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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Two-day marine chronometer

J & A. Walker Marine Chronometer

Partially verified

This Victorian marine chronometer is attributed by the seller to J & A. Walker of South Castle Street, Liverpool, dating to circa 1860. The instrument features a silvered 3.5-inch dial inscribed with the maker's signature and address, Roman numerals, a subsidiary state-of-wind indicator below XII, and continuous seconds above VI. The movement is mounted within a brass gimbal ring housed in a two-stage mahogany box. The case is detailed with flush brass side handles, corner inlays, a glazed viewing section, and an oval bone plaque on the front below the keyhole.

Oblique view of the J & A. Walker marine chronometer in its open mahogany case with gimbal mount
Oblique view of the J & A. Walker marine chronometer in its open mahogany case with gimbal mount — 1stDibs. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.1stdibs.com
Category
Marine chronometer · Two-day marine chronometer
Maker / attribution
J & A. Walker
Reference
LU3889118801762
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1860
Country
United Kingdom

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

Dial and Signature

The instrument features a 3.5-inch silvered dial, which is calibrated and engraved. The design includes a Roman numeral chapter ring.

The dial is signed with the maker's name and location, listed as 'J & A. Walker South Castle Street Liverpool'.

Evidence for this section
  • “signed and engraved calibrated silvered 3.5" dial, Roman chapter ring.”
  • “J & A. Walker South Castle Street Liverpool”

Case and Movement Housing

The chronometer is housed in a two-stage mahogany box. Features include flush-fitting side handles, an internal glazed viewing panel, and bone plaques integrated into the exterior.

The internal mechanism is secured within a brass gimbal mount.

Evidence for this section
  • “19th century mahogany Marine Chronometer two stage case with Bone plaques, viewing glass and flush fitting side handles.”
  • “Enclosing a brass gimble mounted movement”

Condition and Attribution

The provided documentation attributes the object to the maker J. Walker and assigns a manufacture date of 1860.

The seller reports the winding key is in good working order. No information regarding the internal escapement or fusee mechanism is available from the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Creator : J. Walker (Maker)”
  • “Date of Manufacture : 1860”
  • “Winding key, in good working order.”

Open research questions

  • What specific records exist for J & A. Walker of South Castle Street, Liverpool, to confirm the manufacturing period?
  • Does the source provide any details regarding the internal escapement type?
  • What is the significance of the bone plaques mentioned in the description?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for J & A. Walker Marine Chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJ & A. Walker“J & A. Walker South Castle Street Liverpool”
Period1860-1869“Period : 1860-1869”
Dial Diameter3.5 inches“calibrated silvered 3.5" dial”
Case ConstructionMahogany two-stage case with bone plaques“mahogany Marine Chronometer two stage case with Bone plaques”
Gimbal MountBrass gimbal mounted movement“Enclosing a brass gimble mounted movement”
Dimensions6.5 inches by 6.5 inches by 6.5 inches“Height: 6.5 in (16.51 cm) Width: 6.5 in (16.51 cm) Depth: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)”

Visible details

  • The silvered dial includes an upper state-of-wind indicator and a lower subsidiary seconds dial.
  • The dial is signed 'J & A. WALKER' and 'South Castle Strt Liverpool'.
  • The instrument is gimbal-mounted in a brass bowl with an adjacent locking arm mechanism.
  • The two-stage mahogany box features brass corner banding, drop carrying handles, and an oval plaque below the keyhole on the front.
  • An inner glazed viewing panel is fitted beneath the upper wooden lid.

Research qualifications

  • The movement is not shown uncased, preventing independent verification of the escapement or fusee details.
  • The serial number on the dial and bone plaque is partially indistinct in the primary photograph.
  • Dating to circa 1860 relies on dealer attribution.

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

Consulted source

Marine Chronometer by J A Walker of Liverpool, circa 1860 For Sale at 1stDibs

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 42fa2209ba

Terms in this record

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

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