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 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
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 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.
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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. |
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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.
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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 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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9.73 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
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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 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!
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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.
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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 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
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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 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 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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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.
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.
9.66 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