213 - Parkinson & Frodsham

Parkinson & Frodsham A fine London pocket chronometer with a spring-detent escapement designed by 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. Movement: Full-plate movement, chain/fusee, spring detent escapement, bimetallic chronometer balance with 2 screws and 2 weights, free-sprung, blued, helical balance spring. In 1801, William James Frodsham, son of William Frodsham the Younger, and William Parkinson founded the company that would 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 ideal for this purpose, as the coffeehouses in the vicinity—such as Garroway’s—were frequented by captains, merchants, and sales representatives from foreign trading houses who came to conduct their business. Very soon, the company was not only supplying the British Admiralty with its products but also exporting them throughout Northern Europe. Several expeditions were equipped with their watches. Case: very good, slightly worn. Dial: good, with hairline scratches and slight chipping. Movement: very good, in working order; cleaning recommended.