UK and Ireland Archives - Page 79 of 94

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LARGE ELEGANT PARALLEL RULE, English, c. 1800, hand-engraved on the reverse “J. Watkins, Charing Crofs, London.” This all brass rule is 12″ (30 cm) wide, constructed with a massive scissor hinge elegantly shaped and pierced, designed with opposing slots which provide an offsetting parallel motion as the rule is opened. There are two small knobs for grasping, and both outer edges are beveled for precision in course marking and chart reading. Condition is good noting some stains and darkening, Read More...

27 Sep

EARLY ADAMS-TYPE BOX SEXTANT

By TESSERACT

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FLAT DRUM SEXTANT, English, c. first half 19th century, constructed of brass, 4-1/4″ (11 cm) in diameter and 1-5/8″ (3.6 cm) thick, the interior with “wriggle-work” designs and fine clear lacquer finish, the exterior of chemically darkened brass. A geared index arm carries an internal mirror, and is set with a silver vernier divided to one arc-minute. This reads against the 0° – 122° inset silver scale. There is a scale magnifier on long arm, and separately insertable dark Read More...

22 Sep

Quekett’s 1848 Recomendation

By TESSERACT

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” a firm table is required for placing the microscope on, and in order that the latter may be at all times ready for use, it should be covered over either with a glass or other shade when not employed; many valuable observations will be lost if the labour of packing and unpacking of the instrument and apparatus have to be frequently repeated. A glass shade, especially a stout one of the old make, with a knob at the Read More...

21 Sep

EXCEPTIONAL OVAL MAGNIFIER SET IN SILVER AND MOTHER-OF-PEARL

By TESSERACT

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EXCEPTIONAL OVAL MAGNIFIER SET IN SILVER AND MOTHER-OF-PEARL, probably English, 18th century, measuring 3″ x 2″ x 1/2″ (7.6 x 5 x 1.3 cm) overall (closed). The fine oval magnifying lens is made of grayish glass, mounted in a ringed silver band which swivels out from the exquisite case of nacre (the beautiful iridescent inner lining of some mollusc shells — and the outer coating of pearls!) framed in lovely chased silver mounts. Condition is fine; this is not Read More...

18 Sep

Small library telescope & stand – Proctor, Beilby & Co.

By Scientific Inspirations

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Signed on the single draw, ‘Proctor, Beilby & Co.’, who worked in both Sheffield and Birmingham between 1809 – 1816. The length of the telescope is 30″ ( 76 cms ) and the height 17″ ( 43 cms ). The main lens is 1.75″ ( 45mm ) diameter and has a triple element lens. The telescopegives a magnification of 30x, with a clear sharp image when viewing. It has mahogany folding legs and is in good condition throughout. Some brass areas have been Read More...

17 Sep

Large telescope & case by Chadburn with Wray lens.

By Scientific Inspirations

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A large library telescope signed on the back collar, ‘Chadburn & Son, Liverpool’. Chadburn worked in Liverpool from 1845 – 1861. It has a 80mm diameter main lens which is signed on the sid eof the cell, ‘Wray, London’. The length extended is 52″ ( 132 cms ) and the height is 20″ ( 50 cms ). The telescope has an end cap, steady bar and taper column with cabriole legs. The magnification is 80 x and there is an additional astronomical Read More...

11 Sep

URANIA’S MIRROR AND BOOK

By TESSERACT

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COMPLETE SET OF “URANIA’S MIRROR” ASTRONOMICAL CARDS AND BOOK, English, 1825, published by Samuel Leigh of 18 Strand, London. This is a complete set of 32 hand-colored cards, each 5-1/2″ x 7-3/4″ (14 x 20 cm), printed with constellation figures, the brighter stars identified and pierced with holes and the cards backed with tissue paper, making visible the star patterns when held to a light. The cards are delicately colored, and contained in the original cardboard box. Some of Read More...

09 Sep

Early Twentieth Century Cased Barocyclonometer or Typhoon Barometer

By Jason Clarke Antiques

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For sale, a rare early Twentieth Century mahogany cased Typhoon barometer of barocyclonometer. This fascinating instrument is comprised of a seven inch silvered dual ring dial within a very robust nine inch brass case measuring ten centimetres in depth. The barometer is screwed to the base of the mahogany transit case. The inner lid contains a second dial which is employed as a wind disc or cyclometer to be used in conjunction with the barometer when a storm is identified. The Read More...

08 Sep

A LUXURIOUS SPYGLASS

By TESSERACT

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A LUXURIOUS SPYGLASS, English, c. late 18th century, signed “Gilbert, London.” Opening from 6-5/8″ to 19″ (17 to 48 cm) on three drawtubes, the telescope is fashioned from Sheffield silver, with a matte red enameled main tube. The two lenses of the achromatic objective are notched and keyed in to maintain their best rotational alignment as determined by the maker, and the erecting eyepiece system has four elements, giving fine images. The telescope is in excellent condition, complete with Read More...

04 Sep

ENAMELED SILVER AND GOLD CHAIN OF OFFICE

By TESSERACT

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ENAMELED SILVER AND GOLD CHAIN OF OFFICE, English, 1935, engraved on the reverse “Presented by Leo A. Rowden M.B., C.M., February 1935.” The 3-1/2″ (9 cm) tall large oval pendant has a central blue and white enameled device with central stone and gold and silver inlay, surrounded by a silver wreath set with semi-precious stones. The reverse has a locket, and the pendant is suspended from a 1-1/2″ diameter armorial in similar materials. This connects to two 8″ long Read More...

28 Aug

Salesman’s Sample of a Pearsons B1 Fire Detector by Associated Fire Alams Limited

By Jason Clarke Antiques

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For sale, a salesmans sample of a Pearson’s B1 Fire Detector by Associated Fire Alams Limited. This interesting piece contains a Pearson’s B1 Fire Detector incorporated onto an ebonised wooden base and suspended by means of four metal pillars. The wiring is fed through the back pillars into the base which acts as a battery compartment. To the side of the base is a red coloured bulb holder. A brass plaque is fixed to the front of the model directing the Read More...

27 Aug

THE ROSEN RULE FOR OPTICIANS

By TESSERACT

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“THE ROSEN RULE” FOR OPTICIANS, English, c. early 20th century, signed “London Optical Company,” the 7-1/2″ (19 cm) long two-sided aluminum rule with a complex array of scales and devices for quantitative fitting of eyeglasses. Nineteen sliding, clampable rods conform to the shape of the nose, and adjustable targets align with the centers of the pupils; a rotating index provides degree conversions, plus there are quantized arcs, linear scales, etc. This unusual rule is in very fine condition. It Read More...