Marine chronometer by Howells & Pennington, London, c.1795, commissioned by Thomas Mudge junior, to his father Thomas Mudge's design. including winding key c.1795. Outer wooden box with integral pivoted stand. Movement in a separate octagonal brass case with glazed sides and base. Gilt dial plate with two subsidiary enamel dials, one for hours and minutes and the other for seconds. The dials are surrounded with pierced and carved silver plaques. Movement of 36-hour duration, with Mudge's constant-force escapement. Plain balance with compensation curb. The balance pivots run between anti-friction wheels. The mainspring barrel is fixed, the fuzee chain winding on a drum attached to the barrel arbor. Signed 'Howells & Pennington for Thos Mudge 1795 No 7'.

In old age the clock- and watchmaker Thomas Mudge was unable to continue his work. His son, Thomas Mudge Junior, commissioned other makers to produce chronometers on behalf of his father, and to his designs. However, they were difficult to construct and did not work as well as Mudge Senior's. This and their high cost (£157 each) caused the project to ultimately fail. Only around 15 were ever made, of which this is one.

Clockmakers' Museum No. 606