29th Oct, 2014 12:00
Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art (Wizard)
165
[M] BLISS & CREIGHTON SMALL MAHOGANY AMERICAN...
the 3½in. silvered dial signed Bliss & Creighton, New York, No. 1124, champlevé Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds and up-and-down dials, gilt hour and minute hands, movement with fusee and chain, Harrison's maintaining power, Earnshaw-type footed spring detent escapement, bimetallic compensation balance with cylindrical temperature weights and meantime adjustment nuts, diamond endstone, free-sprung blued-steel helical balance spring, gimbal-mounted brass bowl, screw-down brass bezel, in three-tier brass-bound mahogany box with brass drop handles, the interior with paper trade label for F. Smith & Son, Southampton and inscribed in ink "American Line - Spare" -- 7in. (18cm.) square approx.
Bliss & Creighton: established in Brooklyn, New York in 1837 and lasted until 1855. In 1848 they advertised that their chronometers were entirely American-made.
The American line: formed as the American Steamship Company in 1872, it was inaugurated by the ship Pennsylvania in 1873. In 1884 the American Line was bought by the owners of the Red Star Line but continued to operate under its own name. The American Line service to Southampton was begun in 1893 and it is likely that the present chronometer was purchased second-hand in Southampton as a spare chronometer for one of the American Line's ships on the cross-Atlantic route.
Sold for £2,976
Estimated at £800 - £1,200
(inc. buyer's premium of 24%)
Condition Report
Movement not in going order but with no obvious defects, so likely to just need an overhaul. Dial clean, box generally good with some minor pitting and scratching.
We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.
the 3½in. silvered dial signed Bliss & Creighton, New York, No. 1124, champlevé Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds and up-and-down dials, gilt hour and minute hands, movement with fusee and chain, Harrison's maintaining power, Earnshaw-type footed spring detent escapement, bimetallic compensation balance with cylindrical temperature weights and meantime adjustment nuts, diamond endstone, free-sprung blued-steel helical balance spring, gimbal-mounted brass bowl, screw-down brass bezel, in three-tier brass-bound mahogany box with brass drop handles, the interior with paper trade label for F. Smith & Son, Southampton and inscribed in ink "American Line - Spare" -- 7in. (18cm.) square approx.
Bliss & Creighton: established in Brooklyn, New York in 1837 and lasted until 1855. In 1848 they advertised that their chronometers were entirely American-made.
The American line: formed as the American Steamship Company in 1872, it was inaugurated by the ship Pennsylvania in 1873. In 1884 the American Line was bought by the owners of the Red Star Line but continued to operate under its own name. The American Line service to Southampton was begun in 1893 and it is likely that the present chronometer was purchased second-hand in Southampton as a spare chronometer for one of the American Line's ships on the cross-Atlantic route.
Auction: Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art (Wizard), 29th Oct, 2014
