Charles Frodsham, London

32 Lancashire size three quarter plate gilt movement with spring detent escapement, duo-in-uno hairspring, diamond endstone, free sprung, bi-metallic screw balance • silvered dial, blued steel spade hands, Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds dial and sector with up-and-down indication from 0-56, the dial further engraved with Royal warrant and a medal of honour for France, Russia, and Italy, the silver case bearing the arms of the Weare Family of Devonshire, enamelled in white, green, and red,  and with the motto SUMUS UBI FUIMUS • the silver case with gold hinges •the case and cuvette hallmarked London, 1884, with casemaker's stamp GJT incuse George James Thickbroom, case and movement signed Charles Frodsham, 81 Strand, London and numbered 06836

Lieutenant General Sir Henry Edwin Weare, 

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, pp. 416-417, pl. 268

Movement functional when wound at the time of cataloguing. Dial with minor scuffs and scratches, but detail bright and engraving defined. Case in good condition with minimal markings, case back enamel bright and lively with clear definition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

The present lot belongs to a series of approximately twenty-two pieces produced over a period of forty years. Today eleven pieces are known to have survived.  The first two pieces made were sold sometime around 1856-7. The present lot no.06836 was finished twenty five years later and was sold with a group of four pieces, including number 07324 illustrated in Camerer Cuss, English Watches, pp. 418-419, pl. 269. The final part of the series was finished in three small groups in the late 1880's and 1890's. The ebauche was supplied by Joseph Preston & Sons, Prescot, Op.Cit., p. 248

The Arms finely executed on the case back are for Lieutenant General Sir Henry Edwin Weare.  The arms were identified by T. Woodcock at the College of Arms in the 1980's. 

The Latin motto SUMUS UBI FUIMUS translates as: "We are where we were"

In 1843 Charles Frodsham bought the firm J.R. Arnold and became Arnold and Frodsham.  This was a bold move as it set him up at 84 Strand.  He retained the double name until 1858 when the firm Charles Frodsham, 84 Strand, was officially established.  Through his many publications and timepieces, Frodsham dedicated himself to the exploration and education of time and its many forms. He continued to achieve acclaim for his work from chronometers to barometers, reversed fusee and both lever and double rotary escapements. The Frodsham balance, which was designed for astronomical accuracy can be found in carriage clocks and some mantel clocks dating to as early as 1851.

Frodsham became free of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1845 and Master of the Company in 1855. He served as Master of the Company for a second time in 1862, that same year he was elected Vice-President of the British Horological Institute, of which he was one of the original members.

In 1855 he won the Gold Medal of Honour at the Paris Exhibition. In 1862 he was awarded the Medal of Honour for his service as a juror at the Great International Exhibition in South Kensington. He continued to achieve recognition at exhibitions from Russia to Paris.  Charles Frodsham excelled at his art until his death in January, 1871, at the age of 60.

Upon Charles's death, his son, Harrison Mill Frodsham, took charge of the firm and incorporated it in 1893 as Charles Frodsham & Co. Ltd.  Harrison Mill Frodsham proved to be an able horologist and businessman and the firm continued to flourish as a maker of fine timepieces, as the present lot exemplifies.