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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Two-day marine chronometer

W.M. Shepherd English Marine Chronometer No. 2719

Partially verified

This English marine chronometer is reported by the source to have been made circa 1850 and is signed 'W.M. Shepherd Liverpool #2719'. It is housed in a brass-bound Brazilian rosewood box fitted with a gimbaled brass carriage. The source reports that it contains a two-day chain fusee movement featuring a spring detent escapement, maintaining power, a bi-metallic balance wheel, and a helical hairspring. Its engraved silvered dial displays Roman hour numerals, an upper power reserve sector, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock.

Three-quarter view of the W.M. Shepherd marine chronometer mounted in its gimbaled rosewood box
Three-quarter view of the W.M. Shepherd marine chronometer mounted in its gimbaled rosewood box — Renaissance Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.renaissanceantiques.com
Category
Marine chronometer · Two-day marine chronometer
Maker / attribution
W.M. Shepherd
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
SKIN 399 P
Source-reported date
Circa 1850
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
2719

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 Construction

The chronometer is housed in a brass-bound Brazilian rosewood case. The unit features a gimbaled carriage and brass bowl mounting.

The case exterior includes a maker and serial plaque inscribed 'Wm Shepherd No 2719'. A paper label containing packing instructions is mounted inside the middle rim of the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “brass bound Brazilian rosewood case with gimbaled carriage”
  • “Three-tier style brass-bound dark grained wooden case with an external maker and serial plaque inscribed 'Wm Shepherd No 2719'.”
  • “A paper label detailing cork packing instructions before shipping is mounted inside the middle rim.”

Dial Configuration

The instrument features an engraved silvered dial with Roman numerals and blued steel hands.

The dial displays an up/down state-of-wind indicator and a subsidiary seconds dial, which bears the serial number 2719.

Evidence for this section
  • “The engraved silvered dial features power reserve indicators and a subsidiary seconds dial.”
  • “Silvered dial with Roman numerals, blued steel hands, an up/down state-of-wind indicator below XII, and a subsidiary seconds dial above VI bearing the serial number 2719.”

Movement Specifications

The source reports that the chronometer houses a two-day chain fusee movement with maintaining power and a spring detent escapement.

The source further reports that the balance assembly consists of a bi-metallic balance wheel and a helical hairspring. These internal components are not visible in the provided imagery.

Evidence for this section
  • “houses a 2 day chain fusŽe movement with spring detent escapement maintaining power”
  • “bi-metallic balance wheel, and helical hairspring.”

Open research questions

  • Does the serial number 2719 align with production records for W.M. Shepherd?
  • Is the paper label regarding cork packing original to the box or a later addition for transit?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for W.M. Shepherd English Marine Chronometer No. 2719
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
SignatureW.M. Shepherd Liverpool #2719“Signed “W.M. Shepherd Liverpool #2719””
Case materialBrass bound Brazilian rosewood“brass bound Brazilian rosewood case with gimbaled carriage”
Movement type2 day chain fusee with spring detent escapement“houses a 2 day chain fusŽe movement with spring detent escapement maintaining power”
Dial featuresEngraved silvered dial with power reserve and subsidiary seconds“The engraved silvered dial features power reserve indicators and a subsidiary seconds dial.”
DateCirca 1850“Circa 1850”
SignatureW.M. Shepherd Liverpool #2719“Signed “W.M. Shepherd Liverpool #2719””
DateCirca 1850“Circa 1850”
Height7.5 inches“7.5″ H”

Visible details

  • Three-tier style brass-bound dark grained wooden case with an external maker and serial plaque inscribed 'Wm Shepherd No 2719'.
  • Gimbaled brass bowl and mount holding the chronometer movement.
  • A paper label detailing cork packing instructions before shipping is mounted inside the middle rim.
  • Silvered dial with Roman numerals, blued steel hands, an up/down state-of-wind indicator below XII, and a subsidiary seconds dial above VI bearing the serial number 2719.

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement features (spring detent escapement, chain fusee, helical hairspring) are not visible in the photograph and rely entirely on source reporting.
  • Source text contains a typographical/encoding error in the word fusee ('fusŽe').

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

Consulted source

English Marine Chronometer - Renaissance Antiques

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 2aeda280be

Terms in this record

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

Other two-day marine chronometer records