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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Eight-day ship's chronometer

Thomas Mercer Eight-Day Ship's Chronometer

Partially verified

This English eight-day marine chronometer is attributed by the source to Thomas Mercer of St. Albans and dated to the first half of the 20th century. The instrument is mounted in a gimbal ring inside a brass-bound wooden box equipped with brass side-carrying handles. Both the case and dial are numbered 1184N. The dial features Roman numeral hour markers, blued hands, an up-and-down state-of-wind indicator below XII, and a subsidiary seconds register above VI. Accessories include a winding key and a lock key. The source reports that the movement takes a wind but does not run.

Three-quarter view of the Thomas Mercer eight-day ship's chronometer in its brass-bound wooden case with gimbal mount and keys
Three-quarter view of the Thomas Mercer eight-day ship's chronometer in its brass-bound wooden case with gimbal mount and keys — Freeman's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
freemansauction.com
Category
Marine chronometer · Eight-day ship's chronometer
Maker / attribution
Thomas Mercer
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
315
Source-reported date
First Half 20th Century
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
1184N

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

Identity and Documentation

This marine chronometer is attributed to Thomas Mercer of St. Albans and dated to the first half of the 20th century. The instrument bears the serial number 1184N, which is marked on both the dial and the wooden case.

The chronometer is provided with a winding key and a lock key. The case measures 9 7/8 inches in height, 8 3/4 inches in width, and 8 1/2 inches in depth.

Evidence for this section
  • “Thomas Mercer, St. Albans, First Half 20th Century”
  • “the case and dial numbered 1184N”
  • “with a winding key and lock key.”
  • “Height of case 9 7/8 x width 8 3/4 x depth 8 1/2 inches.”

Visual Observations

The instrument is mounted in a brass gimbal ring. An observation notes the chronometer sits tilted within this ring inside an open brass-bound wooden box, which includes an inner glazed aperture in the lid and an exterior top-mounted plaque.

The dial features Roman numeral hour indicators, blued hands, a state-of-wind indicator positioned below XII, and a subsidiary seconds dial located above VI.

Evidence for this section
  • “Chronometer sits tilted in a brass gimbal ring inside an open brass-bound wooden box.”
  • “The box lid incorporates an inner glazed aperture.”
  • “A round plaque is mounted on the top exterior rim of the wooden case.”
  • “Silvered dial features Roman numeral hour indicators, blued hands, a state-of-wind indicator below XII, and a subsidiary seconds dial above VI.”

Condition Report

The source reports that the movement appears intact and takes a wind, but does not appear to run.

Physical damage is noted to the gimbal ring, where a bent screw prevents the chronometer from sitting securely in its housing.

Evidence for this section
  • “The works appear intact. Takes a wind, but does not appear to run.”
  • “One of the screws on the gimbal ring is bent preventing the chronometer from sitting securely in housing.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific mechanical cause for the movement failing to run?
  • Does the 'N' suffix in the serial number indicate a specific production series for Thomas Mercer?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Thomas Mercer Eight-Day Ship's Chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker and DateThomas Mercer, St. Albans, First Half 20th Century“Thomas Mercer, St. Albans, First Half 20th Century”
Numbering1184N“the case and dial numbered 1184N”
Included AccessoriesWinding key and lock key“with a winding key and lock key”
Case DimensionsHeight 9 7/8 x width 8 3/4 x depth 8 1/2 inches“Height of case 9 7/8 x width 8 3/4 x depth 8 1/2 inches.”
Reported ConditionBent gimbal screw; takes wind but does not appear to run“One of the screws on the gimbal ring is bent preventing the chronometer from sitting securely in housing. The works appear intact. Takes a wind, but does not appear to run.”
MakerThomas Mercer“Thomas Mercer, St. Albans”
Serial Number1184N“the case and dial numbered 1184N”
DateFirst Half 20th Century“First Half 20th Century”

Visible details

  • Chronometer sits tilted in a brass gimbal ring inside an open brass-bound wooden box.
  • Silvered dial features Roman numeral hour indicators, blued hands, a state-of-wind indicator below XII, and a subsidiary seconds dial above VI.
  • A key rests upright in the rear-right corner of the wooden case, while a second key is inserted into the front lock escutcheon.
  • The box lid incorporates an inner glazed aperture.
  • A round plaque is mounted on the top exterior rim of the wooden case.

Research qualifications

  • The source notes that a bent screw on the gimbal ring prevents the instrument from sitting securely in its housing.
  • The source reports that the movement appears intact and takes a wind, but does not appear to run.
  • Internal movement caliber specifications and escapement details are not provided by the source.

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

Consulted source

An English Eight-Day Ship's Chronometer | Freeman's

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 51d7861063

Terms in this record

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