This chronometer made by Robert Roskell was used as a timekeeping aid at Sydney Observatory. Roskell who made completed chronometers and watchmaking machinery, was also a collector of historical material about clocks (horologium). Robert and William Roskell worked from their shop at 21 to 23 Church street Liverpool from 1805 to 1873 although Robert worked under his own name from 31 Church Street in 1839. The Liverpool Directory records the company as being R & J Roskell from 1796-1851 and in 1848 became Roskell and Son of 21 Church Street.

The Roskells used Kullberg movements and Hartnup and Eiffe balances in some of their clocks but judging by the serial number this clock was probably made between 1835 and 1841. The fact that the chronometer is signed Robert Roskell indicates it was probably made in 1839.

The early date of this instrument, coupled with the rarity of chronometers made under Robert Roskell's own name, increases the significance of this chronometer.

Geoff Barker, Assistant Curator, Total Asset Management Project, March 2008

References
Mercer, Tony, 'Chronometer Makers of the World', N.A.G. Press and Tony Mercer, 1991

This box chronometer was made by Robert Roskell in Liverpool, England, 1839.

Box chronometer, number 874/50318, wood / metal / glass, made by Robert Roskell, Liverpool, England, 1839, used at Sydney Observatory, Observatory Hill, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

A marine chronometer stored in a wooden box with a hinged lid and leather strap. Inside the storage box is another wooden box with a double hinged lid that holds the chronometer. The top section of the lid opens using a push button to reveal another lid with a glass panel in the top. The chronometer can be viewed through the glass panel. The chronometer sits in a metal ring that is fixed inside the box with two screws. The chronometers mechanism is encased in a circular brass surround. The dial or face of the chronometer is white with black Roman numerals from 'I' to 'XII' marked around the edge. There are two smaller dials towards the middle of the main dial. The upper dial is marked from '' to '8' while the lower dial is marked from '10' to '60'. A circular glass cover sits over the face of the chronometer. On either side of the box is a metal handle. There is a key hole in the centre front of the box and the box has inlaid metal corners and a decorative inlaid metal panel in the top of the lid. Behind the chronometer at the back of the box is a small compartment in which a brass winder key with a cylindrical shaft is stored. There is also a collection of components from the chronometer. The components include clock hands and screws.

Observatory stock number 307.

Made: Roskell, Robert; Liverpool, England; 1839


Used: Sydney Observatory;

H9921

1839

243 mm

315 mm

253 mm