99th Auction
2019/5/11
Lot 43
Arnold & Dent, 84. Strand, London, Movement No. 734, 105 mm, circa 1840
A rare transportable box chronometer with 56 hours power reserve
Case: dark lacquered brass transport case with lid and handles, original numbered key (425) embedded on the bottom of the case, signed "KOL No 82". Dial: silvered. Movm.: brass movement, chain/fusee, spring detent escapement, bimetallic chronometer balance with 4 weights and 6 screws, freesprung, blued, helical balance spring.
We know box chronometers in a portable metal case such as this from a variety of makers - among others Frodsham, Barraud's and of course Arnold & Dent. They were not intended for use at sea but for observation and survey purposes, or to "bring the exact time from the official chronopher to the ship". They were built like typical ship’s chronometers - the sealed holes in the case that were intended for the gimbal are clearly visible here. The designation "KOL No. 82", of which variations are found on other chronometers, is - according to some sources - derived from missions in the Dutch colonies.
John Roger Arnold and Edward John Dent worked as partners from 1830 to 1840. Vaudrey Mercer's books (published by the Antiquarian Horological Society) provide extensive information on both of these remarkable watch and chronometer makers of London.
A rare transportable box chronometer with 56 hours power reserve
Case: dark lacquered brass transport case with lid and handles, original numbered key (425) embedded on the bottom of the case, signed "KOL No 82". Dial: silvered. Movm.: brass movement, chain/fusee, spring detent escapement, bimetallic chronometer balance with 4 weights and 6 screws, freesprung, blued, helical balance spring.
We know box chronometers in a portable metal case such as this from a variety of makers - among others Frodsham, Barraud's and of course Arnold & Dent. They were not intended for use at sea but for observation and survey purposes, or to "bring the exact time from the official chronopher to the ship". They were built like typical ship’s chronometers - the sealed holes in the case that were intended for the gimbal are clearly visible here. The designation "KOL No. 82", of which variations are found on other chronometers, is - according to some sources - derived from missions in the Dutch colonies.
John Roger Arnold and Edward John Dent worked as partners from 1830 to 1840. Vaudrey Mercer's books (published by the Antiquarian Horological Society) provide extensive information on both of these remarkable watch and chronometer makers of London.
Sold
estimated
3.000—4.000 €
Price realized
4.400 €