A fine mid-19th century 8-day marine chronometer in a three-part mahogany box, featuring a silvered dial with power reserve indication and a finely executed Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement.

The case is of traditional three-part construction in richly figured mahogany, with a solid top lid and centre section housing the original maker’s plaque engraved BARRAUD, No. 2/975. The lower section is fitted with recessed brass handles and an inlaid brass escutcheon to the lock.

The 5-inch silvered Roman dial is crisply engraved and signed Barraud, Cornhill, London, No. 2/975, with subsidiary seconds at XII and a shaped aperture below displaying the state of wind. The blued steel spade hands are finely made and well-balanced.

The movement is of classic ¾ plate design, constructed with three tall turned and ringed pillars supporting the spring barrel, fusee with chain, and maintaining power. There is a spring detent-type escapement set on a sub-plate, with a free-sprung blued steel helical balance spring, diamond end stone, and a bimetallic compensated balance with large timing screws. The bowl is weighted and gimballed, and punch-numbered 2/975 to match the dial and plaque. It also has an integral butterfly-form winding key, two associated hand-setting keys, and a case key.

Date: circa 1840 – 1850

Width: 8 ½ in (22.5 cm)

*Barraud, later Barraud and Sons, was founded by Paul Phillip Barraud. They were among London’s foremost makers in the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries and were well known for their chronometers, regulators and fine domestic timepieces. The firm was located at 41 Cornhill, and their clocks are prized for both their precision and elegant design. Barraud is mentioned on page 43 of Brian Loomes’ Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World: Complete 21^st Century Edition.

HW6276