaw?s footed spring detent escapement, was no doubt intended for precision timing. It is highly unusual to fi nd such a precision mechanism in a fi ne domestic-type case. The movement may have been supplied by Victor Kullberg; a note included with the lot states ?Clock has been adjusted to meet time at temperatures from 45 to 85 degrees. Below 40 it will lose slightly, perhaps one second a day. The clock had better not be put back. Work done by V. Kullberg, 105 Liverpool Road London, N1. Nov 24. 196?.