Large museum-quality 17th century navigational dividers
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Dimensions
10 ¼ inches / 26cm
Circa
1650
Countries of manufacture
Germany, France
Description
Very fine and large (10 ¼ inches / 26cm) 17th century navigational dividers in exceptional condition. Historically used for chart reading or mathematical calculations, these antique dividers are constructed with steel legs and a five leaf octagonal “ball head” friction joint typical of the period. The pristine condition and unusually large size make this an outstanding example. Probably French or German, though this pair was purchased in the UK.
Very similar (though significantly smaller) dividers can be seen at the Harvard collection of scientific instruments and in past sales:
https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/3404438/
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Dealer information
Instrumentum
Instrumentum specializes in high quality 17th and 18th century scientific instruments for architecture, mathematics and navigation. We have collected antique instruments for over 20 years with a focus on early and rare European architectural drafting sets, dividers, and rules. If you are interested in something particular please contact us at [email protected]. Image galleries of our inventory can be viewed on Pinterest and Facebook at the following links:
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