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ID #SA1234502
FOR SALE
£8,250
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Rare Chronometer by Mercer of London
For sale by P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers
for sale €9,653     $10,478
£8,250
P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers

P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2010
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  • Trade Associations
    P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers is a registered member of LAPADA 
Id #SA1234502
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Rare Chronometer by Mercer of London

19th century
Description

A very early Thomas Mercer 2 Day Marine Chronometer.

The silvered brass dial is engraved with the makers name, Thomas Mercer, Maker to the Admiralty, London No 901.

The exceptional movement features an Earnshaw spring-detent escapement and a compensated balance wheel. The dial also shows the current capacity of the mainspring via a wind up and wind down subsidiary dial.

The Rosewood veneered case is also of the highest quality with brass bound edges and the retailers name to the front elevation. Also with a push button lid which reveals the glass covered Chronometer below.

RESTORATION: This Chronometer has only just arrived, although currently in working order it will require a full service before delivery.

NOTE: Based on Mercers numbering system we can date this Chronometer very accurately to 1864. This is extremely early for a Mercer Chronometer. Other known Chronometers of this date are mostly found in Museums.

Thomas Mercer was an exceptional maker, later in the 19th century the Mercer company was producing huge numbers of Chronometers for the Admiralty and Merchant ships. According to records this was not used by the Admiralty which therefore means it was used on a Merchant ship. The research is currently ongoing to find out which ship that was.

Declaration

P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers has dated this Antique Marine Chronometer Clock to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1234502
Dealers Notes

OUR MAIN WEBSITE

Please visit our main website http://www.british-antiqueclocks.com where you can also listen to our clocks. Every striking antique clock on our main website has its own individual sound file. This is particularly useful if you are unable to view our antique clocks in person. Other information regarding the history of the longcase/grandfather clock and how to setup a longcase/grandfather is also a feature of our website.

LAPADA MEMBER

We are a member of LAPADA, The Association of Art and Antique Dealers, which is the UK's largest association of professional dealers in antiques and works of art. We therefore follow a strict Code of Practice upheld by LAPADA which gives further confidence for future purchasers.

Open by appointment only. Please call or email to make arrangements to view our collection of fully restored antique clocks & barometers.

Description
A very early Thomas Mercer 2 Day Marine Chronometer.
The silvered brass dial is engraved with the makers name, Thomas Mercer, Maker to the Admiralty, London No 901.
P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers

The exceptional movement features an Earnshaw spring-detent escapement and a compensated balance wheel. The dial also shows the current capacity of the mainspring via a wind up and wind down subsidiary dial.

fig 1. A Thomas Mercer marine chronometer with a silvered dial and brass gimbal mechanism set inside an open mahogany box.
fig 1. Rare Chronometer by Mercer of London

The Rosewood veneered case is also of the highest quality with brass bound edges and the retailers name to the front elevation. Also with a push button lid which reveals the glass covered Chronometer below.

fig 2. A Thomas Mercer marine chronometer with a silvered dial and brass gimbal mechanism set inside an open mahogany box.
fig 2. Rare Chronometer by Mercer of London

RESTORATION: This Chronometer has only just arrived, although currently in working order it will require a full service before delivery.

NOTE: Based on Mercers numbering system we can date this Chronometer very accurately to 1864. This is extremely early for a Mercer Chronometer. Other known Chronometers of this date are mostly found in Museums.

fig 3. A Thomas Mercer marine chronometer with a silvered dial and brass gimbal mechanism set inside an open mahogany box.
fig 3. Rare Chronometer by Mercer of London

Thomas Mercer was an exceptional maker, later in the 19th century the Mercer company was producing huge numbers of Chronometers for the Admiralty and Merchant ships. According to records this was not used by the Admiralty which therefore means it was used on a Merchant ship. The research is currently ongoing to find out which ship that was.

Date of Manufacture

P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers has dated this Antique Marine Chronometer Clock to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1234502
P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers
P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2010
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers Profile Page

Trade Associations

P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers is a registered member of LAPADA 

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SAVE
A Thomas Mercer marine chronometer with a silvered dial and brass gimbal mechanism set inside an open mahogany box.
1 / 6
Archive I A Thomas Mercer marine chronometer with a silvered dial and brass gimbal mechanism set inside an open mahogany box.

Rare Chronometer by Mercer of London

Archive II A Thomas Mercer marine chronometer with a silvered dial and brass gimbal mechanism set inside an open mahogany box. View II
Archive III A Thomas Mercer marine chronometer with a silvered dial and brass gimbal mechanism set inside an open mahogany box. View III
Archive IV A Thomas Mercer marine chronometer with a silvered dial and brass gimbal mechanism set inside an open mahogany box. View IV
Archive V A Thomas Mercer marine chronometer with a silvered dial and brass gimbal mechanism set inside an open mahogany box. View V
Archive VI A Thomas Mercer marine chronometer with a silvered dial and brass gimbal mechanism set inside an open mahogany box. View VI
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 01249 816 227
Location
The Old Rectory
Cherhill Calne
Wiltshire
SN11 8UX
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/pao
Verified Since Nov 2010
Items For Sale 50
Items Sold 285
P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers
P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers
Verified Since Nov 2010
View Dealer Info
Location: The Old Rectory, Cherhill Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 8UX, United Kingdom
Verified
Nov 2010
For Sale
50
Sold
285
A Thomas Mercer marine chronometer with a silvered dial and brass gimbal mechanism set inside an open mahogany box.
Rare Chronometer by Mercer of London
Ref: SA1234502
A Thomas Mercer marine chronometer with a silvered dial and brass gimbal mechanism set inside an open mahogany box.
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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

A marine chronometer is a precision timepiece used on ships to determine longitude at sea by accurately keeping Greenwich Mean Time.

These instruments are constructed using brass gimbal rings, silvered metal dials, steel hands, and protective housing boxes crafted from solid woods such as mahogany or rosewood.

Authentic examples feature a weighted brass gimbal system, a silvered dial engraved with the makers name and serial number, a state-of-wind indicator dial, and a fitted wooden transport box.

Place the open boxed chronometer on an office desk, library bookshelf, or side table as a scientific display piece.

Keep the mechanism free from moisture, store in a temperature-controlled environment away from direct sunlight, and consult a professional horologist for periodic mechanical servicing.
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