SCIENTIFIC & MEDICAL
Catalog Page 9
Click on photos for larger images.
Click
for ordering details.
|
9.17 EARLY “TOOTH KEY.” Genuine mid-19th century or earlier dentist’s tool. This fearsome apparatus consists of a hand-wrought iron shaft with a pivoting two-pronged hook on the end. It is firmly attached to a turned whalebone handle affixed with a screw through the middle. In practice the hook was placed over a hapless patient’s ailing tooth then twisted, extracting it! 6 inches long. The bone handle is 3 ½ inches wide. Good, sound original condition, noting surface rust with a brown patina on all metal parts. 279 In the 19th century and earlier a barber typically
performed the duties of a dentist. Sadly, tooth
extraction was the accepted “remedy” for
virtually any dental problem. |
|
REVERSE
|
|
9.16 MICROSCOPE. Late 19th
century presentation microscope by Carl Zeiss, Jena, with
the engraved inscription on the tube, “– Glasgow
University – Anatomy Class Summer 1891 – J.D.O.
Wilson –.” The tri-footed base is further
signed by the retailer on the back “J. BROWN 76 ST.
Vincent St., Glasgow.” This all brass instrument
with original blackened and gray finishes has two
interchangeable eye pieces and two objectives. The
objectives are marked “A” and “B”
respectively and are signed “C. Zeiss.”
Each fits into its individual threaded brass canister with
similar markings. The microscope stage revolves,
providing 4 different apertures. Course focusing is
easily accomplished by adjusting the tube height within the
sleeve. Fine focusing is done by means of the large
knurled knob on the pillar. There are 2 spring-loaded
clips for holding a slide and the microscope tips on its
axis to adjust to the observer’s eye. Below the
stage is a double sided pivoting mirror with plano and
concave mirrors. The entire instrument fits neatly
into its hand-dovetailed mahogany box with hinged door,
original lock and skeleton key. There is a
provision for a condenser on stand which is no longer
present. A folding brass handle is provided on top for
carrying. The box measures 11 ½ inches tall by 7
½ inches wide and 6 inches deep. The instrument
itself stands approximately 11 inches tall when
focused. A nice dated instrument by one of the world’s
premier makers.
795 |
|
CASE
|
OPEN
|
INSIDE BOX
|
FRONT
|
|
OBJECTIVE
|
INSCRIPTION
|
RETAILER
|
|
9.15 THERMOMETER. Precision 19th century American dial thermometer marked on the dial “FAHRENHEIT “TRIUMPH” WARRANTED ACCURATE.” The white enameled dial swept by a blued steel hand with crescent moon tail reads the incredible range from - 45 to 155 in single degrees! The solid brass case retains its original old wavy glass crystal. The back is equipped with a folding ring for suspension and two “feet” which allow the thermometer to stand off from the wall on which it is hangs. This allows for an accurate ambient temperature reading provided by numerous small perforations. 6 inches in diameter and 2 inches thick. Outstanding original condition with a nice patina to the brass. Still accurate after 120+ years! 195 This thermometer is most certainly the output of the Standard Thermometer Company of Peabody, Massachusetts which patented this type of thermometer on December 28, 1886. |
|
BACK
|
PERSPECTIVE
|
|
9.14 EARLY POCKET SUNDIAL. Genuine, middle of the 18th century German traveler’s sundial known as an Augsburg dial, after the region in Germany which produced them from the 1650’s onward. This diminutive example is attributed to Johann Georg or his brother Andreas Vogler. It is of all brass, entirely hand-made with profuse decorative and informative engraving on all surfaces. It consists of a fixed pin gnomon in the center of the hour scale beginning with “III” on the lower left, “XII” noon at the top and “IX” in the evening on the lower right. A folding inverse degree scale, marked from 0 - 90 on the user’s left allows for adjusting the degrees of latitude for the location. To these ends, the Latitudes of prominent cities in Europe are engraved on the bottom (“Lisbon 39, Rom 42, Vened 45, Prag 50” etc.) To align the instrument properly for a sighting a compass, protected by the original old wavy glass is recessed in the dial. A small iron arrow with early form brass pivot points to magnetic North. The silvered compass rose is marked with the cardinal points “N, S, O and W.” Interestingly a line with an arrow indicates the magnetic deviation from true North at the time the instrument was made. 2 by 2 inches and ½ inch thick. Outstanding original condition in all respects. Truly remarkable for an instrument well over two and a half centuries old! 1195 |
