THOMAS MERCER, MAKER TO THE ADMIRALTY, LONDON Marine compass or chronometer. With two-day reserve, gilt brass case and gimbal. Silvered dial, signed and numbered "6633", hour markers with Roman numerals and minute scale in black. Two small dials at 6 and 12 o'clock for the seconds and the 56-hour maximum winding power reserve. With indication of prizes received at the Universal Exhibitions in Paris in 1867 and Philadelphia in 1876. Movement (own) and case back with the same number. Varnished brown exotic wood case with gilded brass fillets and angles, with two side handles. Two hinged lids, one adorned with a brass escutcheon (mute), the other glazed. Front adorned with a circular white mother-of-pearl plate marked with the retailer's name "Sold by CONSTANTINE PICKERING & Co, Middlesbrough". Green felt reverse. Gilt brass winding key. Made in 1900. Case diameter: 12.9 cm - Box: 19.3 x 19 x 19 cm. Wear to the gilding of the brass, partially tarnished, a few scratches and minor wear bumps; a few spots of oxidation; glass cracked in one corner; minor accidents to the case, some angles to be re-fixed. Thomas MERCER (1822-1900) was a manufacturer and retailer of measuring and optical instruments for both the civilian and military navies. Founded in London in 1858, his workshop was still active at the beginning of the 20th century. From the 1880s, he became a supplier to the Admiralty. His son Frank (1882-1970) succeeded him at the head of the company that still bears his name.