A two day duration marine chronometer by this well recorded maker. The chain fusee movement has Earnshaw's detent escapement and five spoke wheelwork. The 3½ inch silvered dial is engraved with black Roman numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial and 'up & down' state of winding dial showing 'wind' after 24 hours which is the optimum state to wind the piece aboard ship so as to retain the best timekeeping. The dial has gold moon hands and is signed across the middle 'Richd. Hornby, Liverpool, No. 897'. The movement is contained in a brass bowl and gimble which in turn sits in a brass bound mahogany three piece box. The original winding key sits at the back on the left indicating that this chronometer was quite likely made for a left handed captain. Diameter: 6 x 6 x 6½ inches
Richard Hornby was a well known Liverpoool clock, watch and chronometer maker from a great clockmaking family. He was born in 1810 and originally lived in New Scotland Road before moving to 41 Pool Lane where he is recorded as working until at least 1834. In 1839 he was known to be at 36 Castle Street until his death in 1872. Richard Hornby was also clockmaker to the Admiralty and it is known that he sold a sextant to Lord Nelson. He made his own type of adjustable spring detent and often used a foot detent with a steel hairspring. In 1851 he was '& Son' when one of his two sons initially joined him in the business. After his death his sons James and Henry continued the business at 167 Duke Street. A number of chrometers are known by him as well as fine longcase clocks and watches.
Price: £5,250.00