|
CLOSED
|
OPEN
|
USERS VIEW
|
DETAIL
|
BOTTOM
|
|
9.13 POCKET COMPASS. High quality late 19th century pocket compass of French manufacture. This “diptych” (2 part) compass has a wooden body with hinged wooden lid. The silvered brass compass dial is marked with the cardinal and intercardinal points of the compass rose showing degrees marked in twenties from 0 - 340 in two degree increments. At the West point it is signed “Made In France.” A small arrow at the 348 degree mark indicates the magnetic variation in France at that time. The fine compass needle is supported on a brass pivot with an agate cap enclosed under a glass cover held with a brass retaining ring. Cleverly, this hand-held compass hinges closed with a built-in caging device which locks the needle in place when not in use. Two small brass hooks secure closure. 3 by 3 by 1 inches. Absolutely pristine original condition. One of the finest, if not THE finest of its type we have ever seen! 295 |
|
DIAL
|
CASE
|
|
9.51 QUACK MEDICAL DEVICE. Pre-Civil War American electro-mechanical device stamped on the brass frame “MANUFACTURED BY W. H. BURNAPP. LOWELL. MASS, PATENTED AUGUST 1, 1854.” This unique device features a brass gear train connected to an ivory-handled crank on the motive end. A braided belt coveys power to the working end which is of a rotating armature consisting of two opposed coils covered in red felt, mounted in free turning bearings. On one end of the armature is a large horseshoe magnet. Turning the armatures at high rpm’s in proximity to the magnet induces a current to flow between the electrodes on both ends of the box. A shunt attached to a small brass knob is astride the poles of the magnet to cleverly regulate the current. The lovely solid wooden box is fashioned of curly maple with brass corners, a shield key escutcheon and the original brass box lock. The inside of the lid bears the very interesting full length label boldly proclaiming “DAVIS & KIDDER’S PATENT MAGNETO-ELECTRIC MACHINE FOR NERVOUS DISEASES.” This device was marketed by “Schieffen Bro’s & Co. New York.” The bottom of the label reads “Manufactured and sold by W. H. Burnapp, Lowell, Mass., whose signature is attached to all genuine Machines…” The label is indeed signed in ink by “W. H. Burnapp” himself! The Directions read (in part) “Connect two metallic cords or wires with the Sockets in the ends of the Box, and apply the handles connected with the other ends of the metallic cords or wires to any part of the person it is desired to pass the current of Electricity. Then turn the Crank, regulating the strength of the current by the speed, and by the Knob at the end of the Box;” This wonderful example of early American technology, while questionable in its efficacy, is nothing less than state-of-the art for its time, when the use of electricity was in its infancy. Complete with both handles and cords. Excellent original condition and shockingly functional! 649 Samuel Morse is generally credited with producing the first electrical telegraph transmission in 1844, just 10 years before Burnapp’ invention. And Burnapp’s patent precededGraham’s telephone by 22 years and Edison’s incandescent electric light by 25 years! |
|
DETAIL
|
LABEL
|
|
9.11 HYDROMETER. Outstanding mid-19th century English specific gravity testing set. This highly precise scientific instrument consists of a gold plated brass float with a double sided scale marked in percent from 0 -10 divided by 2/10th increments. On the opposite end is a tear-shaped brass counterweight. The side of the scale is beautifully engraved “LOFTUS London” and “13883 SIKES | P 51?.” The weighted end is additionally stamped “13883.” The float is complete with all brass attachments which consist of 9 slotted disc weights marked “10 – 90,” each serial numbered “13883.” These are designed to attach around the counterweight strut. There is also a single rectangular slotted weight which fits on top of the scale. Included in this set is the original mercury thermometer with ivory scale calibrated in degrees Fahrenheit from 16 – 104?. The scale is signed “LOFTUS London” and is etched with the serial number “13883” on the reverse. All components fit neatly in the original satin-lined mahogany box with splined construction. The hinged lid has two brass hook on post closures. It is decoratively inlaid with holly stringing and bears an inset ivory plaque reading “SIKES HYDROMETER LOFTUS 6 BEAUFOY TERRACE LONDON.” Totally complete and in extra fine condition throughout. This is the nicest such instrument of the several we have offered in our 35 years. 795 Specific gravity is the ratio of the density of a liquid to an equal volume of pure water at an equal temperature. Hydrometers were used to test specific gravity, important in the brewing and distilling industry to determine alcohol content. They were also used by boiler tenders to determine the purity of the water in steam plants aboard ships and in industry. As an example, with the 90 and 10 (100%) weights attached the float reads “0” when suspended in pure water. Any denser liquid would require more weights – a lighter liquid, fewer weights. The specific gravity reading is the sum of the weights added to the liquid level indicated on the scale. |
