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9.89 GRAPHOMETER. Very rare, 3rd quarter of the 18th century French surveyor's instrument known as a graphometer or semi-circumferentor, boldly signed in cursive script on the arm "Bernier au Niveau, AParis." This all brass instrument is beautifully hand-made with many decorative features only seen 18th century and earlier instruments. It consists of a semi-circle over which a rotating arm revolves. The arc of the circle is beautifully hand-divided from 0 - 180 degrees in 1/2 degree increments, with additional divisions at whole degrees, 5's and 10's. Sight vanes are fixed at the "0" and "180" degree marks. The sighting arm is equipped with two more slotted vanes with verniers at both ends calibrated down to two arc minutes -- the zero point being marked by a fleur-de-lis. The body of this all brass instrument was hand-cut out of heavy plate brass then decoratively engraved with floral designs. The center houses a large compass overlaying a brass compass rose marked with the cardinal and intercardinal points, "Nord, Sud, Est, Ouest." On its periphery it is marked from 0-360 degrees in single degree increments. This early surveying instrument is complete with its original brass ball and socket mount with fancy thumb screw which allowed it to be tilted in any plane and rotated in any direction while atop a "Jacob's staff" supporting pole. The entire instrument measures 12 1/2 inches wide at the widest by 6 1/4 inches and stands approximately 9 inches tall. It is in an exceptional state of original preservation. The brass surfaces show nice age patina with expected spotting. The compass is lively and fully functional. The sighting arm revolves freely and the ball and socket joint operates properly. Conservatively circa 1770. A rare form, early decorated scientific instrument which we are very proud to offer. 3495 Special Packaging

Gerard L'E Turner in "Scientific Instruments 1500-1900," 1998, Philip Wilson Publishers, London, depicts a similar instrument on page 60 with the caption, "Popular among French land surveyors, this graphometer is signed and dated "Bernier au Niveau, AParis, No. 6, 1771." He goes on to write, " Invented by Philippe Danfire of Paris in about 1597, the instrument consisted of two alidades, or sighting rules, one fixed to a semi-circle divided in degrees. The whole was mounted on a tripod by means of a ball and socket joint. A magnetic compass was usually included. The original form used open sights that were eventually replaced by telescopic sights. By the early 19th century, theodolites were so improved that the circumferentor, along with the graphometer, went out of favour in Europe; but it remained important for taking surveys through the woods and uncleared ground, as in America."

The fact that this example has open sights vs. telescopes, indicates it is earlier than the one depicted in Turner's book, dated 1771.

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9.90 CIRCUMFERENTOR. Rare, mid-18th 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. The silvered dial is marked with cardinal points and intercardinal points of the compass and in 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 entire 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 1750 or earlier. 3195

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).

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9.88 EARLY THERMOMETER. Very rare and particularly handsome second half of the 19th century American thermometer signed "The Hoehn Co. New York," as impressed at the top of the scale with the hand-painted "red cross" trade mark. This large mercury thermometer has a bold black enameled brass scale with etched indications. The scale reads in degrees Fahrenheit from -50 to 120 degrees calibrated in 2 degree increments. The traditional Olde English notations "Zero, Freezing, Temperate, Sumr Heat and Blood Heat" are marked at the appropriate points on the scale. The thermometer tube is exquisitely fashioned with a very large flat, hand-blown glass bulb! This is mounted to the scale by means of two ornate brass brackets. The scale is then mounted to a mahogany backing with a clever retractable brass hanger at the top. 10 1/2 inches tall by 2 1/4 inches wide. This fine precision antique instrument is in a absolutely fabulous original condition! It is completely functional and is stunning to behold. A rare, pristine surviving example of the output from this little known mid-19th century American scientific instrument making firm! 395

In the "Directory of American Toolmakers," Robert E. Nelson, Editor, 1999, Early American Industries Association, the R. Hoehn Company is listed as scientific instrument makers working in Brooklyn, New York from 1865 to 1905. They were acquired by the well-known barometer making firm of Taylor Brothers, Rochester, New York in 1905. The Hoehn Company specialized in barometers and thermometers.

