Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Mar 11, 2012

LOT 197

CHARLES FRODSHAM ROSEWOOD LIBRARY CLOCK Charles Frodsham, Clockmaker to The Queen, 84, Strand, AD F.M.S.Z, No. 1048. Made circa 1850. Extremely fine and rare, 8-day going, hour and half-hour striking, hour repeating, rosewood library clock.

CHF 8,000 - 12,000

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

Sold: CHF 35,000

C. Rectangular, rosewood, carved cornice, glazed top for viewing the escapement, arch-top gilt-brass rimmed glazed side panels, arched front door with engraved gilt-brass fi let, rosewood back door with shuttered winding holes, gilt-brass bun feet, repeat button on the side. D. White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, foliate engraved mask. Blued steel spade hands. M. Rectangular gilt-brass, fi ve pillars, fusee and chain for the going and striking trains, lateral lever escapement on a matte gilt platform, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel fl at balance spring, index regulator, striking and repeating on a coiled gong. Dial and movement signed. Dim. 20 x 13 x 11.8 cm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

Charles Frodsham (1810-1871) The most celebrated of the Frodsham watchmaking family, he was a maker of high grade clocks, chronometers and watches. From 1779 to 1850, a partnership existed between William James Frodsham (1779-1850) and William Parkinson (d. circa 1842) The fi rm, under the name of "Parkinson & Frodsham", established at 4 Change Alley, London, specialized in pocket and marine chronometers. Around 1847, William James Frodsham passed ownership of the business to his sons George and William. "AD Fmsz" does not indicate a year of manufacture, but the year 1850 when the fi rm introduced a new series of high-quality timepieces. The highest quality pieces were so marked. Frodsham watches and clocks are always elegant and well proportioned. Even as late as 1914, some of them, with engine-turned silver dials, were worthy of Breguet. The fi rm, which was appointed watchmaker to the Queen, was responsible for maintenance and winding of all the clocks at Buckingham Palace, where they had a workshop.