Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu

Arnold & Charles Frodsham. A gold open-faced quarter repeating watch, No. 03460 AD.Fmsz, 1866.
Movement: gilded three quarter plate, lever escapement, diamond endstone, repeating on coiled gongs.
Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds
Case: 18ct gold, gold cuvette with engraved inscription, engine-turned back with engraved crest, repeating slide to band, London hallmark for 1866, maker’s mark AS for Alfred Sram.
Signed: dial and movement signed Arnold Charles Frodsham 84 Strand, London, AD.Fmsz, No. 03460
Dimensions: diameter 48.5mm.
Accessories: presentation case.
£2,000-£3,000

Charles Frodsham & Co. are the longest continuously trading firm of chronometer manufacturers in the world and still holds a Royal warrant as supplier of clocks to the British Royal Family.
Born on 15 April 1810, Charles Frodsham was born into a dynasty of clock, watch and chronometer makers. At the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to his father William. In 1844 Charles purchased the business of John Roger Arnold upon his death and moved into Arnold’s former premises at 84 Strand. To take advantage of Arnold’s reputation, Frodsham changed the name of his business to Arnold and Frodsham. Over the next 14 years Charles established himself as one of the most eminent horologists of his time so no longer used the Arnold name after 1858.