Marine chronometer · Two-day marine chronometer

John Poole mid-19th-century two-day marine chronometer No. 713

Partially verified

This mid-19th-century marine chronometer is attributed by the auction source to John Poole of London. Housed in a brass-mounted mahogany box measuring 16 cm wide, 15.5 cm deep, and 17 cm high, the instrument rests in a brass gimbal suspension. Its silvered dial displays Roman hour numerals, an up-and-down state-of-wind indicator below 12 o'clock, and a subsidiary seconds dial numbered 713. The source reports that the movement is engraved and numbered to match, featuring a blued steel helical spring escapement.

Top-down view of the dial and gimbal assembly in mahogany case — Gorringes. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: bid.gorringes.co.uk
Category: Marine chronometer · Two-day marine chronometer
Maker / attribution: John Poole
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 153
Source-reported date: mid 19th century
Source-reported place: United Kingdom
Source-reported serial: 713

Maker profile: John Poole — history, key models and current watchmaking.

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

Object Description and Provenance

This marine chronometer is attributed to John Poole of London and is dated by the source to the mid-19th century. The instrument is housed in a brass-mounted mahogany case measuring 16 cm wide, 15.5 cm deep, and 17 cm high.

The case exterior is noted as having a mid-brown tone, with recorded scuffing, denting, and staining on the top. An inset nameplate reading 'T Le Dain' is fixed to the top of the case, and a blank ivory plaque is present on the front, associated with CITES submission reference 4USY2A75.

Evidence for this section

“John Poole of London. A mid 19th century two day marine chronometer”
“in a brass mounted mahogany case”
“case 16cm wide, 15.5cm deep, 17cm high.”
“the outer case of a good even mid brown tone but with some scuffing, denting and staining to the top”
“inset name plate T Le Dain to the top of the case”
“a blank ivory plaque to the front”
“CITES Submission reference 4USY2A75”

Dial and Visual Features

The chronometer features a silvered Roman dial with a subsidiary seconds register and a state-of-wind indicator. The dial and subsidiary seconds are numbered 713.

The source describes the dial condition as having one or two oxidation spots but otherwise in good order.

Evidence for this section

“silvered Roman dial with subsidiary seconds and state of wind numbered 713”
“dial with one or two oxidisation spots but essentially good order”

Movement and Condition Notes

The movement is reported by the auction source as being engraved and numbered to match the dial, featuring a blued steel helical spring escapement. The movement was described by the source as appearing to be in good condition.

The instrument was not tested for timekeeping. Furthermore, no winding key or case key is present with the lot.

Evidence for this section

“movement engraved and numbered to match with blued steel helical spring escapement”
“movement equally looks to be in good condition”
“not tested for time keeping, no winding key or case key present.”

Open research questions

What is the historical significance of the 'T Le Dain' nameplate on the case?
Do surviving records for John Poole of London corroborate the production of chronometer No. 713?
What specific components comprise the 'blued steel helical spring escapement' in this model?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for John Poole mid-19th-century two-day marine chronometer No. 713
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	John Poole of London	“John Poole of London.”
Type	Two day marine chronometer	“A mid 19th century two day marine chronometer”
Serial Number	713	“numbered 713, movement engraved and numbered to match”
Escapement	Blued steel helical spring escapement	“blued steel helical spring escapement”
Case Dimensions	16cm wide, 15.5cm deep, 17cm high	“case 16cm wide, 15.5cm deep, 17cm high.”
CITES Reference	4USY2A75	“CITES Submission reference 4USY2A75”

Visible details

Silvered dial engraved 'Poole London' flanking the center arbor.
Roman numerals mark the hours, with an outer minute track and gold-toned hands.
Subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock inscribed with serial number 713.
State-of-wind indicator positioned below 12 o'clock marked 'Down' and 'Up'.
Gimballed brass bowl fitted with a locking arm inside a dark wood casing.

Research qualifications

Movement condition and escapement details are source-reported; the movement is not visible in the open photograph.
Source notes no winding key or case key is present, and the movement was not tested for timekeeping.
Source notes an inset nameplate reading 'T Le Dain' to the top of the case and an ivory plaque to the front (CITES submission reference 4USY2A75).

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