Charles Frodsham Ltd
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Dating Charles Frodsham pieces

The following information is a précis of the serial numbers used by Charles Frodsham, to aid in the dating of clocks, watches and chronometers. They are for Charles Frodsham pieces only.

Unfortunately we do not hold any records for items made or retailed by:

  • PARKINSON & FRODSHAM
  • HENRY FRODSHAM
  • GEORGE EDWARD FRODSHAM
  • WILLIAM FRODSHAM
  • FRODSHAM & BAKER

So we are unable to answer enquiries regarding the history of pieces by these makers.

Anomalies do occur within the numbering sequences, as some of the movements were finished later in date than the serial number would suggest. In addition there are a number of special series that do not correlate in date with the main series.

Watches

Arnold & Frodsham

Pre 1844 Some watches with serial numbers under 6500 (probably old Arnold stock)

  • 1844 – 1850 from approximately No. 6500 – 7000
  • 1850 – 1855 from approximately No. 7000 – 8400
  • 1855 – 1858 from approximately No. 8400 – 9999

After 1858 Some watches with the Charles Frodsham serial numbering sequence beginning 01000 – 02000.

Charles Frodsham

The coded letters AD Fmsz can be seen on the dials and movements on many Frodsham watches. This cryptogram corresponds to 1850, the year Charles produced his new caliper watch, and was used thereafter as a sign of the highest quality.

  • 1858 – 1862 from approximately No. 01000 – 02000
  • 1862 – 1865 from approximately No. 02000 – 03000
  • 1865 – 1870 from approximately No. 03000 – 04000
  • 1870 – 1875 from approximately No. 04000 – 05250
  • 1875 – 1880 from approximately No. 05250 – 06000
  • 1880 – 1885 from approximately No. 06000 – 07000
  • 1885 – 1890 from approximately No. 07000 – 08000
  • 1890 – 1895 from approximately No. 08000 – 08500
  • 1895 – 1900 from approximately No. 08500 – 08750
  • 1900 – 1905 from approximately No. 08750 – 09100
  • 1905 – 1912 from approximately No. 09100 – 09400
  • 1912 – 1915 from approximately No. 09400 – 09600
  • 1915 – 1930 from approximately No. 09600 – 09999
  • 1890 – 1900 from approximately No. 010000 – 010200 ‘Bridgeman Caliper movement’

In addition there is a serial number sequence running from approximately No.10000 – 35000. The majority of these watches are later finished movements, specials, or Swiss-made watches retailed or ‘examined’ by Frodshams from 1850 – 1950.

Marine Chronometers

Between 1830 and 1835, Charles submitted a small number of marine chronometers to the Premium Trials at Greenwich, No. 2 taking the Premium prize in 1831. By 1840 he had established himself as one of the leading chronometer makers in London producing pieces that performed well at trial and were subsequently bought by The Admiralty and the U.S. Navy. Again anomalies occur in the numbering sequence as some chronometers were updated, finished, rated or sold at a later date.

2-Day Chronometers

  • 1834 – 1844 from approximately No. 1400 – 2000
  • 1844 – 1860 from approximately No. 2000 – 3000
  • 1860 – 1870 from approximately No. 3000 – 3400
  • 1870 – 1885 from approximately No. 3400 – 3600
  • 1885 – 1925 The majority of chronometers with numbers in the low 10000s
  • 1895 – 1900 Separate series beginning No. 0001 – 0042

8-Day Chronometers

The majority with serial numbers in the low 5000s

Clocks

Charles Frodsham have made and retailed many different types of clock including regulators for observatory and domestic use, mantel chronometers and carriage clocks, table and bracket clocks, decorative clocks and lever carriage clocks as well as one-off pieces and limited editions. The serial numbers below are only a guideline as the sequences are too numerous to list.

Arnold & Frodsham

  • 1844 – 1858 from approximately No. 600 – 900

Charles Frodsham

  • 1850 – 1865 from approximately No. 750 – 1000
  • 1865 – 1880 from approximately No. 1000 – 1500
  • 1880 – 1895 from approximately No. 1500 – 2000
  • 1895 – 1915 from approximately No. 2000 – 2300
  • 1915 – 1930 from approximately No. 2300 – 2500
  • 1930 – Present, limited editions with separate or no serial/reference numbers

In addition there is a serial number sequence running from approximately No.18000 – 21000. The majority of these clocks are later finished movements, specials, or French/Swiss-made clocks retailed or examined by Frodshams between 1870 and 1915.

There is a group within this sequence that are the French manufactured carriage clocks (mostly by Drocourt, Jacot etc.). They vary in complexity from simple timepieces to repeating grande-sonnerie striking with alarm, and are often signed up Chas. Frodsham, Paris.