Charles Frodsham

• three quarter plate nickel lever movement, jeweled with some set in chatons, hammers on gongs for repeat • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, outer minute track with 1/5 second divisions, subsidiary dials for the 60-minute register and constant seconds • 18k yellow gold case, recessed slide for repeat to the band, gold  and activated via coaxial crown, split second pusher at 11o'clock, gold hand setting-button with gold olivette • with London hallmarks for 1891 and maker's mark HMF for Harrison Mills Frodsham

The movement is running at time of cataloguing. Case in overall good condition with surface wear to the case and minute slide, scuffing and light scratches consistent with age and use. Dial in overall good condition with some discoloration at the adjoining plates. Numerals crisp with no loss in material. Split chronograph functions, however blue split hand is sluggish, indicating service required. Minute repeater chiming in phase. Movement in very good condition. Property is inclusive of a chain.
"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."

The present Frodsham distinguishes itself from other contemporary examples as the movement is composed of British and Swiss parts, noted as “Part Swiss” on the movement, and finished in a traditional American style of nickel with engine turning. Nevertheless, the similarities in movement construction are present: a column wheel chronograph mechanism, similar bridge layout, and three quarter plate. 

Amongst a number of eminent worldwide Charles Frodsham clients, perhaps the most famous, was the Morgan family of New York. Frodshams was the Morgan’s preferred choice for quality timepieces. The association began when Junius Morgan became a business partner in the English branch of the banking house, George Peabody & Co., in 1854. The purchase and maintenance of fine clocks and watches for the Morgan family was continued by John Pierpont Morgan (1837-1913) who in 1891 presented a complicated watch to his friend and designer J. Frederick Tams on the completion of Morgan’s yacht, Corsair II. The 'Morgan caliper' watches were presentation pieces given by J.P. and J.P. Jnr. to close friends and/or new partners of the firm of JP Morgan, thus starting the long tradition of Frodsham presentation watches, perpetuated to this day. All are engraved with presentation inscriptions (the recipients and JPM initials with the year of presentation), and many still retain their original red leather Frodsham boxes, similarly inscribed.  The present lot stands out since unlike many of the other Frodsham watches gifted by the Morgan family, this piece was presented to someone not associated with J.P. Morgan’s firm.

J.P. Morgan commissioned the construction of the Corsair II in 1890 to replace the original Corsair, which he felt lacked speed and size.  It had been about ten years since her construction and yacht technology and construction had progressed so much, he felt that his original boat was already out of date.   Morgan met the designer J. Frederick Tams at the Union Club, and invited him to dinner to discuss a design for his new yacht.  During their meal, Tams voiced several criticisms of the original Corsair, remarking that it lacked ventilation and headroom in the cabins, and that it vibrated too much, since it was too lightly constructed to be out at sea.  Though he initially feared the reaction to his criticism, Morgan responded, “You are quite right.  Go ahead with your ideas” (Herbert Latterlee, J. Pierpont Morgan, An Intimate Portrait, 1939, p. 253).  He then gave Tams a blank checkbook to begin work on the yacht.

Tams hired the engineering firm Neafie & Levy from Philadelphia to build the Corsair II.  J. Beaver Webb designed the hull and engines, and Tams designed the interior rooms and ordered the furnishings and fittings for the yacht.  Tams and his colleagues spent the next year building the Corsair II,  and finished in the autumn of 1891.  Tams later remarked his concern that Morgan did not approve of the yacht, as he initially gave no indication of his thoughts.  It was not until later, when Morgan sent him the present lot as a gift, that Tams understood Morgan's appreciation for his work.  This marks one of the rare times when Morgan gifted a complicated Frodsham watch to an employee not associated with his company.  Morgan kept Corsair II until 1898, when he sold it to the U.S. Navy, and it was renamed the USS Gloucester.  She served in the Navy until 1919.