West Sea Company

SCIENTIFIC & MEDICAL

Catalog Page 9


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9.43  POCKET LEVEL.  Precision, early 1900’s American optical level made by “D.W. Co.” as stamped on the top.  This all brass device features a glazed non-optical tube cleverly combined with a bubble level and prism which enable the viewer to sight an object while concurrently viewing its level in the same frame.  The sighting tube in a classic instrument “black crinkle” finish whereas the knurled ends of this instrument and the draw tube are yellow brass.  The eye piece pulls outward to focus much like a telescope.  5 1/8ths inches long and just under 6 inches extended.  Excellent functional condition exhibiting wear from actual service use.  89

“D. W. Co.” likely stands for “Dietzgen.”  The Dietzgen Company, founded in 1885, and noted for its drafting equipment, began its instrument manufactory in 1902.  This early level was made in the first part of the 20th century.


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9.20   DIP NEEDLE.  Authentic late 19th century American high grade scientific instrument known as a “dip circle” or “dipping needle.”  This variation of a compass is made of all brass with a silvered scale reading 90 degrees at the bottom and calibrated in two degree increments left and right to “zero” marked by tens.  The fine magnetized needle rests on a pivot supported on a blackened brass arm extending from the top.  The front of the arm is engraved with the maker’s name “F. Kroedel” and the reverse is engraved “N. Y.”  The tip of the needle is very close to the scale on the inside, thus it provides an exact reading.  Attesting to its age, this instrument bears it original old wavy glass crystal protecting the delicate mechanism.  A thin non-magnetic handle in the form of a circular brass wire is fitted into the top of the instrument, which pivots freely.  When not in use in folds down around the body for compact storage.  This precise instrument is a thing of beauty showing very little signs of use and certainly no abuse.   It is housed in its original hinged mahogany box with brass hook and eye closures.  It measures 3 3/8 inches in diameter and 7 1/8 inches high suspended.   The box measures 4 ½ inches square and 1 ¼ inches thick.  A choice example of a scarce early scientific instrument.  349

According to Gerard L’e Turner, author of  “Antique Scientific Instruments,” 1980, Blandford Press, Poole, Dorset, England, “The dip circle or dipping needle is a magnetic needle that moves in a vertical plane, whereas in the compass it moves in a horizontal plane.  The dip circle measures the vertical component of the earth’s magnetic field.  The Elizabethan navigator and instrument maker, Robert Norman, discovered the effect of dip in about 1576. At the time it was thought that the angle of the dip could find the latitude.  But it proved untrue.  The dip circles that may be found today are not navigator’s equipment, but that of scientific explorers, who need to study the way the earth’s magnetic field varies from place to place.  Captain Cook took with him on his second voyage a dip circle made in 1772 by Edward Nairne, then one of the foremost of London’s scientific instrument makers.”

A dip needle is held in the collection of the Coast Guard Museum in Groton, Connecticut.  The description reads:  “Title: Gurley Dip Needle Lake Superior Model with Case Description: Also known as a Forrester's Compass or Miner's Compass, a dip (or dipping) needle is an instrument for measuring the intensity of the earth's magnetic field.  It is also used to locate buried or hidden metal.”


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9.42  CASED ANEMOMETER.   Precision wind anemometer with silvered brass dial signed “KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. NEW YORK.”  This type of instrument was primarily used to determine airflow through mineshafts.  But it was also used aboard ship to measure wind velocity on deck.  It consists of a thick circular brass cowling 3 1/8th inches in diameter.   In the center, supported on 3 brass struts, is the dial with knurled brass bezel and beveled convex glass crystal measuring 1 1/8 inches across.   There are two dials.  The large outer dial is calibrated in single feet from 0 – 100 on the periphery, marked in 10’s and swept by a fine blued steel indicator needle.  The sub dial registers hundreds and is marked “HDS.”  At the top a small braking lever is provided to stop the reading.  Behind it is a nickeled brass suspension loop for holding the instrument in an airway.  Attached to the register is a fan-like propeller with 8 lightweight aluminum vanes which allow it to register the slightest air current.  This example represents the earliest form of the Davis Biram anemometer, in that it has no zeroing feature. Complete in its original handsome machine dove-tailed mahogany case with brass fittings, 4 inches square and 2 inches thick.  Outstanding original condition in all respects.  Circa 1910.  This antique instrument is in very clean and fully functional.  695

