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Lot Essay
Edward Dent (1790-1853) was a horological pioneer. He designed various auxiliary compensation balances, one of which became known as Dent's Staple balance which he patented in 1842 (see lot 210). He continued to adapt and improve this design. A similar balance to this example is illustrated in R.V. Mercer, Edward John Dent and His Successors, London, 1977, p. 182, pl. 40c, described as a flat rim horizontal staple balance. The term 'double N' comes from a patent of 1842.
The same balance is illustrated in the Catalogue of Watches in the British Museum, Pl. 163: cat. no. 244 where it is described as 'Dent double N', patent 9302 of 1842. A Dent chronometer with this balance is rare and it is interesting to note that, unusually, the frame, train wheels and balance are satin gilded suggesting that this instrument may have been made for exhibition purposes.
The same balance is illustrated in the Catalogue of Watches in the British Museum, Pl. 163: cat. no. 244 where it is described as 'Dent double N', patent 9302 of 1842. A Dent chronometer with this balance is rare and it is interesting to note that, unusually, the frame, train wheels and balance are satin gilded suggesting that this instrument may have been made for exhibition purposes.