A fine early brass bound mahogany cased marine chronometer of 2 day duration retailed by this celebrated maker to the British Admiralty.

The 4 inch circular silvered dial with convex glass is signed James McCabe, Royal Exchange, London. It is also numbered 393 with subsidiary up and down and seconds dials and gold hands. The fine quality movement has an original spring detent chronometer escapement with maintaining power and all the associated mechanical refinements. These include a late Pennington type screw balance wheel, blued steel helical hairspring and jewelled holes for the escape wheel and balance. The movement with polished and spotted plates is contained within a gimballed brass surround.

The fine mahogany veneered box has an observation lid, brass bound corners and raised carrying handles.

Date: circa 1830

Dimensions: 6 ¼ in (15.75 cm) square

* James McCabe, who is recorded in Brian Loomes’ Clockmakers of the World: 21st Century Edition as working and retailing in the Royal Exchange between 1811 and 1868, was a noted clock and marine chronometer maker.

Provenance: An English private collection.

HW6153