Chronometry: Chronometer Outer Carry Box ?

[HUDD]

The question mark is because I'm not really sure what it is and its been bugging me for a long time now. I bought it several years ago to house a 1939 3 tier Mercer chronometer but the box turned out to be way too big ! I even made up a new inner liner to accommodate the inner box size but it was still way too big and looked wrong.

It measures externally 10 3/8" wide and high x 10 3/4" front to back. Although a quality box in solid mahogany the original lining comprised green felt on cardboard stiffening which I felt was very poor quality. Could this have been made to house a different type of instrument or possibly a very large chronometer ? I'd love to have your thoughts.

Mike ( Hudd )

 

[Tom McIntyre]

These nice boxes were used to house lots of instruments besides chronometers. Most lab boxes do not have the base flanges and that does imply a maritime connection to me. Most outer boxes for chronometers have straps but not all of them do.

What were the internal dimensions of the box when you got it? That might give a clue to what it housed.

It might be the right size for an 8 day chronometer. I have a large format 8 day that I can measure when I get home tomorrow.

 

[novicetimekeeper]

Yes I have any number of scientific instruments in boxes like that, but none has those flanges at the base.

 

[Brad Maisto]

Do you think the front latch is a “newer” addition? The leather straps on the chronometer outer boxes don’t seem to last as long as the wooden box! And to recreate these straps would require the skill of a person accomplished in leather work. But it sure is a nice looking box, and I will be curious to know the inside dimensions.
Brad Maisto, KY Floral #44 Secretary

 

[HUDD]

Many thanks gentlemen for your replies.

Internal dimensions without the side linings ( which would have been say 1/8" thick ) but with the baize inner top and bottom panels ( say 1/8" thick each ) work out at:-

Width 9 7/16" x Height 9" x Depth front to back 9 3/4"

The box does have screw holes to the sided indicating there would have once been a strap fitted. The clasp / catch to the front is a new one that I fitted to match exactly the
one it came with. Mind you, the one it came with was probably not original but I didn't want screw holes visible in the front. The hinges are individual ones that will hold the lid in
the open position exactly like the ones fitted to the Mercer chronometer outer box I finally located to fit my own inner box.

Mike