Beschreibung:

A mahogany cased two-day marine chronometer Heath and Company, London, circa 1917 The circular four pillar single chain fusee movement made by Thomas Mercer of St, Albans with Harrison's maintaining power, Earnshaw type spring detent escapement and split bimetallic balance with cylindrical compensating weights and helical palladium alloy balance spring, the backplate with spring set-up ratchet and blued-steel pillar and backcock securing screws, the reverse of the dial mounting plate stamped 9856, the 4 inch circular silvered Roman numeral dial with subsidiary seconds dial inscribed "HEZZANITH" 27717-C 24 beneath HEATH & Co. LTD., New Eltham, LONDON and WIND DOWN/UP dial to centre, secured by a screw-down bezel into a lacquered brass bowl with repeat 9856 serial number to interior and with circular winding hole shutter to underside, mounted via gimbals into a mahogany three tier box centred with shaped brass name plaque to the top tier above front applied with vacant rectangular ivorine trade plate, the sides with recessed lacquered brass carrying handles, 18cm (7ins) wide. The firm of Heath and Company was founded in 1845 by George Heath in Erith, Kent. He specialised in supplying instruments to the maritime trade as was succeeded by his sons Frederick Thomas and George William on his death in 1872. By 1900 the firm had expanded to become one of the most prolific manufacturers of nautical and surveying instruments and had adopted the 'Hezzanith' trade name; in 1926 the business was amalgamated with W.F. Stanley of London. The movement of the current lot is typical of the work of Thomas Mercer of St. Albans hence was probably supplied to Heath and Company for retail. The movement serial number '9856' suggests a date of circa 1917 (according to Mercer's numbering). IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS Movements, dials and cases: movements and dials are described as relating to the cases in which they are housed in one of the following three ways: the case.... we are of the opinion that the movement and dial started life in the current case. in a case... we are of the opinion that the movement and dial are in a case of correct period and type (and may well be original to the movement and dial), however there is evidence to suggest that they may not have started out life together. now in a case... we are of the opinion that the movement and dial are no longer in the original case or one of correct period and/or type. Pendulums, weights, winding and case keys: we cannot guarantee that the correct number of weights (where appropriate) and/or keys are present with the clock, nor do we indicate in the catalogue description whether weights or keys are present as many clocks are consigned without them. Please check with the department to establish whether they are present or not prior to bidding. Condition: due to the mechanical nature of clocks and the fact that most are of great age we cannot offer any guarantee as to whether they are in working order or free from major faults or restoration. Although we endeavour to catalogue items in a fair and informed manner, omission of any comments or observations regarding the condition or originality of a clock in the description does not necessarily indicate that it is free from significant faults, restoration or is in working condition. We would strongly advise any prospective purchaser to view the item in person or request a condition report and/or further images prior to bidding. Measurements: dial measurements are given in inches, other dimensions such as height are given in centimetres (and inches for English clocks). The measurement given for the height of a longcase clock excludes any removable finials in order to provide an approximate minimum ceiling height in which the clock can be accommodated. Condition report disclaimer