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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 
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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VERNIER
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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.
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
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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CLOSED
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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© 1998-2008 West Sea Co. All
rights reserved.
