Ship's Chronometer (No.2707) and Case
Maker and role
Parkinson and Frodsham, Manufacturer
Production date
1842-1844
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Object detail
Accession number
F120.2001
Maker
Production period
Description
Brass marine chronometer with silvered dial and complete with mahogany lockable case (Gimbal Mounts) and mahogany outer carry case with leather strap. Key attached. The chronometer has a silvered dial with black Roman numerals. The 2 hands (hour and minute) are blued and fixed at the centre of the chronometer dial. The second hand sweep is located in its own small dial just above '6'. The outer perimeter of the chronometer is marked in Arabic numerals from 5 ~ 60 indicating the number of minutes in an hour or the number of seconds in a minute. The chronometer pivots and the back has a small round slot through which the winding key can be inserted.
Brief History
Manufactured by London based firm Parkinson and Frodsham, this Chronometer, No. 2707, was made between 1842-1844.
Used as a nautical timepiece, this instrument allowed for the accurate recording of longitude by measuring the time of a known fixed location with a current location. No. 2707 is a two-day marine chronometer and would have likely been used alongside a Sextant. The outer case, with a leather restraining strap, has extended flanges on the base, a feature which allowed the carry case to be screwed to the floor of the ship's bridge or navigating position.
A surviving maintenance and rating certificate dated January 24, 1918 would be one of the regular servicing and rating checks required to maintain perfect accuracy of the Chronometer.
Used as a nautical timepiece, this instrument allowed for the accurate recording of longitude by measuring the time of a known fixed location with a current location. No. 2707 is a two-day marine chronometer and would have likely been used alongside a Sextant. The outer case, with a leather restraining strap, has extended flanges on the base, a feature which allowed the carry case to be screwed to the floor of the ship's bridge or navigating position.
A surviving maintenance and rating certificate dated January 24, 1918 would be one of the regular servicing and rating checks required to maintain perfect accuracy of the Chronometer.
Marks
Parkinson & Frodsham London 2707 Maker's Mark
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Parkinson and Frodsham. 1842-1844. Ship's Chronometer (No.2707) and Case, F120.2001. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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