Coal mines tend to exude gases which accumulate in the tunnels creating a potentially explosive atmosphere. To prevent concentrations of deadly coal gas, big fans at the head of the pit draw fresh air into the mine while exhausting coal gas at the surface.

The anemometer was invented by Benjamin Biram in 1844. Biram was an employee of Earl Fitzwilliam, Wentworth, Woodhouse, owner of several coal mines in Yorkshire, England.  John Davis & Son Ltd. of Derby manufactured the first Biram anemometer in 1845. This instrument was designed to measure the speed of air flowing through a mine shaft.  Used in conjunction with a timepiece, it could indicate the volume of air flowing through a mine at a measured interval of time. The formula used was q=av,  where q equals the volume of air in cubic feet, a equals the size of the passage in square feet and v equals velocity of the air current in feet per minute as indicated by the anemometer. Anemometers were used by mining personnel daily to check air flow through the mine.


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9.38


9.38  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 in 2/10th increments.  On the opposite end is a tear-shaped brass counterweight.    The side of the scale is stamped “13393 … SIKES…TEMP 51? F.”  The float is complete with all of its brass attachments which consist of 9 slotted disc weights marked “10 – 90,” each serial numbered “13393.”  These were designed to attach around the counterweight strut.  In addition, there is a single circular 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 – 98?.  The scale is signed “JOSEPH LONG LTD LONDON” and retains its original silk cord for suspension.  All components fit neatly in the original velvet-lined mahogany box with splined construction.  The hinged lid has two brass hooks on post closures.  It is decoratively inlaid with holly stringing and bears an inset ivory plaque reading “SIKES HYDROMETER –o–  J. LONG 43 EASTCHEAP LONDON.”   Additionally, on the bottom there is a paper label reading (in part) “Adjusted by JOSEPH LONG, LTD. (Established 1818)” and dated “5 – 9 – 1866.”  Totally complete and in virtually mint condition throughout.  This is the nicest such instrument of the several we have offered in our 35 years in business.  595

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 their 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 – and a lighter liquid, fewer weights.  The specific gravity reading is the sum of the weights added to the float plus the reading on the scale at the liquid level.


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9.40


9.40  IVORY CALIPER.    Genuine early 1900’s ivory and brass caliper made even more desirable because it is an advertising piece.  This hand-held precision instrument has a body of ivory with brass bound fittings and slide.  It is impressed “UNITED BRASSFOUNDERS & ENGINEERS, Ltd, EMPRESS FOUNDRY – MANCHESTER, ENG. Makers of Fittings For Steam, Water & Air In Gun Metal, Brass, Iron, Etc.”  It is fitted with a brass slide which has two scales.  One indicates the thickness of an object up to 4 inches, calibrated to 1/32th inch and the other indicates the reading in centimeters, up to 10, calibrated to 1 millimeter.  The reverse of this devices bears two scales engraved on ivory.  The first scale, reading “METRE,” indicates up to 10 centimeters in single millimeter increments.  The other, reading “LONDON” measures the same distance up to 4 inches in 1/8th inch increments.  Condition of this instrument is excellent.  There is expected minor wear to the markings consistent with careful use.  4 5/16 inches long closed and about 8 inches long fully extended by 1 inch wide.  There is a small nipple midway in the brass slide to aid its travel,  moving it with a nice tight action.  A great little device about 100 years old.  sold


