This chronometer has the name of F. Allerding engraved on its dial and probably arrived in Australia some time around 1875. This date is arrived at by mapping its number 3198 to the numbered lists for Kullberg chronometers in Tony Mercer's 'Chronometers of the World'.

While some early examples of chronometers with Allerding's name on them were made by John Poole (H9922) most of the instruments imported by Allerding were in fact made by the Victor Kullberg. Kullberg was one of the most successful chronometer makers of the nineteenth century and he supplied many chronometers to nautical opticians like Allerding. This was not uncommon and many other well established chronometer makers also exported their instruments to local opticians who often adjusted and tested the chronometers before putting their own names on the instrument.

The early date of this instrument and its relationship to Sydney's early instrument makers and astronomers enhances 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
Davies, Alun, 'The Rise and decline of Chronometer Manufacturing', Antiquarian Horology, Number 3, Volume 12, 1980

The chronometer was made in 1875 by Victor Kullberg in London, England for sale by F Allerding, 25 Hunter St, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

The marine chronometer was used at Sydney Observatory, Observatory Hill, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Box chronometer, sidereal time, number 3198, metal / wood / glass / [bone], made by Victor Kullberg, London, England for F Allerding, Sydney, 1875, used at Sydney Observatory, Observatory Hill, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

A sidereal time marine chronometer fixed in a black lacquered, wooden box with a hinged lid. 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 is a smaller dial below the hands on the main dial. This dial is marked from '10' to '60'. A circular glass cover sits over the face of the chronometer. There is a small compartment at the back of the box in which a brass winder key is stored.

Observatory stock number 80.

Made: Kullberg, Victor; London, England; 1875


Used: Sydney Observatory; Sydney

H9923

1875

1448 mm

185 mm

185 mm