Lot Essay
Charles Frodsham - London, b. 1810, started his career at the age of 14 as an apprentice to his father William, an established London clockmaker who manufactured precision timekeepers and provided marine chronometers to the Admiralty. Starting in 1854, Charles Frodsham & Co. were granted the Royal Warrant and made keeper of Her Majesty's clocks and kept this position for over 125 years. They were the last independent clockmakers allowed to have workshops at Buckingham Palace. The beginning of the 20th century introduced the motorcar to the public, so Charles Frodsham & Co. expanded their business to include speedometers in addition to specializing in mantel and carriage clocks, one of which, the 'Princess' clock, was presented to HRH Princess Elizabeth in 1947 in honor of her marriage.