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9.37


9.37  EARLY EQUINOCTIAL SUN DIAL.  Impressive mid-1800’s French “table dial” of exceptional size and quality.  This precise, solid brass scientific instrument is signed in lovely hand-engraved script “Cam Opt en Rue De la Paiac, 24 Paris” at the bottom of the compass rose.  The silvered brass compass rose is finely marked with the Cardinal, intercardinal and sub points of the compass as well as being sub-divided to single degrees on the raised chapter ring.  A large hand-engraved arrow with feathers points from “S” to “N” terminating in an arrowhead at “0.”  The delicate blued steel compass needle with agate cap rests on a central pivot surrounded by hand-engraved floral designs of exquisite quality.  The time telling function of this instrument is accomplished by the interaction of the needle gnomon, the Latitude arm and the time indications on the hour plate.  The gnomon is spring-loaded and snaps into place above the center of the compass which would be oriented to North during a reading.  The Latitude arm, marked from 0 -75 degrees in single increments would be set to the Latitude of the observer.  To these ends the Latitudes of several prominent cities are engraved around the dial including “ Pekin, Buenos Ayres, Paris, Londres, Vera Cruz, and Vienne.”  The hour plate arc is marked in quarter hours with noon “XII” in the middle, and “IIII” A.M. on the left and “VIII” P.M. on the right.  To insure precise leveling for an accurate reading this instrument is equipped with two bubble levels and three knurled screw “feet” for leveling.  The bottom of the instrument is further hand-engraved with a number of Latitudes for major world cities including “Havana. Hambourg, Madrid, St. Petersburg, San Francisco, Berlin, Calcutta, and Algiers,” among others.  Condition of this fine instrument is superb.  It is original condition exhibiting untouched lacquered finishes with only very minor spotting expected after 150 years.  It comes complete with its equally handsome leather-bound wooden octagonal case with red-orange suede interior.  The case is hinged and retains its two brass hook and eye closures.  This extraordinary instrument measures 5 ¾ by 5 ¾ inches and is 1 5/8 inches thick.  The case measures 6 ¼ by 6 by 2 inches.  Totally complete and fully functional.  A very rare, beautifully preserved example.  2400

Provenance:  From the prestigious collection of Professor of Oceanography at Boston College, Benno Benninkmeyer, PhD.  We have chosen to retain Doctor Benninkmeyer’s personal label indicating the date of acquisition on the bottom of this piece.



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9.36

9.36  EARLY THERMOMETER.   Very nice 19th century Continental wall thermometer with a silvered brass scale calibrated in degrees Reaumur and Centigrade as indicated “R” and “C.”.  This handsome scientific instrument has a blown glass thermometer tube with an amazing spiral bulb containing alcohol.  The alcohol has been colored black for ease of reading the adjacent scales which are marked in single degrees from 5 to 40 for Reaumur and 5 to 50 for Centigrade.  The scale is mounted on its original hardwood backing with fancy hand-carved recurring leaf pattern.  A small brass bracket is provided at the top for hanging.   9 inches high overall by 2 inches wide.  Outstanding original condition.  Very accurate.  249

The Reaumur scale harkens back to the 18th century when such a scale was still in use in France and Germany.  By 1790 Reaumur was superseded with the general acceptance of the Centigrade scale, making the presence of Reaumur’s scale  here a stayed tradition, if not downright antiquated!

Centigrade (or Celsius) was named after Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius who developed the scale for the unit measurement of temperature in 1743.  It was based on the difference in temperature of freezing and boiling water, divided into 100 increments.  The unit was known as "centigrade" from the Latin centum meaning “100” and gradus meaning “steps."  Centigrade has been officially adopted as the standard measurement of temperature around the world, with the United States being an exception.  But now, even in the U.S., Centigrade has gradually gained general recognition and acceptance.

