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A Blackwood Two Day Marine Chronometer, No. 1880, Retailed By…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Melbourne
Date:
27-Oct-2009
Lot No.
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Description:
A Blackwood Two Day Marine Chronometer, No. 1880, Retailed By Thomas Gaunt, 14 Gt Bourke Street, Melbourne, Circa 1880 9.5 cm silvered dial, fusee movement with maintaining power Earnshaw's spring, detent escapement with compensation balance and helical hair spring, seconds and up/down dials, the brass bowl gimbel-mounted in a blackwood case with swing handles, bevelled glass lid, signed and dated on mother-of pearl plaque, spring loaded concealed drawer Accompanied by Rating Certificate from Melbourne Observatory dated 1885. width 18 cm, depth 19 cm. Catalogue Note From 1880 onwards the chronometer is reputed to have been on show in Thomas Gaunt's window in Bourke Street, Melbourne with a display sign advertising eastern standard time. The chronometer was exhibited at The Melbourne Exhibition 1880, 'The Advocate', 23rd October, 1880 states:- '...then there is a two day marine chronometer of the usual English pattern, but the case is of colonial blackwood and of an improved form. The usual wooden top cover is dispensed with and a strong plate-glass panel substituted so that the works may be inspected at any time without opening the case'. Thomas Gaunt was a clockmaker and jeweller of outstanding ability. This must have been the opinion of most Government Departments of the day for they commissioned the newcomer from London to provide clocks for many of their buildings, including the law courts, post offices and railways. The most famous Gaunt clock is, perhaps, the giant figures of Gog and Magog situated in Royal Arcade.
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified