English brass chronometer with power reserve Circa 1860

Marine deck chronometer with gimbal suspension
–
An extremely fine marine deck chronometer deck chronometer made by Dent, Chronometer maker to the Queen, in London, England, circa 1860. The open faced glazed case is mounted in the three part numbered mahogany box with a gimbal suspension. The silvered dial has Roman hour numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial at six o’clock, a 56 hours power reserve indicator at twelve o’clock and blued steel hands. The movement has a detent chronometer escapement.
Dial and box have matching numbers and the dial is signed.
–
Dimensions:  175 × 175 × 175 mm
–
Signed: Dent London, Chronometer maker to the Queen
–
Dent Dynasty
Dent, a celebrated watchmaking dynasty, founded by Edward John Dent (1790 – 1853), was known for high quality watches, clocks, chronometers and regulators. After starting life as a tallow chandler, Edward John switched to watchmaking. From 1815 to 1829, he was employed by the Vulliamys and the Barrauds. In 1830, he entered into a partnership with J.R. Arnold. In 1840, he set up on his own account at 33 Cockspur Street, London. He was the builder of ‘Big Ben’, the famous Westminster clock and made many fine chronometers and watches as well as others of a high commercial grade. The firm continued until relatively recently at 41 Pall Mall, London, as E. Dent & Co. Ltd.