2nd May, 2017 12:00
Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art ('Hibernia')
216
[M] A RARE ONE MINUTE TORPEDO TIMER BY CHARLES...
A RARE ONE MINUTE TORPEDO TIMER BY CHARLES FRODSHAM, CIRCA 1944
with 11in. black painted sealed dial divided every ten seconds between 1-10, signed Chas. Frodsham / 27 South Molton St. / London / W.2563, electric contacts, stowage for reset and winding knobs, contained within a substantial oak case with inset carry handles, lid restraints, twin locks and securing catch. Overall measurements -- 6¾ x 16¾ x 16¾in. (17 x 42.5 x 42.5cm.); battery operated switch and wires
(2)
Whilst this is spring powered, the electric stop/start and large scale of dial allows for greater accuracy than might be achieved with a stop watch, surprisingly little is known about their commission or precise purpose. How they were activated or arrested in timing a torpedo flight for instance, and why a large (and very expensive) instrument weighing in at 18 kilos would be needed has yet to be answered. Another, No. 2551, is known to have been used/trialled by the Royal Australian Navy; three others are now in the Frodsham Museum, London, and a further one is understood to be in a private collection, making a total of six known examples to date. The serial numbers, if consecutive, suggest there may have been at least fourteen produced but no more are known of at this time.
with 11in. black painted sealed dial divided every ten seconds between 1-10, signed Chas. Frodsham / 27 South Molton St. / London / W.2563, electric contacts, stowage for reset and winding knobs, contained within a substantial oak case with inset carry handles, lid restraints, twin locks and securing catch. Overall measurements -- 6¾ x 16¾ x 16¾in. (17 x 42.5 x 42.5cm.); battery operated switch and wires
(2)
Whilst this is spring powered, the electric stop/start and large scale of dial allows for greater accuracy than might be achieved with a stop watch, surprisingly little is known about their commission or precise purpose. How they were activated or arrested in timing a torpedo flight for instance, and why a large (and very expensive) instrument weighing in at 18 kilos would be needed has yet to be answered. Another, No. 2551, is known to have been used/trialled by the Royal Australian Navy; three others are now in the Frodsham Museum, London, and a further one is understood to be in a private collection, making a total of six known examples to date. The serial numbers, if consecutive, suggest there may have been at least fourteen produced but no more are known of at this time.
Sold for £620
Estimated at £500 - £800
(inc. buyer's premium of 24%)
A RARE ONE MINUTE TORPEDO TIMER BY CHARLES FRODSHAM, CIRCA 1944
with 11in. black painted sealed dial divided every ten seconds between 1-10, signed Chas. Frodsham / 27 South Molton St. / London / W.2563, electric contacts, stowage for reset and winding knobs, contained within a substantial oak case with inset carry handles, lid restraints, twin locks and securing catch. Overall measurements -- 6¾ x 16¾ x 16¾in. (17 x 42.5 x 42.5cm.); battery operated switch and wires
(2)
Whilst this is spring powered, the electric stop/start and large scale of dial allows for greater accuracy than might be achieved with a stop watch, surprisingly little is known about their commission or precise purpose. How they were activated or arrested in timing a torpedo flight for instance, and why a large (and very expensive) instrument weighing in at 18 kilos would be needed has yet to be answered. Another, No. 2551, is known to have been used/trialled by the Royal Australian Navy; three others are now in the Frodsham Museum, London, and a further one is understood to be in a private collection, making a total of six known examples to date. The serial numbers, if consecutive, suggest there may have been at least fourteen produced but no more are known of at this time.
with 11in. black painted sealed dial divided every ten seconds between 1-10, signed Chas. Frodsham / 27 South Molton St. / London / W.2563, electric contacts, stowage for reset and winding knobs, contained within a substantial oak case with inset carry handles, lid restraints, twin locks and securing catch. Overall measurements -- 6¾ x 16¾ x 16¾in. (17 x 42.5 x 42.5cm.); battery operated switch and wires
(2)
Whilst this is spring powered, the electric stop/start and large scale of dial allows for greater accuracy than might be achieved with a stop watch, surprisingly little is known about their commission or precise purpose. How they were activated or arrested in timing a torpedo flight for instance, and why a large (and very expensive) instrument weighing in at 18 kilos would be needed has yet to be answered. Another, No. 2551, is known to have been used/trialled by the Royal Australian Navy; three others are now in the Frodsham Museum, London, and a further one is understood to be in a private collection, making a total of six known examples to date. The serial numbers, if consecutive, suggest there may have been at least fourteen produced but no more are known of at this time.
Auction: Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art ('Hibernia'), 2nd May, 2017
