France Archives - Page 6 of 51

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Collection of hearing devices ear trumpets from Boston and Paris, among others, in good undamaged condition . One is a so called conversation tube all are ca 100 years and more old €125.- a piece or € 450,- for the collection ( 4 pieces ) Read More...

02 May

the first mechanical speed indicator for navigation – De Gaulle’s sillomètre in 1782

By Le Zograscope

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GAULLE (Jean Baptiste DE), Construction et usage du sillomètre, instrument nouvellement inventé destiné à observer en mer le sillage des vaisseaux en dixièmes parties de lieues par heure, n. p. [Le Havre, at the author’s expense], 1782. 8°, 30 pages and one large folding plate ; contemporary marbled calf, flat gilt spine. Spine and joints restored ; one small hole and tear repaired in title ; plate stained and roughly repaired along folds. First edition of the illustrated description of the first mechanical speed Read More...

01 May

Combined Nocturnal and sundial c. 1580

By Van Leest Antiques

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An unusual combined brass nocturnal and sundial of c. 1580. This instrument tells the time by day or night anywhere in the world. One side has a nocturnal, the other the Rojas projection for the form of altitude sundial. On the obverse on the outer rim is stamped ‘Heures du jour Heures de nuit’ and with the numbers 0-12 twice. The second ring is with calendar of the days and calendar of the moon. The pointer is signed dubbe. The Read More...

01 May

Paper-mâché anatomical model inner ear and tongue c. 1900

By Van Leest Antiques

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Early 20th century of the inner ear and tongue of polychrome painted papier-mâché. The model is showing the superficial nerves that travel from the ear to mouth, displaying the innervation of the tongue. The plaster ear and tongue is attached by to a real painted temporal bone that opens by copper hinges to show the internal bone structure. Three similar models can be found: a wax version by Tramond in the anatomical collection of the centre for anatomy of Charité, Read More...

30 Apr

A large Newton prism for light diffraction by Dubocsq, circa 1870

By Le Zograscope

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A triangular prism known as Newton’s prism and used in experiments on diffraction or the decomposition of light. The large prism is mounted in a brass triangle connected to a knob that allowed it to pivot. The prism no longer has its sliding base. It is of a good size, measuring 9 cm in height and 5.7 cm on each side. Despite some chips on the corners and edges, it is in fairly good condition and in perfect working order. A fine French Read More...

26 Apr

REMARKABLE DOUBLE ANALEMMATIC HORIZONTAL POCKET SUNDIAL

By TESSERACT

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A 17th century Double Dial for the Pocket, French, c. second half 17th century, the eight-sided all-brass dial plate measuring 2″ x 2-11/16″ (5 x 7 cm). The plate is engraved with a circular chapter ring divided every hour from 4am to 8pm, with a circular Zodiacal calendar scale, and with a semi-elliptical hour scale divided again from 4am to 8pm. The circular chapter is engraved with radial hour lines, and set with a hinged gnomon; the Zodiacal circle Read More...

25 Apr

Antique Dobereiner lighter c1830

By Curiotiques

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For sale is this fine Antique Dobereiner Lamp lighter c1830. Brief history: Before matches were invented in around 1840, the Dobereiner lighter was invented in 1823 by German chemist Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner, this device was one of the world’s first lighters—predating friction matches by several years. The science consisted of a zinc and sulfuric acid generated hydrogen, which passed over a platinum catalyst and ignited into a small flame. It was the preferred fire-starter for refined individuals who thought “setting things Read More...

25 Apr

Antique Victorian dental Tooth Key with ebony handle c1800

By Curiotiques

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Offered for for sale is this Antique Victorian dental Tooth Key with ebony handle. 1780-1820. Brief history: Before dentists had chairs that didn’t look like torture devices, they had this: the tooth key. A charming little implement designed to wrench offending molars from your mouth with all the grace of a blacksmith pulling nails from a floorboard. Invented in the 18th century and widely used well into the 1800s, the tooth key was inspired by – you guessed it – a Read More...

24 Apr

A very rare 18th century French surveying plain table made in brass and wood

By Le Zograscope

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A quite rare example of plane or plain table, known as a planchette, with four sights, two of which are movable, mounted on a rotating alidade. The instrument is made of walnut and brass. The large brass circle is divided into two 360th degrees, then every degree and half-degree. An off-center compass is equipped with an arrow-shaped needle. Despite the ball joint is missing, a rare and unsual model of a surveying circle. 24 cm in diameter. Condition is excellent. Read More...

20 Apr

Antique Victorian Trepanning saw – Trephine with ebony handle c1870

By Curiotiques

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Offered for for sale is this lovely Antique Victorian Trepanning saw (trephine) with ebony handle circa 1870. The depth of the cut is adjustable with the small screw on the main shaft. The saw is very sharp. Brief history: Ah, the trepanning saw – because sometimes, opening someone’s skull was just what the doctor ordered. Used from ancient times right up through the 19th century, this charmingly terrifying tool was once the go-to gadget for everything from “letting out the bad Read More...

20 Apr

Ornate antique brass personal opiate syringe case with syringe

By Curiotiques

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Offered for sale is this fancy ornate antique brass opiate syringe case and syringe. On the front is a space for a monogram – unmarked. Brief history: Once upon a time, before the world decided that maybe heroin wasn’t the ideal cure for a stubbed toe, elegant folks carried little syringe kits like this one – the 19th-century equivalent of having a Headache pill in your bag, if Headache pills made you see colours and forget your address. This tidy, travel-sized opiate Read More...

20 Apr

Small brass antique pocket compass

By Curiotiques

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Offered for sale is this small brass antique pocket compass. There is a fleur-de-lis symbol on the compass face. This may indicate that it’s origin is from France. No other markings except the compass dial. Period: Late 19th century / Early 20th century. Style: Brass – early primitive machinedMaterial: Brass, glass cover for compass and paper face for compass dial Diameter: 35 mm Height: 10mm Condition: Good. Scratches on the brass. Small knocks and scratches in the brass. Glass compass face is Read More...