This particular instrument began its life as chronometer No. 1153, made by the firm Parkinson & Frodsham. Part of the inside of the dial has been hammered, where the original signature by the makers would have been. It would seem that William Farquhar, of King Street, London, acquired the chronometer and gave it a re-fit, effectively presenting it as a new chronometer, in about 1860. This refit probably included a new escape wheel and rollers, the fitting of up-and-down work, a new cannon pinion, and a new bezel with sight-ring to give the instrument a more modern appearance. Prior to this, during its life as No. 1153 the chronometer belonged to Captain Edward Cottle, who left instructions with the chronometer-makers Bond & Son of Boston to loan it out on his behalf. John Richards, of the Brig Chatham, agreed to loan the instrument for five months, at the rate of five dollars per month. However, it was returned after three months at a total cost of $15. The leasing of chronometers to ships Captains was standard practice by Bond’s and other makers, but such instruments were usually the property of the company and it is unusual to see loans being made on behalf of third parties in this way.
It is a small two-day marine chronometer, with a fusee and Harrison’s maintaining power, an Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement and a bimetal compensation balance.