Descriptions

This pocket watch was made between 1840 and 1860 by Arnold & Frodsham Chrometer makers. Charles Frodsham was born into a dynasty of clock, watch and chronometer makers in 1810. At the age of 14 he was apprenticed to his father William and formed his own business in 1834.

Charles later formed a partnership with John Roger Arnold and later purchased Arnold’s business upon his death in 1844. Trading continued as Arnold & Frodsham Chronometer Makers for a further fourteen years, until the establishment of Charles Frodsham & Co.

By the mid-1850s Charles had established himself as one of the period’s most eminent horologists, renowned for producing high-quality precision timekeeping instruments including watches, clocks and regulators. The firm continued after his death in 1871; Charles Frodsham & Co. are the longest continuously trading firm of chronometer manufacturers in the world.

The dial of this pocket watch is made from enamel. The watch has a lever escapement. The movement is made from brass with a full plate. Though the dial is inscribed Arnold/ Charles Frodsham, the movement bears Frodsham’s name only. The hands are made from blued steel. The open-face case, inscribed with H.M. London 1904, is made from silver, although it is not original.

This watch entered RAMM’s collection as part of a bequest from Mr Clement Francis Venn of Craddock, Devon, in May 1928.


This object is on display at RAMM in the Making History gallery.