|
BOX
|
DETAIL
|
SIGNATURE
|
|
9.54 DRAFTING SET. Large cased mechanical drawing set as used by the ship's navigator or a professional draftsman. This impressive 19th century set features a variety of drawing implements with interchangeable components. Functions include use as a compass, beam compass, straight line and parallel drawing, and dividers. Pen nibs and pencil holders allow for drawing in either pen or ink. Included in the set are the original ivory sector, for making logarithmic calculations, ivory parallel rules, and two ivory pens. Filling out the set are a box of leads, eraser and multi-purpose tool for sharpening and filing leads and adjusting the instruments. This is a very high grade, precision set, which appears to be all original. The finely fashioned instruments are of brass with steel components. Many are signed with the original owner's initials ""JMC." All are in excellent condition with the exception of the small compass which has become detached from its knurled handle. Each component fits neatly into its velvet lined slot in the form fitted liftoff tray. Removing the tray reveals another compartment within the fine rich mahogany case. This is devoid of contents, which were likely a larger set of parallel rules and a protractor. Nevertheless this is a large handsome set which would display beautifully on the executive desk. 14 1/2 inches wide and 5 1/2 inches deep. 895 |
|
DETAIL
|
CASE
|
![]() |
|
9.06 THEOBALD’s PROBES. Unusual set of 19th century American eye doctor’s instruments. This complete set of 8 probes was precisely manufactured of nickel-plated brass. Atop each probe is attached a small double leaf-shaped plaque stamped with two numbers. The numbers indicate the diameter of the probe on each end, ranging in size from the smallest, “1” through the largest, “16.” The set is housed in it original leather-covered hinged wooden case with blue satin lining. A small sliding lock is provided on the front for positive closure. The top of the case is embossed in gold “Set of Theobald’s Probes. The case measures 6 inches long by 3 3/8 inches wide and is 1 inch thick. The exterior leather evidences wear and some minor losses. The interior and contents are perfect. A rare, complete set of early doctor’s tools. 149 In a publication dated 1888, “New Eye Instruments,” J.O. Tansley discusses lachrymal canal or “tear duct” practice at the time, stating that it was “To dilate the canal as much as possible without traumatism.” Samuel Theobald was born in 1846. He began his Baltimore, Maryland medical practice in 1871. Before his appointment at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Theobald was one of the founders of the Baltimore Eye, Ear and Throat Charity Hospital in 1882. In 1889 he founded the Opthamology Department at John’s Hopkins Hospital. In addition to teaching at the medical school and working in the dispensary, he was known for the development of “Theobald lachrymal probes,” the introduction of boric acid as an effective eye wash, and his book, Prevalent Diseases of the Eye. He was a member of the American Ophthalmological Society for 50 years and served as its 14th President. |
|
CASE |
DETAIL |
PROBE |
![]() |
9.03 ARMILLARY SPHERE. Rare early
19th century model of the solar system made by the famous French
globe maker Delamarche as printed on the terrestrial globe in the
center. This planetary model is based on the Ptolemaic system
devised by early Greek astronomer Claudius Ptolemaeus (A.D. 90 –
128) in which he envisioned the solar system as a set of nested
spheres. Ptolemy’s model depicted the Earth at the center
of the solar system, whereas the later (and correct) Copernican
system was sun-centered. This exceptional example features a
pewter equatorial ring engraved in single degrees, 0 –
360. It is supported on a cast iron strut which also houses the
brass Meridian ring divided into quadrants of 90 degrees each.
