213 - Parkinson & Frodsham

Parkinson & Frodsham A fine London pocket chronometer with spring detent escapement according to Thomas Earnshaw Movm. No. 2709, Dimensions 56 mm, circa 1837, Weight 152 g, Origin England Case: Silver, case maker's punch mark "JH". Dial: Enamel, auxiliary seconds. Movm.: Full plate movement, chain/fusee, spring detent escapement, bimetallic chronometer balance with 2 screws and 2 weights, freesprung, blued, helical balance spring. In 1801 William James Frodsham, son of William Frodsham the Younger, and William Parkinson founded the company that was to become famous as Parkinson & Frodsham at 4 Change Alley, Cornhill in London. The two partners decided to specialize in pocket and marine chronometers; the location of their business was perfect for that because the coffee houses in the vicinity such as Garroway’s were frequented by captains, merchants and sales representatives of foreign trading houses who came to make their transactions. Very soon the company did not only supply the British Admiralty with their goods but exported them to the whole of Northern Europe. Several expeditions were equipped with their watches. Case: very good, slightly worn. Dial: good, hairlines, slightly chipped. Movm.: very good, capable of running, cleaning recommended.