NICOLE NIELSEN for Chas FRODSHAM ‘AD Fmsz’ 115 New Bond St (late of 84 Strand), London. No 08552
A fine silver cased minute recording chronograph, in lovely original condition.
£3,745.00
Nicely detailed silver full hunter case with gold olivette and chronograph pusher, hallmarked 1893, sponsor’s mark HMF (Harrison Mill Frodsham). Exceptional NN three-quarter plate movement of their most stylish design, with all the chronograph work mounted on the backplate, with cap jewels on the balance (diamond), lever and escape. Single-roller detached lever escapement, the lever of ’tuning-fork’ shape, as associated with the best London work of the period. Compensation balance, balance-spring with double overcoil. Beautiful signed enamel dial with 6-minute counter at 3, blued-steel hands with NN’s typical c-seconds chronograph hand featuring a ‘star.’ 54 mm diameter.
Nicole Nielsen & Co was the most important and influential London firm of watchmakers throughout the second half of the 19th and into the 20th centuries. During this period they formed strong associations first with the firm of E J Dent and later with Chas Frodsham, becoming the main supplier of the latter’s best work, this being a lovely example, and unusual being in silver. See also my reprint of Nicole Nielsen’s HIGH-CLASS ENGLISH WATCHES trade catalogue for more information about this most underrated firm.
Charles Frodsham (1810-1871) the most famous of the Frodsham family of clock and watch making firms, began to sign some of their best watches with an additional ‘AD Fmsz.’ This code stands for the date 1850, signifying, it is thought, their new caliper of watch designed in that year. It was fine Nicole Nielsen supplied watches like this, so well designed and made, that cemented the Frodsham firm’s reputation for selling the best English work.
The watch is not mint, with the usual small hair cracks in the dial, and some minor signs of use showing on the case, but it has obviously been well looked after, and the complete watch is a fine example of the best English traditions in watchmaking. It is not an overly large, heavy or complicated ‘trophy watch’ but is instead a perfect watch for wear. It is also unusual in that it is silver rather than gold and that there is no previous dedication engraving or monogram on the case. This is how I like to find watches, not over polished, but the case can be lightly polished if wanted and at no extra cost. Freshly serviced and guaranteed.
Item available
Description
Nicely detailed silver full hunter case with gold olivette and chronograph pusher, hallmarked 1893, sponsor’s mark HMF (Harrison Mill Frodsham). Exceptional NN three-quarter plate movement of their most stylish design, with all the chronograph work mounted on the backplate, with cap jewels on the balance (diamond), lever and escape. Single-roller detached lever escapement, the lever of ’tuning-fork’ shape, as associated with the best London work of the period. Compensation balance, balance-spring with double overcoil. Beautiful signed enamel dial with 6-minute counter at 3, blued-steel hands with NN’s typical c-seconds chronograph hand featuring a ‘star.’ 54 mm diameter.
Nicole Nielsen & Co was the most important and influential London firm of watchmakers throughout the second half of the 19th and into the 20th centuries. During this period they formed strong associations first with the firm of E J Dent and later with Chas Frodsham, becoming the main supplier of the latter’s best work, this being a lovely example, and unusual being in silver. See also my reprint of Nicole Nielsen’s HIGH-CLASS ENGLISH WATCHES trade catalogue for more information about this most underrated firm.
Charles Frodsham (1810-1871) the most famous of the Frodsham family of clock and watch making firms, began to sign some of their best watches with an additional ‘AD Fmsz.’ This code stands for the date 1850, signifying, it is thought, their new caliper of watch designed in that year. It was fine Nicole Nielsen supplied watches like this, so well designed and made, that cemented the Frodsham firm’s reputation for selling the best English work.
The watch is not mint, with the usual small hair cracks in the dial, and some minor signs of use showing on the case, but it has obviously been well looked after, and the complete watch is a fine example of the best English traditions in watchmaking. It is not an overly large, heavy or complicated ‘trophy watch’ but is instead a perfect watch for wear. It is also unusual in that it is silver rather than gold and that there is no previous dedication engraving or monogram on the case. This is how I like to find watches, not over polished, but the case can be lightly polished if wanted and at no extra cost. Freshly serviced and guaranteed.
