IMPORTANT MORRIS TOBIAS LONDON CHRONOMETER FROM TRAWLER EDGAR WALLACE IMPORTANT MORRIS TOBIAS LONDON CHRONOMETER FROM TRAWLER EDGAR WALLACE
This is a wonderful chronometer all on its own but it is the history that goes with it that makes this treasure truly special. The Edgar Wallace was commissioned as a fishing trawler in 1925 and just 10 years later on January 9, 1935 she sank with 18 men on board in the River Humber in the East of England. Only three survived. How this chronometer was saved I do not know. I believe that sometimes ships had two chronometers so one could be left at port for servicing while the other was at sea.
If you are interested in this chronometer or not, you should Google “Edgar Wallace trawler” because what you will find is really very moving. There is 1935 black and white film of the event plus numerous still photos and a great deal of commentary done at the time on the tragedy. It is a most unusual feeling to have this chronometer on your desk, running while you are viewing the sinking of the ship.
I wish I could say that I had some current provenance for this chronometer but I do not. I purchased it from an individual who left it in a clock repair shop on consignment. He got it from an estate sale. The repair person is very skilled and he checked the chronometer over. He could find nothing amiss mechanically and it has been running well both for him and for me. It has a running duration of just over two days. The movement is signed “Tobias & Levitt, Minories, No. 230.” Levitt is also stamped inside the canister. A brief search about Morris Tobias indicated that he had more than one partnership.
The only condition flaws I can mention are the chips in the rosewood veneer and some brass inlay that needs to be put back in. In the photo of the front of the box you will see two vertical strips of inlay missing. I have those pieces and they simply need to be straightened out and put back in. It is also missing the viewing glass at the top of the box. The dark blue velvet in the box lid is in very good condition. The box measures 6 ½ inches square and 7 inches tall.
The dial is in very good condition and it is signed “Two Days, Morris Tobias, 31Minories, London, No. 230.” The goldplated hands and the blue steel seconds hand are the originals along with the brass winding key. It did not have a key for the front of the box but I found a good, old one that works well and I am including it. I simply forgot to put it in the photo.
If you are a foreign buyer PLEASE NOTE: we only ship to select countries. If your country is not on that list I will accept your offers only if this chronometer can be shipped to an address of your choice in the United States.
You can contact me with questions through www.LarsonsClocks.com -- Lindy Larson - 802 722 4203.
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OTHER CLOCK RELATED ITEMS COMING SOON!
Many more interesting clocks and clock parts will be listed shortly. So, keep and eye out for these future listings over the next several weeks.
Note that once an item is listed on my site it will stay there until the sale is completed. I do not have a buy it now option nor will I end an sale early. This is done in fairness to all so everyone will have an equal chance.
Member of NAWCC since 1976.
We do not cannibalize clocks for parts. I simply do not believe in doing that. All the parts listed were found just that way. SHIPPING via POST OFFICE: UNITED STATES BUYERS: Allow $.00 total shipping, handling and insurance anywhere in the continental U.S. This item is sold as is and will be shipped via United States Post Office. Please send an address for US Postal Service.
FOREIGN BUYERS: WE SHIP WORLDWIDE TO SELECT COUNTRIES. A general guideline: Small cartons under 4 pounds generally ship almost anywhere for about $40 with no insurance. A 6 pound package with $300 insurance should be about $60–$70 to most countries or contact me for an estimate.
On returns: No partial refunds will be given. This is to avoid those situations where some buyers are simply looking for a discount after the purchase. The purchased item must be received by the seller in the same condition as it was sent to the buyer. Returns will only be accepted if the item is significantly different than as described.
SHIPPING: via FedEx: UNITED STATES BUYERS: Allow $.00 total shipping, handling and insurance anywhere in the continental U.S. This item is sold as is and will be shipped via FedEx. FOREIGN BUYERS: WE SHIP WORLDWIDE TO SELECT COUNTRIES. It is almost always cheaper to ship through the post office rather than using FedEx. A general guideline: A 6 pound package with $300 insurance through the post office should be about $60–$70 to most countries. Or contact me for an estimate.
On returns: No partial refunds will be given. This is to avoid those situations where some buyers are simply looking for a discount after the purchase. The purchased item must be received by the seller in the same condition as it was sent to the buyer. Returns will only be accepted if the item is significantly different than as described.
On Dec-15-14 at 10:50:58 PST, seller added the following information:
CLOSEUP PHOTO OF THE ESCAPEMENT
After this chronometer was listed, someone wanted a close up photo of the escapement. One has been added to the end of the previous photos.
