Pocket chronometer worn by Alexander Andreyevich Baranov during voyage of discovery in Alaska. Diameter ca. 3 inches; ca. ⅞ inches thick. Silver case, completely original movement, diamond end stone.
Donor:
Alaska Commercial Company, Benjamin Bristol, and Older University Collections
Collection place:
Sitka, Baranof Island, Sitka Borough
Culture or time period:
Russians and United States Historic
Maker or artist:
Thomas Graham
Collector:
Alaska Commercial Company
Collection date:
1867-1897
Object type:
ethnography
Function:
7.3 Weights, Measures, and Computing Devices
Production date:
ca. 1812
Accession date:
1904
Department:
Europe and western Russia (except Classical Mediterranean)
Comment:
Found among the archives at Sitka. Identified as pocket chronometer by Don Levison and Garry Morris, SF antique dealers and watch experts, in February 1989: "This is a spring detent pocket chronometer with London hallmarks on its silver case which date it to 1812. 'T.G.' are the initials of the case maker, Thomas Graham silversmith, small work, registered ca. 1792. The movement is not signed. The dial is not original—it dates to the later 19th century. The completely original movement has helical hairspring. Used by explorer who needed accurate timepiece for navigational purposes. There is a diamond end stone.
Loans:
S1988-1989 #31: G. L. Morris Co. (February 16, 1989–February 22, 1989) and S1989-1990 #18: Anchorage Historical and Fine Arts Museum (March 16, 1990–October 23, 1992)