Description

Another one off instrument, this time by William Elliott of 268 High Holborn, London c.1833-49.

Six inch (15 cm.) diameter with near perfect lacquer, this instrument exhibits little nuances not seen on contemporary examples. The bronze center is a simple half moon (no glass with cross hairs), the swinging arms have only ONE steel spring on each side (screws are not bruised to indicate a pair), the engine divided and silver outer degree ring is so finely divided it is hard to read without a loupe and then their is a silvered vernier on opposite sides as well. This instrument can be read down to 1/20 of a degree. The fine adjustment is by the usual locking bracket with worm and screw, the arms have their pins at the terminus but there are four (4) pin holes to hold the instrument down to a table top/easel. There are two (2) cut outs on the main ring at the key positions of 180 and 360/0 degrees respectively. The underside shows some lacquer loss/staining but this was probably a factory fault (no indication of improper storage of user abuse). The lacquer and silvering of the upper surface is 99%.

What makes this a special order/one off is the unique mahogany case. Georgian clam shaped measuring 180 x 170 mm. with robust double hinges to the rear and one (of 3) brass hooks, the lid has a decorative stepped rosette that I have never seen in 50 years.  A beautiful example by a fine maker of scientific instruments.