An early and unsual Dutch Backstaff with additionnal lines, Holland, first half of the 18th century
POR
Circa
early 18th century
Country of manufacture
Other
Description
Early and rare Dutch model of a Davis Quarter, the most widely used navigational instrument during the 17th and 18th centuries. It is made of ebony, boxwood, and bone inlay.
The instrument combines a large arc of 60° and a small arc of 30°, for a total of 90°.
Three hammers allow the sun’s altitude to be measured by reflecting the sun’s image on the largest of the three hammers (missing here).
In addition, on the back of the 60° arc, this model bears numerous unusual scales: a calendar scale from January to December based on north and south, a declination scale, and two unidentified lines.
Although incomplete with one hammer, this early and rare Dutch model features unusual lines.
61 cm long.
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Dealer information
Le Zograscope
Established by Alexandre Piffault in 2014 and based in Paris at 5 rue de Condé, 75006, very close to Odéon, Le Zograscope specializes in antique and rare books in Science, Medicine and Technology, and rare antique instruments in the same fields. We have especially a strong interest in early and continental microscopy, early and special mathematical/drawing instruments, medical and surgical instrument, and rare technology.
Personnal website : https://www.lezograscope.com/
