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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Ship's & marine clock

Chas. Frodsham & Co. Brass Ship's Clock

Partially verified

Catalogued as a late 19th-century brass ship's clock measuring 23 cm in diameter, this circular timepiece features a brass case with a side-hinged bezel. The dial is signed 'Chas. FRODSHAM & CO. 84 STRAND LONDON' and displays black Roman numerals along with a subsidiary seconds dial located beneath the twelve o'clock position. According to the auction description, the clock houses a single fusee movement equipped with maintaining power and a lever platform escapement. The movement backplate is reported to be stamped with the initials 'S.D.N' and numbered 234955.

Front view of the brass ship's clock showing dial and hands
Front view of the brass ship's clock showing dial and hands — Chiswick Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
auctions.chiswickauctions.co.uk
Category
Clock · Ship's & marine clock
Form
Ship's clock
Maker / attribution
Chas. Frodsham & Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
198
Source-reported date
late 19th century
Source-reported place
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
234955

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Physical Description and Dial

This maritime timepiece consists of a circular brass case measuring 23 cm in diameter, fitted with a side-hinged bezel and a side closure loop on the right. The off-white dial is marked with black Roman numerals and an encompassing minute track.

The timepiece features a subsidiary seconds register positioned directly below the twelve o'clock numeral. Visual components include a winding aperture located beneath the central arbor, with time displayed via Poire-style hour and spade-tipped minute hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “23cm diameter”
  • “Circular brass case with a hinged front bezel and side closure loop on the right”
  • “Off-white dial marked with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track”
  • “Subsidiary seconds register situated directly below the 12 o'clock numeral”
  • “Winding aperture visible below the central arbor”
  • “Poire-style hour hand and spade-tipped minute hand”

Maker Attribution and Movement

The dial is signed 'Chas. FRODSHAM & CO. 84 STRAND LONDON'. Auction documentation reports that the internal mechanism comprises a single fusee movement equipped with maintaining power and a lever platform escapement.

The movement backplate is reported to bear the initials 'S.D.N' and the serial number 234955. These internal details remain unverified by visual inspection as the movement is not visible in the provided image.

Evidence for this section
  • “the dial signed 'Chas. FRODSHAM & CO. 84 STRAND LONDON'”
  • “the single fusee movement with maintaining power, with lever platform escapement”
  • “the backplate stamped 'S.D.N', numbered 234955”

Source Information and Status

The clock is categorized by the auction source as a late 19th-century production. Regarding mechanical status, the source states the movement was winding and ticking at the time of cataloguing, but was not fully tested or guaranteed.

Internal features such as the movement, backplate markings, and serial numbers are stated by the auction source and are not observable in the provided photography.

Evidence for this section
  • “A LATE 19TH CENTURY BRASS SHIP'S CLOCK”
  • “The movement is winding and ticking but not fully tested or guaranteed.”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the 'S.D.N' backplate stamp?
  • Can the serial number 234955 be cross-referenced with Chas. Frodsham & Co. production records for verification?
  • Is the platform escapement consistent with original manufacturing for this model or a later modification?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Chas. Frodsham & Co. Brass Ship's Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dial signatureChas. FRODSHAM & CO. 84 STRAND LONDON“the dial signed 'Chas. FRODSHAM & CO. 84 STRAND LONDON'”
Movement descriptionSingle fusee with maintaining power and lever platform escapement“the single fusee movement with maintaining power, with lever platform escapement”
Diameter23 cm“23cm diameter”
Backplate stampingS.D.N“the backplate stamped 'S.D.N'”
Number234955“numbered 234955”
Serial Number234955“numbered 234955”

Visible details

  • Circular brass case with a hinged front bezel and side closure loop on the right
  • Off-white dial marked with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track
  • Subsidiary seconds register situated directly below the 12 o'clock numeral
  • Winding aperture visible below the central arbor
  • Poire-style hour hand and spade-tipped minute hand

Research qualifications

  • Internal single fusee movement, maintaining power, and platform escapement are not visible in the photograph
  • Backplate stamping 'S.D.N' and serial number 234955 are not visible in the provided image and rely entirely on the auction house description

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

A LATE 19TH CENTURY BRASS SHIP'S CLOCK WITH FUSEE MOVEMENT

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 2df3586193

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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