AN HISTORICALLY INTERESTING 2-DAY MARINE CHRONOMETER BY KELVIN, WHITE & HUTTON EVACUATED FROM THE FALL OF SINGAPORE ABOARD H.M.S. BULAN, 11 FEBRUARY, 1942

the 4in. silvered dial signed as per title, inscribed and numbered 11 Billiter St. London 5469 (1919) and impressed with Govt. broad arrow mark, blued steel hands, the Mercer movement mounted between spotted plates stamped TM10771 with Harrison's maintaining power, Earnshaw escapement, bi-metallic standard balance with hellical balance spring, contained within lacquered brass counter-numbered bowl with key shutter stamped H.S.1, gimbal mounted within two-tier wooden box with numbered ivorine maker's plate to front, Singapore adjuster's label inside lid for Sept. 1940, and brass carry handles, contained within guard box of issue. Overall measurements -- 9 x 13 x 9½in. (23 x 33 x 24cm.)

The Bulan (Malay for 'moon') was built in 1924 for P&O by Alexander Stephens & Sons for their Malayan feeder service. Registered at 1,048 tons, she shared a weekly run with her consort the Mata Hari between Singapore and Penang calling at the Malacca Straits ports and carrying rubber and local cargo. In September 1939 she was absorbed into the Royal Navy and initially used for patrol duties with the Malayan Auxiliary Fleet before removing essential refinery equipment from Sarawak to Singapore and was present at Singapore in December 1941 for the first Japanese attack. At this point her native crew were replaced with survivors from the sunk H.M.S. Prince of Wales. In February 1942 she rescued the crew of the S.S. Pina, which had been sunk by Japanese dive bombers, and a Hurricane pilot who had been shot down. On 11th February she left Singapore crammed with refugees bound for Batavia, arriving on the 15th (the day Singapore capitulated) despite being bombed en-route. She departed the same day for Colombo with 300 sailors and an unserviceable Walrus plane. Eventually making her way back to England, in 1944 this instrument was sent to Mercer for servicing before transfer to the Hydrographic Office who issued it to the Bombay Naval Base where it was used by H.M.S. Crispin until its return to the UK in the late 1940s.

Condition Report

Fine condition throughout and in good running order.

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.