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OUTSTANDING NAUTICAL ANTIQUES AND ART SOLD FROM THIS WEBSITE
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OUTSTANDING NAUTICAL ANTIQUES AND ART SOLD FROM THIS WEBSITE
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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 Practical use of the Armillary sphere as a solar system teaching aid was superseded by the Orrery in the early 18th century.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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REFLECTING CIRCLE. Extremely rare and very important late 19th century navigational instrument in the form of a graduated circle. This exquisitely made reflecting circle (alternatively "prismatic" circle) is signed on the index arm "Th. Wegener, Berlin No. 1948" in fancy script. The scale is engraved on silver through 300 degrees, marked in 10 degree increments and divided to 10 arc minutes. In turn, the vernier scale is calibrated to 10 arc minutes divided to an accuracy of 10 arc seconds, providing a very fine reading. The opposite side of the circle is also subdivided with identical divisions, but is not marked in 10's of degrees. A second vernier is provided effectively allowing the observer to take a second reading, vastly enhancing the capabilities of such a reflecting instrument over a common sextant or octant. For reading the verniers, a unique pivoting vernier magnifier with light diffuser is mounted to a long folding brass arm, allowing the magnifier to be used in any position around the entire instrument! This instrument is equipped with an unusually long and narrow index mirror mounted to the cross arm and a prism mounted on the body as the horizon mirror. Six sets of pivoting sun/horizon filters are mounted in front of the prism. Just to the other side is the threaded adjustable height sight tube holder which accepts one of the three telescopic sights of varying power. The longest of these telescopic tubes is a work of art in itself, being equipped with a small rotating filter with detente on the ocular, which allows the observer to rapidly change filters in the midst of an observation without interruption. This tube is internally equipped with 4 tiny cross hairs and provides a clear, highly magnified image with an adjustable focus. The reverse of the instrument shows the two lovely sculpted rosewood handles, the sight tube adjusting knob, the index filter adjusting knob, and the index arm stop and fine adjustment knobs. This impressive instrument measures just over 10 inches in diameter on the circle and just under one foot across overall. It is in absolutely outstanding state if preservation with virtually 100% original surfaces in bright brass lacquer and black oxidized finish. It is totally complete, including three optical tubes, a right angle prismatic attachment, and even includes the original screw driver, adjusting wrenches and camel's hair brush! All of this is neatly fitted within the handsome original solid mahogany case, with dovetailed joints, brass fittings, box lock and key. The box measures 12 by 12 1/2 inches and is in beautiful condition, retaining its original, unblemished finish. This certainly is one of the most pristine and important instruments of its type ever offered for sale! As featured on the History Channel's top rated television program "Pawn Stars" in early 2010.
The advent of the reflecting circle is generally attributed to the English, who by the mid 1700's saw makers like Ramsden, Gregory, Adams, Borda and Mayer innovating and producing such instruments. Initially these instruments were used at sea to find the longitude by the lunar distance method. Oddly, perhaps because of the adverse reaction given to Mayer's reflecting circle by Captain John Campbell in 1758, the reflecting circle never really gained popularity on the English side of the Channel. By the end of the 18th century, with the widespread acceptance of the marine chronometer as a more reliable tool with which to find the longitude, reflecting circles were relegated for use in hydrographic surveying and chart making. It was left to the French and Germans to refine these complex instruments during the 19th century. The ability to measure large angles and the accuracy of averaging several observations were features which found favor on the Continent, despite the circle's inherent size and awkwardness in taking sights.
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IDENTIFIED SHIP'S FIGUREHEAD. Spectacular 19th Century carved and painted wooden ship's figurehead from the North American bark EDINBURGH. This stunning example of the ship carver's art is dressed in classical attire, adornmed with a ribbon-carved gilt necklace and tiara, central oval brooch and bracelets on each wrist. She poses a striking stance, forward leaning with her right arm across her bosom as she stands on the original base, flanked by Acanthus scrolls. This important artifact was sculpted by the well known Canadian wood carver John Rogerson (1837-1925) who worked in St. John, New Brunswick in the second half of the 19th century. The figurehead stands 73 inches tall inclusive of its small wooden display pedestal and weighs approximately 400 pounds. It is in an outstanding state of preservation with approximately 90% original surfaces and paint.
The EDINBURGH was a Canadian-built and registered 3-masted barque of 203 1/2 feet launched by William Charland, Jr. of St. Joseph de Levis Quebec, Canada in 1883. After 26 years of service, she met her demise in the port of Bermuda where she foundered in 1909. This figurehead was first owned by the American Consul to Bermuda, William H. Allen and was proudly displayed in his garden for several years. In the 1920's she became the property of Francis Turnbull Meyer, a successful businessman from New York. Mr. Meyer, long a patron of the arts, donated the figurehead to the Addison Gallery of American Art at the Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts in 1933 where it was on public exhibit in the Maritime Wing until 2002.
