The Frodsham family had a long and illustrious history in English watchmaking. In particular Charles Frodsham was
one of the leading horologists of the second half of the 19th century and his
firm continued in business until after WWII.
The later Frodsham company was primarily a
retail establishment but they continued an active repair business and may have
actually produced some watches in house.
The Frodsham name was recently purchased
by Philip Whyte and associates and may once again produce new horological items.
The subject of this research project is a
watch that would have been produced around the turn of the 20th century by the
Frodsham firm, but has hallmarks for 1947.
The question is, "Is this the latest
watch of their own production sold as new by the firm?"
If anyone has contemporary or later
examples of Frodsham watches, please share that information.
It is not generally known that I also collect
English watches, but I have done so for many, many years -- in fact most of my very early watch purchases were English.
Decades ago
I acquired a very fine collection of American and foreign watches from an old
Illinois estate. Included in this collection was this watch which was
originally acquired from horologist Paul Kast, a well and highly respected watch
man and repair specialist from Chicago, who told me that this watch was the very
last Frodsham finished and sold.
The lever movement appears to be circa 1900 but the case hallmark is 1947, the
dial is semi unique and the movement signature unique to my knowledge.
I have attempted to research this ex rare item to no avail. Tom McIntyre graciously digitally photographed this beauty for me and placed it
here on
my website for the horological community to view and examine for the very first
time. Enjoy!
Jon