As mounted, the Meridian ring is free to revolve and thus indicates
the sun’s declination at any time of the year. The broad
diagonal paper ring is beautifully engraved with the signs of the
Zodiac. The remaining horizontal rings indicate the north and
south tropics and the equator. This especially fine model is in
a marvelous state of preservation, considering the fact that it
is over 200 years old! Museum Quality.
![]()
The first maker to produce globes in France for use by the general public was Charles-Francois Delamarche (1740-1817). Delamarche’s workshop was on Rue du Foin, St. Jacques au College Me. Gervais’, Quartier Latin. Subsequently his addresses were Rue du Jardinet, then No. 7 Rue du Battour, all Paris. Likely this sphere is the work of his son and successor, Felix.
The term Armillary sphere comes from the Latin armilla meaning hoop or bracelet. The earth is shown as a small globe in the center of the sphere which is formed by 2 rings at right angles. The tropics of Cancer and Capricorn (representing the sun’s maximum North and South declinations from the Equator) and the Arctic and Antarctic circles are represented by narrower rings. A broad ring crossing the tropic rings represents the ecliptic or path of the sun. The sphere is mounted within a Meridain ring set into the Equatorial ring. Practical use of the Armillary sphere as a solar system teaching aid was superseded by the Orrery in the early 18th century. (A. Major, Maritime Antiques, 1981, Tantivy Press, London).
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
|
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
|
|
|
![]() |
9.02 POCKET SUN DIAL. Rare,
incredibly old sun dial made entirely of ivorywith pewter plates and
brass fittings. This amazing relic is of French originand
represents what is known as a “Dieppe Magnetic Azimuth or
Bloud-type dial.” It is attributed to the early Parisian
dial maker Jacques Senecal and datescirca 1660! It is of the
diptych type, meaning it has two leaves or tablets,
hinged in the middle. The outside top of the upper leaf is
equipped with a pewter equinoctial dial for telling time by means of
a pin gnomon. The inner side is fitted with a lunar volvelle,
allowing it to be used to determine the time at night when the moon
was visible. The main part of the dial occupies the lower leaf
of the diptych. A recessed bowl accommodates a delicate
magnetic needle suspended on a pyramidal brass pivot. Cleverly,
this dial actually represents a form of mechanical computer.
The underside of the leaf holds a rotating disc engraved with the
months and days of the year. It is connected to the interior
hour scale below the compass needle which acts as the gnomon.
Rotating the outer disc to the corresponding day moves the hour scale
within setting it to the proper “altitude” for the time
of year. A typical horizontal dial with string gnomon is also
provided, with the hours engraved in the ivory around the periphery
of the compass rose. In the bottom plate of the dial there is a
finely-engraved paper card, the outer edge of which is marked in
degrees by tens in four quadrants. Within is an 8-pointed star
with a fleur-de-lis at the North point. The other star points
are marked with the latitudes of important European cities such as “Paris,
Venise, Rheims, Roma, Londre,” etc. It is alsoequipped
with a clever pivoting brass “stay” which holds the lid
open, fitting neatly into a recessed slot when not in use. This
lovely instrument is profusely engraved with decorative pinwheel
elements on the periphery of each of its tablets, inside and
out. There are two very early pewter repairs in the lid
to stabilize an age crack, and the very tip of one of the tiny brass
hooks is off. Otherwise this 350 year old instrument is in
amazing condition for its age. A museum piece!
