A GEORGE V MAHOGANY TWO-DAY MARINE CHRONOMETER

A GEORGE V MAHOGANY TWO-DAY MARINE CHRONOMETERKelvin, Bottomley and Baird Limited, Glasgow, circa 1920The four pillar full-plate single chain fusee movement with spotted plates engraved with serial number 7259 beneath M.O.D. arrow device, Harrison's maintaining power, reversed fusee and Earnshaw type spring detent escapement regulated by split bimetallic balance with circular timing weights, Mercer type auxiliary compensation and helical palladium balance spring beneath a faceted diamond endstone, the 3.75 inch circular silvered Roman numeral dial with gold spade hands, subsidiary seconds incorporating M.O.D. arrow device over serial number 7259 and inscribed in red AUXILIARY COMPENSATION, opposing upper power reserve dial and inscribed KELVIN, BOTTOMLEY & BAIRD L.T.D., 16 & 18 Cambridge St., Glasgow to centre, set in a lacquered brass bowl with screw-down bezel mounted within pivoted gimbals with locking screw, in a mahogany two-tier case with glazed top, brass strap reinforced edges, and rectangular ivorine nameplate inscribed Kelvin, Bottomley, & Baird over brass escutcheon and roundel numbered 7258 to front. The box 21cm (8.25ins) wide including handles, 19cm (7.5ins) deep, 17cm (6.75ins) high. Provenance: The beneficiary of the Estate of a private collector, East Midlands. The firm of Kelvin, Bottomley and Baird Limited has its roots with James White, an optical instrument maker, who with the support of William Thompson (later Lord Kelvin), Professor of natural philosophy at Glasgow University (held 1846-99), set up business (primarily to service the demands of the University) in 1850. The business had a fairly precarious existence until the 1860's when White became involved with Great Eastern who were encountering problems with laying transatlantic telegraph cables. With Lord Kelvin's assistance White was able to resolve many of the issues. During the mid 1870's Lord Kelvin turned his attention to the development of an accurate marine compass which resulted in a design which was subsequently supplied by James White. In 1884 White died leading Lord Kelvin to move the business to new premises on Cambridge Street which was subsequently managed by Matthew Edwards and David Reid on his behalf. In 1899 Kelvin (now Baron Kelvin of Largs) resigned from his chair at the university and became director of the newly incorporated limited company Kelvin and James White Limited. The business expanded to take-on demand for maritime instruments generated by the boom in ship building on the Clyde becoming Kelvin, White and Hutton Limited in 1904 and then Kelvin Bottomley and Baird Limited when Dr. James Thomson Bottomley F.R.S.E. (who had been working in the firm since 1900) became chairman in 1913. The Baird name represented Alfred Baird who had been employed as principal compass adjuster for the firm since 1884. In 1934 Kelvin Bottomley and Baird Limited built an instrument factory at Basingstoke which was later to become the Smiths Industries Aerospace site. Unfortunately during WWII the firms London offices were bombed which ultimately was a major contributing factor in their decision to merge with the rival firm of Henry Hughes and Sons Limited in 1942.Condition Report: Movement is in relatively clean working condition with no visible alteration or obvious replacements. There are a few spots of discolouration to the brass hence a gentle clean and service may be advisable. The dial has overall light patchy discolouration/tarnishing to the silvering otherwise appears to be in fine condition. The brass bowl and gimbal assembly appears all-original and has old yellow lacquer showing moderate wear. The gimbal locking lever appears to be a replacement.The exterior of the case appears to be in good condition but has the appearance of being stripped and re-polished with the brass elements re-finished at some point hence now has a slightly waxy feel with uneven lacquer to the brass fittings. There is also some noticeable internal bruising/scratching to the right hand side of the cover as well as some slight bruising to the opposite side. Instrument is complete with tipsy key and a case key. Condition Report Disclaimer