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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Gimballed ship's chronometer

Hamilton Model 21 American Oak-Cased Ship's Chronometer

Partially verified

According to the auctioneer, this American ship's chronometer is a Type 21 model by Hamilton, Lancaster, mounted in a two-tier oak box measuring 19 cm square. The chronometer is housed in a brass bowl with gimbals and a screwed bevelled glass bezel. Its 4 1/4-inch circular silvered dial is signed, dated 1941, and numbered 8783, bearing blued steel hands, a state-of-wind indicator, and subsidiary seconds. The source describes the nickel-plated movement as numbered 5789-1941, featuring a chain fusée, maintaining power, a compensated freesprung balance, and an Earnshaw-type detent escapement.

Hamilton Model 21 ship's chronometer in an oak case with brass gimbal mountings
Hamilton Model 21 ship's chronometer in an oak case with brass gimbal mountings — Bellmans. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
app.bellmans.co.uk
Category
Marine chronometer · Gimballed ship's chronometer
Maker / attribution
Hamilton
Reference
Type 21
Catalogue / lot identifier
11
Source-reported date
1941
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
5789-1941

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

Case and Gimbal Construction

The timepiece is housed in a two-tier oak case featuring a hinged glazed cover. The structure includes a brass bowl and gimbal assembly, which is accessed via a screwed, bevelled glass bezel.

A keyhole escutcheon is fitted to the front upper edge of the lower case tier. The source notes that the winding key is associated with the item.

Evidence for this section
  • “The two-tier case with hinged glazed cover, brass bowl and gimbals, with screwed bezel and bevelled glass”
  • “Keyhole escutcheon fitted on the front upper edge of the lower case tier”
  • “With associated key”

Dial and Visual Configuration

The instrument displays a 4 1/4-inch circular silvered dial, which is signed and marked with the number 8783 and the date 1941. The dial includes blued steel hands and two subsidiary dials for state-of-wind and seconds.

The auctioneer identifies a discrepancy between the dial number (8783) and the movement number (5789-1941), suggesting the object may be an assembly of associated or reconstructed components.

Evidence for this section
  • “4 1/4in circular silvered dial, signed, numbered and dated”
  • “the dial No 8783, dated 1941”
  • “Please note mis-matching numbers to dial and movement, perhaps the parts are associated and reconstructed”

Movement Specifications

The movement is identified as nickel-plated and is numbered 5789-1941. The mechanical configuration includes a chain fusée, maintaining power, a compensated freesprung balance, and an Earnshaw-type detent escapement.

The auctioneer reports that the movement is running and ticking.

Evidence for this section
  • “the nickel-plated signed movement numbered 5789-1941 with chain fusée, maintaining power, compensated freesprung balance with Earnshaw type detent escapement”
  • “The movement is running and ticking”

Open research questions

  • Do Hamilton factory production records clarify the original serial number configuration for Type 21 chronometers?
  • Does the serial number mismatch (dial 8783 vs movement 5789-1941) reflect common wartime refurbishment practices?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Hamilton Model 21 American Oak-Cased Ship's Chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker and ModelHamilton, Lancaster, Type 21“By Hamilton, Lancaster, type 21 model”
Dial Number and DateNo. 8783, dated 1941“the dial No 8783, dated 1941”
Movement NumberNo. 5789-1941“the movement No 5789-1941”
Dimensions19 cm square“19cm square”
EscapementEarnshaw-type detent escapement“compensated freesprung balance with Earnshaw type detent escapement”
Case Dimensions19 cm square“19cm square”

Visible details

  • Housed in an open-grained oak box with a glazed upper lid secured by a long brass piano hinge
  • Brass gimbal ring and bowl supporting a silvered dial with Arabic numerals and two subsidiary dials
  • Brass winding key positioned in an interior corner bracket behind the bowl
  • Keyhole escutcheon fitted on the front upper edge of the lower case tier

Research qualifications

  • The auctioneer notes mismatched numbers between the dial (No. 8783) and the movement (No. 5789-1941), suggesting associated or reconstructed components, potentially including the case and bowl
  • The movement and its components are enclosed and not directly visible in the catalog image
  • The winding key is reported as associated

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

Consulted source

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record e51695c495

Terms in this record

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

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