Literature: Hester Higton, “Sundials, An Illustrated History,” 2001, PhilipWilson Publishers, Ltd., London. Page 89 depicts a very similardial described as, “Dieppe magnetic azimuth dial by Jacques Senecal, c. 1660. The inside of this dial has a lunar vovelle in the upper leaf and the main dialset into the lower one. Collection of the National Maritime Museum, London.”
This sun dial represents the oldest antique we have ever offered in our 35 yearsin business.
![]() |
![]() |
||
|
|
|
LUNAR VOLVELLE |
OUTER DIAL |
|
|
9.73 EARLY SURGICAL TOOL. Very rare early 19th century surgeon's tool used for the removal of a patient's tonsils. This "Tonsil Guillotine" as it was known, consists of a fearsome sharp probe and two stationary steel orifices connected to a brass shaft terminating in a cross hatched ivory handle. Pulling the handle engages a sliding blade, the guillotine, which in theory would have sliced off the hapless patient's tonsil once engaged by the probe and held by the orifices! Clever in its construction, this no less gruesome device bears decorative elements in its construction reminiscent of instruments from the Queen Ann period. It measures 10 inches long and is in excellent original functioning condition. Both the steel and brass components bear deep patination with surface oxidation, but no rust or corrosion. The ivory handle is sound with only minor staining (blood?). A very rare early surgical tool of museum quality. 895
Elizabeth Bennion in "Antique Medical Instruments," 1979, Sotheby
Parke Bernet, London, pictures and describes a similar device with
finger pieces on page 108. The photograph is captioned, "Tonsil
guillotine, c. 1860, Museum of Historical Medicine, Copenhagen." The
text, in part, reads, "Guillotines and forceps were listed in the
catalogues from the early nineteenth century and were in two sizes,
for adults and children. Tonsil-guillotines are easily recognisable
by means of the two parallel sliding rings, one with cutting edge...
Unlike many other instruments, the earlier examples tend to be
lighter while those of a later date become complicated and cumbersome
with elaborate finger pieces. Cased sets with various spare
attachments were made c. 1860, but simple steel and brass guillotines
have survived from at least ten years earlier." It is our belief that
the example here is much earlier than 1850
and thus may in fact represent a prototype!
![]() |
![]() |
|
|
|
|
CLOSED |
![]() |
![]() |
|
HANDLE |
SHAFT DETAIL |
![]() |
9.96 ANTIQUE SAND TIMER. Authentic
late 19th century “hour glass” of French
manufacture. This classic old time keeper is constructed of
maple or similar hardwood. Two decoratively-turned end discs
are supported by 3 graceful wooden columns enclosing the glass
within. The single glass comprising 2 bulbs is hand-blown and
exhibits bubbles and striations indicative of early
manufacture. Also telling of the timer’s age is the small
fabric “plug” fixed with sealing wax on one
end. This end bears the stamped mark “FRANCE”
in the wood. Interestingly, the timer runs for 15 minutes in
one direction, yet slightly more than 20 minutes in the other!
While uncertain of its application, we can certainly attest to its
beauty, functionality and age. A lovely example with a nice age
patina, over 100 years old.
395
![]()
![]() |
![]() |
|
|
TOP |
|
|
9.74 EARLY SIGNED SUN DIAL. Original late 18th century garden sun dial of English origin. This all brass dial is entirely hand-engraved bearing the maker's signature "J. Bryant Fecit" engraved in fancy script, along with the inscription "Fugit Lord" on a furled banner. The large ornate gnomon overlays a charming effigy of the sun radiating outward, around which are recurring wheat head designs typical of 1700's decoration on such instruments. The left side of the dial is engraved with the morning hours beginning with 4 A.M. in 15 minute intervals to 12 noon. The right side of the dial continues with the afternoon and evening hours up to 8 P.M. This early sun dial is in an outstanding state of original preservation with deep crisp engraving and a very rich, dark statuary bronze age patina. It measures 8 inches in diameter and the gnomon stands 5 inches tall. 849
Gloria Clifton in "Dictionary of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851" lists Bryant at the Parish of St. Olave, Southwark, London in 1790 as an "Hour Glass Maker."
