Quiet Street Antiques of Bath has dated this piece to the 1880s.
To the middle tier is a bone plaque engraved: M. J. Dent, 33 Cockspur St London and the number 29479. This chronometer, set within gymbals, is of traditional 54-hour duration with subsidiary dials for seconds and state of the winding whilst both hour & minute hands are of gold.
The movement, which is in perfect working order, features spring detente escapement and “Harrisons” maintaining power. The silvered dial is engraved with full details of the maker and the number of the clock. Complete with original winding key. Marine Chronometers by Dent are rare, particularly in coromandel-wood cases…
Much is written about the Dent family ~ perhaps their most famous clock is “Big Ben” in Parliament Square which was completed in 1856. Edward J. Dent established his business in 1814 achieving great success ~ his chronometer (No. 633) was placed aboard HMS Beagle to accompany Charles Darwin on his epic trip which lead to the famous “Origin of the Species” publication and two decades later, another chronometer (No. 1800) was taken by Livingstone on his explorations in Africa.
Edward died in 1853 and the Cockspur Street business was taken over by Richard who died in 1856. It was his widow (Marianna Frederica Dent) who inherited the operation, which continued until 1920, under the name: “M. F. Dent”. The engraved number of this chronometer indicates a date of circa 1875-1880.
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath has dated this piece to the 1880s.
Fine antiques at sensible prices
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Fine Marine Chronometer by Dent
