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Large marine telescope by George Adams.

The telescope measures 38.75 inches long with the draw tube pushed in. The deep red mahogany barrel is tapered. There is a very thin crack to the barrel which looks like a scratch. The draw tube is fully retractable. The achromatic lens has an aperture of 2″. The telescope gives very clear images when viewed through; signed near the eye-piece, ‘G. Adams, London’. Read More...

Scrimshaw watch holder in wood with bone inlay made circa 1890

Watch holder in sperm whale teeth and wood with bone inlay. It consists of a rectangular wooden base resting on four small turned bone feet. The top of the base is inlaid with bone fillets and wood pellets as well as two crossed flags (French and English) with the legend “ROMEO N.Y.” underneath. Two sperm whale teeth are engraved on both sides of the base. The one on the left is engraved with the Statue of Liberty, with the French and American Read More...

19th century ebony Octant – Norie & Co, London with parallel ruler and chart divider

Very fine and complete octant of ebony with ivory pencilholder and little slate on the backside to write down the observations. Early instrument with only a double peepsight. Binocucars and colored horizon glass shades are not yet fit. Mention the 18th century way of adjusting the horizon mirror.Scale also of ivory reads from 0 to 103 degrees, nice engraved by hand.Made by Norie, London. Date: circa 1800HW octant: 30×24,7 cm   (12×9,7 in)Signed: NORIE & Co LONDONOrigin: EnglandCondition: perfect Read More...

Two by Cruise: Scotometer & Sphygmomanometer

Sir Francis Cruise (1834-1912) was an important figure in 19th and early 20th century Irish medicine. His title is Papal one, having been made a Knight of St. Gregory the Great by Pope Pious X in 1905.  He is credited with playing an important role in the development and use of the endoscope. His creative skills were also evident in his invention of other medical instruments, among them the scotometer and sphygmomanometer on offer here. The latter was, of course, Read More...

Black Friday Sale – Dudley Adams Mini Theodolite – Circa 1800

I have meaningfully discounted (10% to 40% 0ff) a good number of my nicer instruments – please check out my Black Friday Sale at:   Black Friday 2023 I’ve updated my website to include ancient surveying instruments (1500 to 1800). The update includes a good deal of information related to the evolution of surveying instruments during that time period. The update also includes information regarding some of the important instrument makers during the period – this new section is still a Read More...

A large four draw presentation telescope – Dollond. Good Peerage provenance.

A large George 3rd, four draw telescope measuring 11.5″ (closed) and 41.5″ when fully open with an achromatic main lens aperture of just over 2″. The first draw is engraved, ‘Presented to The Rev.d Owen Manning by the Right Honourable Lord Viscount Midleton, 1768′, with an engraved crown with an eagle and plumage feathers. Also engraved, ‘Dollond, London’,  and ‘ Repaired by Dollond Sept 6th 1921’. The same crest is engraved to the lens cap along with the name, Read More...

Curta Type 1 Calculator

Curta Type 1 calculator in very good condition in original case. Finish shows sign of very light use. Marked with the company name ” I C Ltd Test Dept. I have attached a screenshot from Curtamania which shows the date as of manufacture as October 1951 together with other details. Read More...

Eighteenth Century Pewter “Bubby” Pot

Good pewter “Bubby” pot c1780. This early baby feeder is in good condition with a pleasing patina. There is an old fracture to the top of the feeding spout and some wear to the base as in the images. Read More...

An Early C20th Silver Rule.

This lovely silver Rule is 12 inches long. It has marks from 1 to 12 inches. The pointed end has slight scuffs. It was made in London in 1910 by S.S.D.E.D. & marked Drew & Sons. Piccadilly Circus. London. It can also be used as a letter opener. Read More...

A Cased 1800s Tortoiseshell & Tinted Blue Glass Spectacles.

These 1800’s spectacles are in very good condition.,  Their short tapered side arms were made to grip the temples. 2 small pin holes could have held cord to put around the head . The red leather case is original but tatty. There is no makers name. Read More...

Early Georgian Silver Wig Spectacles in a Shagreen Case.

These 1750’s Silver Wig Spectacles are in great condition. They are unmarked, apart from the number ‘8’ on one of the arms.  They are in a their Shagreen case of the same date. The case has small splits on its hinge. The catch just catches. Read More...

Enamel & Brass early 1900’s Opera Glasses.

These Opera Glasses have very good  optics, as are the decorated royal blue enamel surrounds of the body of them. There are no dinks or chips. The suede & velvet case may not be original . Read More...