This chronometer probably arrived in Australia some time between 1867 and 1870. It was made by the company of John Poole of London.

The case of this particular instrument has a label pasted into the lid stating John Poole had won prize medals at the 1855 Paris and 1862 London International Exhibitions. It also states he won a gold medal at the 1867 Paris International Exhibition; this was the same year that John Poole committed suicide and his company was taken over by his brother James.

James continued to produce chronometers engraved with his brother's name for a number of years; these follow on from the last chronometer made by John, number 3970. The number on this chronometer, 4981, suggests it was made between 1867 and 1874 when the number 5655 appears.

As Allerding was invited by H. C. Russell to participate in the observation of the 1874 Transit of Venus it is also possible that this sidereal time chronometer was used during this period. According to Tony Mercer's book 'Chronometer Makers of the World' Allerding later imported mainly Kullberg chronometers.

The early date of this instrument, coupled with the rarity of chronometers made by James Poole under his brother's name, increases the significance of this chronometer. Its relationship to Sydney's early instrument makers and astronomers also enhances its significance.

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
Davies, Alun, 'The Rise and decline of Chronometer Manufacturing', Antiquarian Horology, Number 3, Volume 12, 1980

The chronometer was made by John Poole of 57 Fenchurch St, London, England between 1875 and 1885.

Box Chronometer, sidereal time, No. 4981, metal / glass / wood, manufactured by James Poole, London, England, for F Allerding & Son, Sydney, 1867-1874, used at Sydney Observatory, Observatory Hill, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

A sidereal time marine chronometer in a polished wooden box with a double hinged lid. 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 '54' 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 and there is a metal key hole in the centre front of the box. The box has a decorative inlaid metal panel in the top of the lid. A [ivory] plaque is attached to the centre front 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. Accompanying the chronometer is a certificate and a collection of 12 'Error and Rate' cards.

Observatory stock number 84.

Made: Poole, John; London, England; 1875 - 1885


Used: Sydney Observatory; Sydney

H9922

1875 - 1885

198 mm

180 mm

175 mm