FRENCH SUNDIAL / THEODOLITE
Stock Number: 8147
$1950.
For sale, antique French multipurpose instrument from the early 19th century. The wood instrument holds a horizontal chapter ring, and inset glazed compass. It has a side mounted walnut tube with brass sights.
Dimensions
6-3/8 inches (16 centimeters)
Circa
c. 1816
Country of manufacture
France
Description
FRENCH SUNDIAL / THEODOLITE, 1816, signed “fait par Rivaud ingenieur le 20 mai 1816″ (made by Rivaud, engineer, May 20, 1816). Made of walnut, 6-3/8″ (16 cm) square and 1” thick overall, this multipurpose instrument has hinged lid with string gnomon and plumb line; horizontal chapter ring divided every quarter hour from 6am to 6pm; inset glazed compass with 360 scale divided each degree, 16-point rose, doubled needle, and automatic needle lifter; and side-mounted inclinable rectangular walnut tube with brass sights. All the layout and divisions are done by hand in ink on paper over wood. Condition is fine noting light soiling. An uncommon instrument by an unlisted maker.
Ask the Dealer
Dealer information
TESSERACT
David and Yola Coffeen both have enjoyed academic careers, as planetary astronomer and as linguist/educator. But since 1982 (yes, 1982!) they have been full-time dealers in early scientific and medical instruments, under the name Tesseract. Selling primarily by catalogue (over 100 issued so far) they also have a web presence at www.etesseract.com, and can be contacted at [email protected].
