A Victorian two-day marine chronometer

THOMAS PORTHOUSE, NO. 6440, CIRCA 1840

Details

A Victorian two-day marine chronometer
Thomas Porthouse, No. 6440, circa 1840
The silvered dial signed and numbered Thomas Porthouse Maker to the Admiralty. 10 Northampton Squre LONDON 6440, Roman hour numerals, gold hour and minute (repaired) hands, subsidiary seconds dial with blue steel hand, up-and-down dial with gold hand, small size movement (56 mm. diam.), Earnshaw escapement, cut bimetallic balance with segmental heat compensation weights, blued steel helical balance spring, dovetail spring detent with jewelled locking stone, the movement enclosed within a brass drum dust cover with bayonet fittings, brass bowl and gimbal, three-tier mahogany box with brass corners to base of bottom section and top lid, the middle section with inset small rectangular bone plaque (unsigned) brass external drop handles, convex glass to bezel
86 mm. dial diam., 135 mm. sq. box

Lot Essay

Thomas Porthouse is recorded at 10 Northampton Square 1830-1840.
The dial assembly is of unusual construction for a marine chronometer because the dial feet are rivetted to the dial and also has the bayonet fittings for the dust cover secured to it by steady pins.

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