 

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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. 995

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9.82 TRAVELING COMPENDIUM. Rare, 19th century American cased explorer's set. This very finest quality set consists of a compass, thermometer and barometer/altimeter, all contained within a brass case overlaid by tooled leather and lined with green satin. The mercury bulb thermometer is set on an ivory scale engraved with degrees Fahrenheit and Centigrade from 10 to 122 and -11 to 50 respectively. The quality compass has a jeweled pivot and registers single degrees on the outer card with the cardinal compass points and North American deviation on the inner card. An exceptional innovation is the caging device by which the compass needle can be locked. This is accomplished by turning a small knurled knob left or right to release or cage! The altimeter/barometer is calibrated from 19 1/2 inches of mercury up to 31 1/2 and records the altitude on the outer ring from 0 - 12,500 feet! The dial is marked "compensated" with the distinctive early logo "T" standing for the Taylor Brothers Instrument Company of Rochester, New York. This exceptionally fine set is in truly outstanding original condition and is fully functional. 4 3/8 inches wide by 3 1/4 inches wide. 895

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9.78 SURVEYOR'S COMPASS. Excellent late 19th century pocket surveyor's compass with the silvered dial marked "FRANCE." This high grade instrument features a double dial with the upper being calibrated in 2 degree increments from 0-360 degrees. The lower dial is marked with the cardinal compass points and is further marked in 2 degree increments up to 90 degrees, North and South of West. It is equipped with a very precise compass needle with agate pivot which can be "caged" by means of a small knob at the base of the instrument. For taking precise bearings and azimuth readings the compass is equipped with two folding sight vanes. The top of the instrument has a suspension ring for hanging and safe handling. The body of this instrument is in a very unusual octagonal form and is constructed of very heavy (for its size) solid brass! Completely functional and in excellent original condition showing good age and careful use. 2 1/2 inches in diameter. 325

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9.74 EARLY 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."

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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 an 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 a 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. 995

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!

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9.72 GOLD SCALES. Rare pre-Civil War American balancing scale outfit made by "Howe's, New York" as stamped on the balance beam front and back. This precision all brass instrument consists of the tubular center support upon which the balance beam rests in steel pivots. At the top a graduated scale provides a read-out for the perpendicular beam pointer. Equal weighing "pans" are suspended on each side of the beam. A lifting lever is incorporated at the bottom of the center support, which when depressed, lifts the entire assembly for weighing. This set is complete with a built-in drawer having a lovely ivory pull. The entire apparatus can be disassembled and stored in the drawer when not in use. It also contains original, complete set of weights which range from an amazingly small 2 milligrams up to 100 grams! The weight set is complete with its brass tweezers and is housed in a hinged mahogany box with hook closure marked "Voland & Sons, Inc, New Rochelle, N.Y., Made in U.S.A." The entire apparatus is in a fine state of original preservation and is completely functional. All brass surfaces have acquired a very nice statuary bronze age patina and the rich mahogany box retains its original finish. The entire unit stands 18 inches high as shown. The box measure 15 inches wide, 7 1/2 inches deep and 4 inches thick. A very rarely found complete American scale set nearly 150 years old! 695

The "Directory of American Tool Makers," Robert Nelson, editor, 1999, Early American Industries Association, lists John Howe, Brandon, Vermont as a scale maker working in 1859. He developed a balancing scale patented by Strong & Ross on August 16, 1859. Before the Civil War there was also a listing for the Howe Scale Company in Rutland, Vermont. Howe's use of "New York" to identify his location was a common practice amongst makers of the 19th century.

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9.69 MINIMUM / MAXIMUM RECORDING THERMOMETER. Scarce early 1900's American made multi-function thermometer with the register plate signed "Tycos, Rochester, N.Y. U.S.A. Toronto, Canada." This all brass precision instrument has two scales, one marked "COLD" and the other "HEAT" calibrated in degrees Fahrenheit from -40 to 110 and -30 to 120 respectively. The ingenious mercury/glycerine system provides readings for the high and low temperatures indicated by means of small blue metallic indicators "floating" atop the mercury columns within the tubes. These can be "reset" using a small magnet. The engraved brass registers are calibrated in 2 degree increments and are protected from the elements by a brass "roof" at the top. Stout suspension brackets are affixed at the top and bottom for hanging. The entire instrument measures 11 3/4 inches tall by 3 inches wide. Outstanding original condition, fully functional, with a nice old bronze age patina. 149

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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

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9.59 AMERICAN ORREREY. Rare late 19th century American solar system model constructed of wood and brass with a nickeled plaque reading "Laing's Planetarium Patented (March 2nd 1897) Laing Planetarium Co. Detroit Mich. U.S.A." This intriguing apparatus features a large brass sphere representing the sun about which Venus, the Earth, and the Earth's moon rotate. Relative planetary motion is accomplished through a complex series of runners and pulleys rove with linen thread. A working compass is inset in the main wooden arm next to the maker's plate. The entire assembly is supported on the decoratively turned wooden column mounted to the sculpted wood base inset with a disc marked with the seasons, signs of the Zodiac and months. This antique orrerey stands 12 1/2 inches tall by approximately 19 inches wide at the extreme dimension. The globe of the earth is constructed in the traditional manner with engraved paper gores and is signed "Rand McNally & Co's New 3 inch Terrestrial Globe." This extremely rare scientific instrument is in a remarkable state of original preservation, showing good age and use, but no abuse. A most desirable and readily displayable 19th C. planetary model. Special Packaging

