Description

A very good 6 inch folding arm circular protractor in bright brass c.1880. Signed J. and W.E. Archbutt, 201 Westminister Bridge Road, London. No. 187. Although not geared, it has a vernier fine adjustment (worm and screw) that reads to 0.1 degree. The silvered 360 degree and 20 degree vernier are very legible and the blued spring clips for the folding arms are intact. The center has a half moon (semi-circle) with an arrow (no glass crosshairs) and the locating pins on the reverse are present. Intact trade lid applied to the interior of the lid with only one small point of damage from one on the folding arm pins. c.1880. The 7 x 7 inch mahogany case is flawless with no cracks and both hooks intact. All in all, a wonderful instrument with unusual features. 90% golden lacquer intact.

The Archbutt family of instrument makers started out as pawn brokers c.1795, expanding and perfecting their trade during Georgian times, bringing in a son during Victorian times and other sons/grandsons during late Victorian and Edwardian eras.