 

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9.35

9.35   AMERICAN PLANETARIUM.  Exceptionally rare and highly collectible, late 19th century planetary model made by the inventor, Alexander Laing, as indicated on the cast brass maker’s label attached to the top of the large swing arm, “Laing’s Planetarium / PATENTED /  LAING PLANETARIUM  CO. DETROIT. MICH. U.S.A.”  This complex solar system model features a turned hardwood stand and pedestal supporting a large solid wooden sun in yellow-gold paint.  The base of the model is inlaid with a round disc showing the months of the year and the signs of the Zodiac.  The bottom of the base retains its old green cloth covering.  Mounted to the pedestal is the wooden rotating arm which supports the detailed globe of the earth, the planet Venus and the earth’s moon. The terrestrial sphere has an applied shield-like cartouche reading “Laing Planetarium Co., Detroit, Mich.”  This earliest model globe was constructed in the traditional manner with lithographed paper “gores” applied over the plaster sphere.  Each of the celestial objects is interconnected by a system of pulleys and leather lines, faithfully mimicking the actual movement of these planets in the solar system!  This planetarium measures 23 ¾ inches wide at the extreme dimension.  The sun is 4 ½ inches in diameter and the earth is 2 ¾.  The wooden arm is 14 ¼ inches across.  The height of the presentation is 12 ½ inches.  This is a rare, nearly pristine, untouched example of Laing’s earliest production, dating shortly after his patent was granted in 1891.  Outstanding original condition in all respects.  Fully functional.  A truly remarkable surviving example of early American scientifica.   POR  Special Packaging

Alexander Laing received a patent for his innovative planetarium in 1891.  We believe this is one of his earliest, prototype models, as evidenced by the leather cords.  Subsequent examples used twine, and even later models used small chain links.

Laing sold the rights to his planetarium to the Tripanssee Manufacturing Company in 1905.  Subsequent models were marked with the Tripanssee label.  There can be no doubt that this example predates the Tripanssee era.
A similar planetarium described as “A Fine 20th-Cenentury American Planetarium, A. Laing, Detroit, Michigan, Circa 1910” sold for $6,000.00 at Christie’s, New York Sale 2129, Lot 67.  The dating of the object at “1910” was obviously in error, since Laing sold his patent rights to Tripanssee in 1905. 

 

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9.73

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.  795


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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9.30

9.30 POCKET COMPASS. High quality turn-of-the-last-century marching compass of American manufacture. This “diptych” (2 part) compass has a wooden body with hinged lid. The silvered sunken brass dials feature a lower compass rose showing the cardinal points of the compass with North denoted by a star. The upper ring dial is calibrated in single degrees marked in tens from 0 – 350. Below the pivot the rose is signed “W. & L.E. GURLEY TROY. N.Y. 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. The glass is etched with the inscription “C.C.1. Co. #20” indicating use in the Army. Cleverly, this hand-held compass hinges closed with a built-in caging device which locks the needle in place when not in use. A single brass hook secures closure. 3 by 3 by 1 inches. Outstanding original condition in all respects. The compass needle is lively and accurate. A fine example.

William (March 16, 1821) and Lewis E. (December 30, 1826) were born to Ephraim Gurley of Troy, New York. Their father was employed by the famous brass founders and instrument makers, the Hanks Brothers. Ephraim died in 1829, but his sons followed in his footsteps, apprenticing to instrument maker Jonas Phelps. In 1846 William partnered with Phelps to form the firm of Phelps & Gurley. In February 1852 the two brothers bought out Phelps’ interest in the firm and changed the name to W. & L.E. Gurley. Under that name the firm continued for the next 115 years producing surveying and engineering instruments of superior quality. No other company in America or abroad matched Gurley’s output and quality. In 1855 they published their first Gurley Manual. By the time Lewis died in 1897, the firm had published 32 editions. The Gurley manual became the surveyor’s bible, and every apprentice was encouraged to own a copy. But in addition to being instructive the “manual” contained a section entitled “Supplement to the Manual” which was a full fledged catalog advertising Gurley’s wide range of products for sale.