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9.55 SURVEYING COMPASS. High quality circa 1900 surveyor's plotting compass. This precision 4-function instrument is of solid brass construction. It has a very delicate compass needle with agate pivot swinging through 360 degrees on the silvered brass dial. The dial is calibrated in single degrees and is marked with the cardinal compass points. The needle is equipped with a caging device which locks it safely in place when not in use. The second function of this instrument is the dip angle indicator which employs a very fine heart shaped brass pendulum to indicate up to 90 degrees of inclination, right or left, from the perpendicular. The third function is embodied in the two folding sight vanes with sighting hairs which provide a very accurate compass line of sight. The forth allows the lines of sight to be plotted on a chart or map along one of four beveled edges on the heavy brass bedplate of the instrument. This compact instrument is probably of American manufacture. It measures 3 3/4 inches square and is in excellent functional condition. 299

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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.

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9.26 EARLY TREPANNING DRILL. First half 19th C. doctor's skull or trepanning drill used to cut holes in into the cranial cavity of hapless patients. This early drill is in exceptionally fine condition, sporting a nicely turned and cross-hatched horn handle and razor sharp serrated blued steel cutter with two removable centering bits (shown). 4 1/4 inches long. Mint. 350


16.33 THERMOMETER PAPER CLIP. Very interesting, high quality desk top thermometer mounted onto a solid brass, spring-loaded paper clip. The clip measures 3 inches wide x 4 1/2 inches long and is highly polished. On the bottom is the decorative engraved inscription, "VB 1913." The unique circular mercury thermometer measures degrees Fahrenheit and is fully functional. This would make an exceptionally handsome executive gift! 225

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21.4 BINOCULAR MICROSCOPE. High grade 19th C. English microscope made for the American market, signed and serial numbered on the base "R. & J. Beck, London 7072." and further engraved on the main tube "J W QUEEN & Co. Agents, Philadelphia & New York." This finely crafted all brass compound microscope features adjustable Wenham-style binocular body tubes mounted on a sturdy base and stands 14 inches tall as shown. It is complete with a total of 4 objectives and 4 ocular lens. It is housed in a lovely African mahogany box with brass furniture measuring 16 inches long. The lower till houses numerous glass slides while the upper section holds the additional optics, with 11 slots being empty including a separate slot for a light magnifier which is also missing. Of course the beauty of the innovation embodied in this microscope was the fact that the researcher could view a particular object with both eyes providing a clearer stereoscopic subject. This rare instrument is in excellent, untouched original condition with most of its original lacquered surfaces. It is functional and all adjustments operate smoothly and properly. A handsome presentation. 1895

The body tubes of this microscope were designed by W. H. Wenham in 1861, and are adjustable by means of a knurled knob that controls a rack and pinion gear set. A triangular base supports the limb, which has an adjustable inclination angle through a series of holes in the limb that fit a tabbed hinge plate. Coarse focus is achieved through a set of knobs that move the inner pillar tube up and down through a rack gear set. The top of the pillar contains a fine focus knob. A circular stage contains a central aperture and has a slide carrier to assist in translating specimens during viewingAccording to Turner, this form of the microscope stand was designed specifically to accommodate the Wenham binocular tube and was called "The Popular Microscope".

Richard and Joseph Beck joined in a partnership as opticians at 31 Cornhill, London from 1867-1894. They were most noted for their fine quality microscopes, and were admitted to the Microscopial Society of London. James W. Queen & Co. were in business as opticians at 48 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia from 1860-1893.

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21.30 MARINE SURVEYING INSTRUMENT. Late 19th C. all brass precision hydrographic survey instrument consisting of a rack and pinion telescope mounted atop a heavy solid brass rule rule with bubble level and chart roller. The beveled leading edge is calibrated in inches and millimeters while the top of the rule is engraved with a graduated scale of 1/250,000 to extrapolate distances in yards using dividers. The high quality optical telescope with cross hairs folds up and locks into position for use. It provides a clear, upright, magnified image. It is mounted to a divided arc which shows whole degrees of inclination or declination from -20 to 20. This instrument is signed "Royal Geographic Society No. 25, Reeves' Folding Alidade, 29, Cary, London." The entire unit fits snugly into its original hand dove-tailed mahogany box with brass fitting and trade label of "Cary, Porter Ltd." bearing the Royal coat of arms in the lid. The case measures 4 x 13 inches. This instrument was equipage of the British Geographical Society and was used to take precise sightings to ascertain lines of position for map and chart making. Excellent original condition throughout. Circa 1890. Rare! 795

The renown instrument making family of Cary, London dates to 1765. The brief partnership of William Cary and Henry Porter was established in 1890.

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