English Marine Chronometer

Signed "Liverpool, RICH[ar]d HORNBY, LIVERPOOL, NO. 777 | Resprung and adjusted by Frodsham & Keen Liverpool. 1898," 1850–1898, mahogany case with brass inlays on the slide and sides, glass porthole, brass gimbal; brass watch case; silvered dial, blued steel hands.
Longitude marine chronometer mounted on a gimbal inside a three-tiered mahogany case, which features two side handles, corners reinforced with brass fittings, and is adorned with a blank brass cartouche inlaid on the top lid; the central section features a brass push button.
The original movement of this chronometer was designed in the mid-19th century by the manufacturer of high-precision instruments Richard Hornby (1810–1872), who was based in Liverpool at 36 South Castle Street from 1839 until his death; it was overhauled in 1898 by the partner firm Frodsham & Keen, founded in 1856 in Liverpool.
Engraved steel dial signed in black and red, with Roman numerals for the hours, a seconds counter, and superimposed sub-dials with blued steel hands. It features a winding key and a brass locking pin.
Inside the case is a round label printed with the words “Issued from H. M. Chronometer Depot, Bradford-on-Avon, August 22, 1944.” This depot was managed by the Royal Observatory, which was responsible for the maintenance, testing, and issuance of marine chronometers for the British Admiralty.
A beautiful instrument with an early serial number and remarkable provenance. The case is missing its key; a round plate is missing; and there is some wear on the brass fittings that reinforce the case.