Object Description
A unique solid silver cased 8-day mantel chronometer by the esteemed makers Parkinson & Frodsham, dating from 1872.
The solid silver case is hallmarked on the base for sterling silver, Birmingham 1872, Elkington & Co..
The base of the case is beautifully inscribed ‘PRESENTED BY THE TEACHERS AND SCHOLARS OF KING EDWARD THE SIXTH’S ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS TO THE REVD. CHARLES EVANS, M.A. ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF HEAD MASTER OF THE FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL, BIRMINGHAM, JULY 12 1872’.
The silver dial is indistinctly signed Parkinson & Frodsham, Change Alley, LONDON, the serial number which follows now sadly entirely rubbed.
The back of the dial is scratched 4081, which we imagine to be the serial number. According to other recorded serial numbers, this ties in with the 1872 date of manufacture.
Below centre is a subsidiary dial for running seconds, and above the centre the power reserve sector marked 0-8, again with rubbed directions for UP DOWN and WIND.
A brass dust cover protects the 8-day fusee chain movement. The plate has a chequered pattern and is signed ‘Parkinson & Frodsham Change Alley London’. The bimetallic balance has adjusting screws and two keystone compensation weights, a spring detent escapement, and blued steel helical balance. The balance pivot is set in faceted diamond endstones.