~FINE LEAN’S DIAL OF LARGE PROPORTIONS AND RARE SIGNATURE~
1500 GBP ($2000 USD)
A fine Lean's dial of unusual construction retailed by Newton, late Wilton c.1860
Dimensions
15 x 9 x 6 inches
Circa
1860
Maker
Newton, late William Wilton
Country of manufacture
UK and Ireland
Description
Standing 15 inches tall on three numbered conical feet, this instrument is very unusual in construction and signature.
5 inch (6 inches with bezel) silvered compass signed “Newton, late Willm. Wilton, St. Day, Cornwall”, engine divided into four 90 degree quadrants, and again in complete 360 degree ring with vernier reading to 3″ seconds (scale 0-60) of arc. 8 cardinal points and original cover. Compass dial is perfect-no oxidation. Underside rack and pinion for full rotation and sliding locking bar for the compass needle. Surmounted by a 7 inch arc (half circle), engine divided from 0-180 degrees in both directions (also feet and 6th’s of a fathom) and geared to the upper plate to accommodate the smaller alidades. No telescope for this model but a second 6 inch pair of sighting alidades to the ends of the compass plate (alidade cross hairs replaced with thread but will include black horsehair for the purist). There are three intact bubble levels. Spotty oxidation to all horizontal surfaces from dampness. All vertical surfaces are 100% intact lacquer.
The entire assembly packs into a mahogany case 9 x 9 x 5 inches, with both hooks, lock and key. Weight 5 kg. (12 pounds).
The Lean’s dial was developed (invented) by Joel Lean, a Cornish mine manager for easy reading of elevations inside and outside of mines. The Cornwall mines were almost exclusively using this sophisticated device for plane table surveying.
William Wilton (II) w.1830-51, died in 1859 and his stock was marketed in London by Edward Newton from 1859 onward. The engraved half circle “Wilton, St. Day” would date this instrument to 1860 as it is old stock.
Ask the Dealer
Dealer information
ScientificaOpticae
Scientifica Opticae
Mark Hacking (Scientifica Opticae Inc.) has been an avid collector/dealer for over 30 years. A former Science teacher, he has an innate love for anything natural or mechanical. Specializing in optical (microscopes, telescopes), surveying, medical, weighing and drawing instruments, he is an active participant of the Scientific Instrument Fair in London. Living in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, with his wife and two children; Mark looks forward to meeting as many fellow collectors as possible, and has a worldwide following on eBay (Sciopti).
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