This famous figurehead is well documented in associated literature. In the book "Shipcarvers of North America," M.V. Brewington, 1962, Barre publishing Co., Barre, Massachusetts, the entire page 94 is devoted to a full length photograph of the figurehead with accompanying text. In the landmark work "Treasury of American Design" by Clarence Hornung, published by Abrams, Inc., New York, 1976, the first chapter is entitled "Forgotten Figures Fore and Aft." The frontispiece of chapter I, page 6, is the full page image of this beautiful figurehead
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SCRIMSHAW NEEDLE CASE. Exceptional sailor-made sailmaker’s needle case carved entirely out of a single piece of dense panbone from a sperm whale with a press-fit cap. The exterior of this example of working scrimshaw is finely decorated with the scrimshawed portrait of a maiden intently gazing into the distance with her raised whale oil lamp. The dress and hairstyle of the young woman are indicative of the 1860’s. The hollowed interior of the case contains 4 sailmaker’s needles and two pieces of beeswax, one wrapped in sinew. Each of the classic triangular needles is signed “W. BARTLEET (sic) & SONS.” 7 inches long by 1 12/ inches in diameter. Excellent original condition. Very RARE!
Provenance: West Sea Company auction April 28, 1991, lot 147.
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FRENCH INDUSTRIAL CLOCK. The most marvelous, most complicated AND most expensive clock set we offered in our 35 years in the antiques business! This compendium consists of a clock, barometer and thermometer housed in a gilded, silvered heavy brass and bronze case mounted atop a marble plinth set on gilt brass feet. The early 8-day clock has a jeweled movement with scarce "cylinder escapement" which runs ornate blued steel hands on a silvered dial marked in Roman numerals with a minute chapter. The matching barometer is marked "ANEROID BAROMETER" and is calibrated in inches of Hg from 27 to 31 in 5/100th increments, with the standard weather indications, "STORMY, RAIN, CHANGE, FAIR," etc. It is complete with brass set hand and a delicate "star" set knob. A third instrument, the Hg bulb thermometer, is marked "FAHRENHEIT" and "REAUMUR" (sic) on its silvered scale calibrated from 0 to 120 degrees F. and -15 to 40 degrees R., respectively. All three instruments are set into an incredible presentation in the form of an early mechanical steam engine with elaborate frame, rocking beam, flywheel, flyweight governor, steam chest, pumps and more. The whole complex train actually moves with a fascinating synchronous motion driven by an extremely powerful all brass spring clockwork movement housed within! Winding is effected using a huge number 14 key on the large arbor to the right. The mechanism runs for about 30 minutes on one winding. The 7 day clock is wound through the front via the hinged bezel. Overall condition is absolutely outstanding, virtually perfect in every sense. Both the clock and barometer movements were thoroughly overhauled by a professional and are in tip top operational condition. Cosmetically the entire apparatus is in near perfect, fully restored condition! It measures 11 3/4 inches wide, 5 3/4 inches deep and stands 13 inches tall, weighing an impressive 25 pounds! Circa 1870.
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VERY EARLY SCRIMSHAW BOX. A very rare identified and dated example of whaleman's work embodied in a reticulated baleen box. This early form scrimshaw ditty box is made using laborious cut-out "silhouettes" rather than engraved designs typical of later baleen examples. Scores of these silhouettes surround the entire circumference, including a wide variety of varying birds, a dog, a horse and even a hunter with rifle shooting a duck! Then there are the well-recognized sailor designs too such as pin wheels, hearts, star bursts, crescent moons, angel wings and complex geometrical patterns. These finely detailed decorations would have been difficult enough to engrave, let alone cut-out with such delicate precision! The baleen used in making this box consists of one long piece wrapped twice, forming two layers, riveted together with colored paper sandwiched in between. It terminates on the outside with a single classic "Shaker-style finger." The top and bottom of the box are pine wood pinned through the baleen. The lid so formed, fits on with a nice press fit. Of particular note is the fact that the underside of the lid is signed in pen, "March 14th 1819 Nancy Caminius" and the top is carved with the initials "NC". The date of 1819 makes this example one of the earliest known dated scrimshaw in existence! Bear in mind, the first signed and dated scrimshaw was produced by Frederick Myrick on the whaleship SUSAN some ten years later! The overall condition is excellent and very sound. There are two cracks in the rim of the box which are covered by the lid. A couple of very minor losses exist in the geometric designs. And as expected, the underlying paper is faded with losses. Remarkably though, there is no worm damage typical of most old baleen and there are no other cracks, chips or losses! 6 inches in diameter by 4 inches high. A museum piece!
In his landmark work on scrimshaw, "Scrimshaw and Scrimshanders, Whales and Whalemen, 1972, N. Flayderman & Co., Inc., New Milford, Connecticut, author Norman Flayderman depicts a cut-out busk on page 166 with the caption "A rare form of fully pierced busk, courtesy Nantucket Historical Ass'n." Only one similarly pierced baleen basket is pictured in the entire book with the caption, "Those with large pierced open-work are often backed with colored paper of tinfoil to accentuate their delicacy." Neither Michael McManus in "A Treasury of American Scrimshaw," nor Martha Lawrence in "Scrimshaw The Whaler's Legacy" depict an example of a cut-out baleen box!
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