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.41 SURGEON'S KIT. Mid-19th century American field surgeon's kit with the maker's label in the lid reading "Chas. W. Kolbe 15 S. Ninth St., Phila, PA." This amputation kit is housed in its original "tiger stripe" mahogany case with brass binding bearing the engraved oval presentation plaque reading "Presented to Dr. J.E. HANNA by his Bro. C.E. HANNA." Within are contained the fearsome state-of-the-art tools of the medical trade as known in the mid-1800's. They consist of 4 razor sharp knives and one probing hook, all with their original ebony handles. A tourniquet is provided along with a compartment for holding the needles and thread used in suturing. A removable panel in the lid reveals the remaining instruments which include a small bone saw, bone snips, and an artery clamp. The latter of which is fitted with a locking device in the form of a fish! A space also is provided for a large amputation saw, which is absent. This set measures 15 1/2 inches long and 5 inches wide. Save for the one missing component, it is otherwise in simply outstanding condition. A very rare and highly sought after example of an American doctor's field amputation kit of the type used during the Civil War. 2800
The "Directory of American Tool Makers" shows an entry for a "Kolbe & Son, D.W." of Philadelphia, makers of Medical Tools, 1879. Presumably the initials "D. W." are those of the younger Kolbe, confirming that this set by the elder Kolbe predates 1879.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.90 CIRCUMFERENTOR. Rare, first
quarter18th C. English circumferentor, complete in all respects with
its original, rarely-found wooden case! This early form surveyor's
instrument also known as Digge's theodolite or "Holland circle" bears
a decoratively-engraved central compass, using "wheathead" motifs
typical of 17th and early 18th century English design. The silvered
dial is marked with cardinal points and intercardinal points of the
compass, in English, and is divided to single degrees around its
periphery. The compass is flanked by 2 sighting vanes which revolve
with it on a second full circle. One of the vanes has a vernier scale
which allows for a reading down to one minute of arc. The outer
circle bears a hand-engraved scale divided to single degrees and a
second set of sighting vanes. The instrument is supported atop its
original ball and socket joint which would mount atop a "Jacob's
staff" for use. Each vane is detachable, attaching with a close
tolerance "dovetail." The ball and socket support attaches to the
instrument with a simple press fit and locking thumb screw. These
features allow the whole instrument to disassemble and fit neatly
within its wooden carrying case with lock. The entire presentation is
in outstanding original condition. The instrument itself measures 6
inches in diameter and stands 8 1/4 inches high. The box is 6 1/4
wide by 6 1/2 inches deep and is 2 1/2 inches thick. This is a true
museum piece, circa 1730 or earlier. ![]()
Thomas Digges (1546-1595) was an English astronomer and mathematician who wrote about and produced both navigational and surveying instruments. He devised a cross staff with a transversal scale which was the forerunner of the scale used on early Hadley quadrants. (J.A. Bennett, "The Divided Circle," 1987, Christie's Ltd., Oxford).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
![]() |
9.66 REFERENCE BOOK. Gerard L'E. Turner, "Collecting Microscopes," Christie's International Collectors Series, 1981, Mayflower Books, New York, 120 pages, hard cover with dust jacket and protective cover. Here is what is widely regarded as "THE" indispensable first reference for antiquarian microscope enthusiasts. Long out of print, this comprehensive reference is fully illustrated in color with chapters on optics, microscope construction and operation, the simple microscope, tripod and drum, the side pillar microscope, microscopes in Victorian England, 19th C. continental microscopes, the projection microscope, microscope accessories and practical hints for the collector. Also contained are appendices on museums and other collections, a price guide and bibliography. As new condition. 59
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.57 THERMOMETER. Lovely late 19th century wall hanging thermometer with a milk glass scale. This functional instrument reads in degrees Fahrenheit with a large, bold scale hand painted onto the milk glass which is bordered by a clear beveled edge. The graduations are in two degree increments from -28 to 120. The huge bulb is filled with blue alcohol making the entire presentation very colorful and at the same time easy to read. The scale measures nearly one foot tall and 2 1/2 inches wide and is complete with its original small brass suspension loop at the top. 199
|
|
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |