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EARLY CONTINENTAL PANTOGRAPH, c. early 18th century

EARLY CONTINENTAL PANTOGRAPH, c. early 18th century. This diminutive drafting instrument is contained in its original finely shaped and fitted wood case bound in dark leather with gilt-stamped decoration to the lid, the interior lined with red chamois leather, the case 10-5/8″ (27 cm) long overall. The brass pantograph is substantially built, designed with opposed hinged “V” shapes which join in widely-adjustable integral positions (*, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8) on each of the four arms. The larger “V” Read More...

Torpedo gyroscope, Sweden, circa 1965.

A torpedo gyroscope, Swedish, circa 1960 – 1965. Plate to base marked: OH S – T0 87 Production attributed to AB Motala Verkstad of Sweden.   Height: 26 cm. width: 19 cm. Depth: 27 cm.   The same model of gyroscope is photographed in the collection of the Marinmuseum, Karlskrona, Sweden. AB Motala Verkstad is one of the oldest engineering companies in Sweden. The company was founded in 1822. Read More...

Nice early 19th century italian brass compass Signed: “Cittelli f. in Milano “

Early 19th century italian brass compass, for use on the plane table surveying. Signed: “Cittelli f. in Milano “   Pasquale Cittelli was a skilled surveying instrument maker in Milan active in Milan in the first half of 19th century, he made wide range of surveying instruments but very few was preserved until today. He is mostly knew from Italian surveying instruments collectors.  Diam: 14 cm Feel free to ask for further information and details.   Thanks   Read More...

2000 PAGES OF INSTRUMENTS — 50 TESSERACT CATALOGUES

COMPLETE SET OF 50 LATEST TESSERACT CATALOGUES, American, 1998 – 2020.  For sale are brand new copies of Catalogues #62 through #111, each containing 40 pages of early scientific instruments for sale, all fully illustrated, described, and priced.  Included are all manner of unusual instruments of astronomy, microscopy, dialling, navigation, surveying, drafting, calculation, demonstration, experimentation, technology, surgery, diagnostics, dentistry, and ophthalmology. Read More...

DEFENSIVE DIVIDERS!

WROUGHT IRON DIVIDERS / DAGGER, European 17th /18th century. Measuring 13-1/2″ (34 cm) overall, this rather primitive pair of dividers is well constructed, with a five-leaf hinge with pommel knob, twin tapering arms, and double hilt. It has a good “heft” for use as a dagger. Condition is good, apparently all original, noting some pitting to the surface. The application of the hilt to dividers, making them into a significant close range weapon, is well documented. For example, one Read More...

Fine and complete box of 19th century Italian scale with coins weights.

Fine and complete box of 19th century Italian  scale with coins weights.   10  compartments with a total of 25 beautiful coins weights. ( plus six micro weights) In his original box externally lined  with red brown  leather, and  internally lined with chamois leather The inside is lined with very nice goatskin leather. Box dimension: 18,5 x 10 x 2,5 cm All in excellent condition, normal signs of use on the box corners.   Feel free to ask further information. Thanks         Read More...

PORTABLE DUTCH CORN SCALE OUTFIT

PORTABLE DUTCH CORN SCALE OUTFIT, c. early 19th century. This “Amsterdam corn scale” outfit, when assembled, forms a brass cylinder 3-3/8″ in diameter and 7″ tall (8.5 x 18 cm). The two halves form the weighing vessels, one for corn and one for weights. The 5-1/2″ long cut steel balance beam, with its brass hangers, would be connected to the vessels by chain or cord running through the guides along the sides. The original turned brass weights, of traditional Read More...

SINGLE ARM BALANCE

SINGLE ARM BALANCE, Continental, mid-19th century. The finely grained hand-dovetailed walnut(?) case measures 9-1/4″ x 5″ x 3-3/8″ (24 x 12 x 8 cm) , with internal fitted drawer holding the case-mounting balance outfit. There is a turned brass pillar with steel assembly supporting the steel beam with its spherical brass counterweight and adjustable side weight. A double pan hangs from the far end. This unusual balance is in very fine condition, and has an interesting note of provenance Read More...

EARLY PORTUGUESE VOLUME MEASURE

EARLY PORTUGUESE VOLUME MEASURE, probably northern Portugal, c. early 19th century. Carved from a single block of wood, with handle, pouring spout, and overflow notches, the vessel measures 4″ (10 cm) tall. Condition is fine, noting old deposits and a few worm holes. This vessel would have served as a secondary standard measure for liquids; when filled to the level of the two notches, through which any excess liquid spills away, it contains approximately 294 milliliters. The Portuguese system Read More...

RARE ITALIAN POLEMOSCOPE

RARE ITALIAN POLEMOSCOPE, 1750, signed on a silver band, “In Galleria D.S. M.C. 1750.” Made of turned (probably tropical) wood, bound in (now quite darkened) silver, this optical instrument measures 1-13/16″ (47 mm) tall by 1-7/16″ (36 mm) outside diameter. It has viewing port and observation port, with internal oval glass mirror set at 45°. The other end is set with a circular plane glass mirror. Condition is fine except for considerable loss of silvering to the mirrors. In use Read More...

AUSTRIAN OFFICIAL STANDARD MEASURE, 1777

AUSTRIAN OFFICIAL STANDARD MEASURE, 1777, stamped (1)777 and with an elaborate crowned double eagle and with twin cross-hatched punches, engraved “Iohan Ferdinand Pachner, K=K, Stadrichter, 1780,” and stamped with a recertification “(1)859, Wien” and a small double eagle. The cylindrical brass vessel measures 3-1/16″ (8 cm) tall by 2-5/16″ (6 cm) base diameter, with shaped base and lip, and decorative turned rings. Condition is fine. This unusual vessel is an official standard for liquid measure, with a capacity of Read More...

THE ALLERGIST — AN AMUSING HAND-CARVED WOODEN FIGURE

THE ALLERGIST — AN AMUSING HAND-CARVED WOODEN FIGURE, Austrian, 1958, signed “Jaschke” and dated. 5-1/2″ (14 cm) tall, fully hand-carved and painted, with a rectangular wood base..Fine condition.  Read More...