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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Two-day marine chronometer

Litherland Davies & Co. Two-Day Marine Chronometer, No. 1009-18643

Partially verified

This two-day marine chronometer is attributed by Sotheby's to Litherland Davies & Co., Liverpool, dating to circa 1860 and catalogued under number 1009-18643. The instrument features a 9.5 cm silvered dial with Roman numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial, and an up/down winding indicator. According to the auction description, the movement is a fusee with maintaining power, an Earnshaw spring detent escapement, compensation balance, and helical spring, though the movement itself is unsigned. The brass bowl is gimbal-mounted in a brass-bound mahogany three-tier box measuring 14.5 cm square, bearing an exterior circular ivory plaque inscribed '1009'.

Three-quarter overhead view of the marine chronometer gimbal-mounted in its opened three-tier mahogany case
Three-quarter overhead view of the marine chronometer gimbal-mounted in its opened three-tier mahogany case — Sotheby's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sothebys.com
Category
Marine chronometer · Two-day marine chronometer
Maker / attribution
Litherland Davies & Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
439
Source-reported date
circa 1860
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
1009-18643

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

Construction and Housing

The instrument is housed in a three-tier, brass-bound mahogany case featuring flush-fitting side handles. The chronometer bowl is gimbal-mounted within this structure. An ivory plaque inscribed '1009' is affixed to the front panel, situated beneath a star-shaped brass escutcheon.

The case dimensions are stated as 14.5 cm square. While the auction source references a lined outer case with a strap, this item is not visible in the available photographic record.

Evidence for this section
  • “brass bound three tier case with flush fitting side handles”
  • “the front with ivory plaque”
  • “case 14.5cm square”
  • “lined outer case with strap”

Dial and Visual Features

The chronometer features a 9.5 cm silvered dial, which includes Roman numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial, and an up/down register.

The auction condition report notes that the up/down hand is missing. It further states that the minute hand is not original.

Evidence for this section
  • “9.5cm silvered dial with subsidiary seconds and up/down dials”
  • “Up/down hand missing.”
  • “Non-original minute hand.”

Mechanism and Attribution

The source attributes the instrument to Litherland Davies & Co., Liverpool, with a date of circa 1860. The movement is described as a fusee type with maintaining power, utilizing an Earnshaw's spring detent escapement, a compensation balance, and a helical spring.

The auction cataloguer notes that the movement itself is not signed.

Evidence for this section
  • “LITHERLAND DAVIES & CO., LIVERPOOL, CIRCA 1860”
  • “fusee movement with maintaining power, Earnshaw's spring detent escapement with compensation balance and helical spring”
  • “Movement not signed.”

Open research questions

  • Does the serial number '1009-18643' reflect a manufacturer sequence or a cataloguing index used by the auction house?
  • Given the movement is unsigned, what physical characteristics are used to support the attribution to Litherland Davies & Co.?
  • Is the ivory plaque '1009' a serial number distinct from the '18643' component of the catalogue number?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Litherland Davies & Co. Two-Day Marine Chronometer, No. 1009-18643
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker and OriginLitherland Davies & Co., Liverpool“LITHERLAND DAVIES & CO., LIVERPOOL, CIRCA 1860”
Serial NumberNo. 1009-18643“NO. 1009-18643”
Dial Diameter9.5 cm“9.5cm silvered dial”
EscapementEarnshaw's spring detent escapement“Earnshaw's spring detent escapement with compensation balance and helical spring”
Case Dimensions14.5 cm square“case 14.5cm square”
Movement Inscription StatusNot signed“Movement not signed.”
Serial Number1009-18643“NO. 1009-18643”

Visible details

  • The brass chronometer bowl is gimbal-mounted inside a three-tier mahogany box fitted with brass corner brackets.
  • A circular plaque reading '1009' is affixed beneath a star-shaped brass escutcheon on the front panel of the upper lid.
  • The silvered dial displays Roman numerals, a subsidiary seconds track, an up/down state-of-wind dial, and maker lettering across the center.
  • The up/down register lacks an indicator hand in the photograph.

Research qualifications

  • The auction condition report states the minute hand is non-original and the up/down hand is missing.
  • The auction cataloguer notes that the movement itself is not signed.
  • The lined outer travel case with strap mentioned in the auction description is not shown in the image.

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

Consulted source

(#439) A MAHOGANY TWO DAY MARINE CHRONOMETER, NO. 1009-18643, LITHERLAND DAVIES & CO., LIVERPOOL, CIRCA 1860

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 51b9b2ba6b

Terms in this record

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

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