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9.29

9.29   APOTHECARY JAR.  Lovely, late 18th century French apothecary originally designed to contain “GUM: AMM:” as boldly inscribed within the central cartouche.  This hard fired porcelain jar bears a detailed, hand colored transfer depicting two women flanking the cartouche decorated with an urn of flowers at the top.  The woman on the left holds the classic Greek symbol for medicine, the “caduceus,” while the lady at the right holds a double-necked amphora.  This cartouche is decoratively adorned with colorful drapery and two cornucopias opening onto a bee at the bottom.   The colors are rich and bright including real applied gold.   This rare surviving example is complete with its fitted lid trimmed in gold.  The jar with lid stands 10 inches tall overall and just short of 5 inches in diameter at the widest.  Perfect original condition, with perhaps the exception of one very tiny, unnoticeable chip repair in the lid.  Certainly amazing condition for such a delicate item of this nature over 200 years old!  395

am·mo·ni·ac 1  adj. ammoniac also am·mo·ni·a·cal.  Of, containing, or similar to ammonia.

am·mo·ni·ac 2  n.ammoniac  A strong-smelling gum resin from the stems of a plant (Dorema ammoniacum) of western Asia, formerly used in perfumery and in medicine as an expectorant and a stimulant. Also called gum ammoniac.

[from Latin amm?niacum, from Greek amm?niakos belonging to Ammon (apparently the gum resin was extracted from plants found in Libya near the temple of Ammon)]


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9.27

9.27  TREPINING DRILL.  Early, famous maker signed doctor’s skull drill as used by surgeons in the 18th and early 19th century.  This especially nice example has a solid ivory hand with decoratively turned ends and cross hatching on the grip.  It is impressed on the sturdy brass shank, “ARNOLD & SONS LONDON.”  It features a fearsomely sharp circular steel blade with serrated edge 7/8ths inches in diameter.  At its center is a sharp pivot which is made adjustable in its penetration of the skull by a sliding component on the shank fixed into place by a small thumbscrew.   The ivory handle measures 3 1/2 inches wide and the overall height of the instrument is 4 ½ inches.  Fine condition showing good age but no abuse.  A rare form medical instrument. 595

James Arnold & Sons was listed in the London directories as having begun work at 32 West Smithfield in 1819 with alternative addresses at Giltspur Street.  (Gloria Clifton, “Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851,” 1995, National Maritime Museum, London).

These days one can scarcely imagine surgery to the head being done using a manual drill in septic conditions without anesthesia.  At the time, about the best  available was a stiff shot of whisky and a lead bullet!

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9.24

9.24  POCKET COMPASS.  High quality late 19th century pocket compass of German manufacture made for the English speaking market.  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 South point it is stamped “GERMANY.”  A small arrow at the 342 degree mark indicates the magnetic variation in Germany 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 1/8 inches and slightly over I inch thick when closed.  Very nice original condition.  295

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9.23  WOOD DIPTYCH COMPASS.  Genuine late 18th or very early 19th century wooden folding pocket compass of English origin.  The body of this compass consists of two slabs of rich African mahogany hinged in the middle with classic early diamond shaped brass hinges.  The compass card is printed on paper with the cardinal and intercardinal points of the compass identified.  North is designated by a fleur-de-lis and the points of the compass are shown radiating from the center pivot like a sunburst.  Additionally this compass is marked in single degrees on the periphery of the card.  This is all the more remarkable knowing that the card was engraved by hand and measures a mere 1 ½ inches in diameter!  The four sectors of the rose are marked by 10’s, 0 – 90.  The lovely blued iron needle is  shaped and  engraved with the markings “N” and “S” on its respective ends.   A gold washed brass retainer ring holds the old wavy glass crystal protecting the card and a small brass hook assures positive closure.  A small pin actuates a caging device to hold the needle when the lid is closed..  2 ½ inches square by ¾ inches thick.  A rare early example in particularly fine condition.  239

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9.17

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 bone 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.

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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

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9.51

 

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!

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9.06

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.

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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).

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GLOBE INSIDE


9.02  POCKET SUN DIAL.   Rare, incredibly old sun dial made entirely of ivory with 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.

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LUNAR VOLVELLE

OUTER DIAL


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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9.66 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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