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19th Century Portable Wooden Sundial

Charming portable sundial crafted in engraved wood, dating from the 19th century. This compact timekeeping instrument exemplifies the practical elegance and craftsmanship of traditional scientific tools from the period.   The piece features fine engraved details and a warm natural patina, reflecting both its age and authenticity. When closed, it measures 9x6x5   A decorative and collectible 19th-century scientific instrument, ideal for enthusiasts of antique horology, navigation, and curiosities. Read More...

19th Century Portable Wooden Sundial

Charming portable sundial crafted in engraved wood, dating from the 19th century. This compact timekeeping instrument exemplifies the practical elegance and craftsmanship of traditional scientific tools from the period.   The piece features fine engraved details and a warm natural patina, reflecting both its age and authenticity. When closed, it measures 6 × 5 × 2 cm (2.4 × 2 × 0.8 in).   A decorative and collectible 19th-century scientific instrument, ideal for enthusiasts of antique horology, navigation, and curiosities. Read More...

Portable Bronze Sextant for Nautical Navigation

Elegant portable bronze sextant used for nautical navigation, finely crafted with precise detailing and compact design. A beautiful example of traditional maritime instrumentation, reflecting the craftsmanship and engineering typical of early navigational tools. In good condition, with a rich aged patina enhancing its authenticity and charm. Dimensions: Diameter 8 cm (3.1 in), Height 5 cm (2 in). A collectible and decorative nautical instrument, perfect for maritime enthusiasts or as an elegant accent in a study or librard patina enhancing Read More...

The monochord instrument by Kipp Holland

The monochord is the instrument that Pythagoras and other theorists used to study the relationships between string length and pitch, and between pitches themselves. It is still used today as a teaching tool. It consists of an elongated sound box with a number of strings stretched across it. There are often two strings, tuned in unison with tuning pegs, and a third string whose tension is controlled by a pulley with weights. Pythagoras investigated the relationship between string length and Read More...

Rare 19th-Century Swan’s-Neck Pewter Infant/Sick Feeder

Pewter infant/sick feeder with swan’s neck spout. While we encounter swan’s head feeders in porcelain, this is the only pewter example we’ve seen in a  museum collection, book or catalog. That is not to say that it is unique but it certainly is rare. Dating from the first-half of the 19th century it is likely Dutch but the mark is not sufficiently well-stuck to allow for identification. Height including spout =2.5″ or 6.25cm. Diameter of bowl at rim=2.5″ or Read More...

Coddington Microscope Pendant Set In Silver Housing, Late 19th Century

The housing does not bear a hallmark, indicating that it likely has a non-British origin. However, I have analyzed it using an X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer and determined that it contains approximately 92% silver by weight. The precise elemental composition will be provided to the buyer. The magnification is quite impressive, and the resolving power is good for the period.  Read More...

Rare Cuff-Styled Microscope by a Dutch maker, ca. 1760

The original Cuff microscope emerged around 1745 and gained significant popularity, largely thanks to the efforts, writings and patronage of Henry Baker. Since the microscope was never patented—a complicated process in the 18th century—numerous copies quickly appeared, made by other English manufacturers as well as by some continental European makers in countries where microscopes were popular, including France, the Netherlands and German Lands. These imitations retained the core concept of Cuff’s design while incorporating local ideas that had already influenced Read More...

Brass semi protractor forming square signed at the back Dominicus Lusuerg F. Romae 1701

Brass semi protractor forming square signed at the back « Dominicus Lusuerg F. Romae 1701 ». On the top a scale from 0 to 180 degrees doubled with a scale of polygons 12-4-12. At the bottom a linear scale graduated from – 10 to + 50 named “Scala”. At the back the signature « Dominicus Lusuerg F. Romae 1701 » with three lovely decors of acanthus leaves in volute.  In a modern case made by the previous owner. Dimensions: –        Semi protractor : 11,9 cm long x Read More...

The Seed Microscope, ca. 1850

During the Enlightenment era and the Age of Exploration, science gained popularity among the public, who were becoming more literate and interested in education and knowledge. This growing interest contributed to the development of print culture and the spread of scientific learning. In Britain, organizations such as the Royal Institution were established to promote the introduction and dissemination of useful mechanical inventions and improvements. These organizations also aimed to teach the application of science to everyday life through philosophical Read More...

Description of the Eise Eisinga Planetarium – 1851

SWINDEN (van Jan Hendrik), Description of the Rijks-Planetarium in Franeker from 1773 to 1780, published and revised by, Schoonhoven, van Nooten, 18518vo of VIII, 164 pages and a very large folded plate; modern half-black cloth with corners.Third edition, expanded, the last early edition, of the illustrated description of the oldest planetarium in the world still in operation, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. “Located in a modest house in the historic center of Franeker, the Koninklijk Eise Eisinga Planetarium Read More...

Italian Dental Spittoon, C 1880.

An Italian Spittoon for dental use, C 1880. There is a tap and a Lamp construction on the Spittoon. The spittoon is made from Porcelain and is signed by “Ozonita, Patent no 17383/10”. Height 120 cm. The first spittoon designed for dental use was recorded in 1828 Paris. Look for shop information on www.vanleestantiques.com Read More...

An Early Mid-17th Century Pocket Bone Fixed Focus Galilean Telescope/Spyglass

Between the late 17th century and the first half of the 18th century, pocket-sized optical compendia gained popularity. Initially, around the second half of the 17th century, these included small Galilean telescopes, often made from bovine metatarsal bones and sometimes from wood. Archaeological excavations have uncovered such items, all dating to the 17th century and found in contexts from the mid-17th to early 18th centuries, primarily in Dutch or English settings. Many of these telescopes are linked to maritime Read More...