North America Archives

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This is an instrument that consists of a brass base and a brass stand on which a semi-circular metal dial plate and gnomon are attached. The base is circular and has a felt bottom. It has a compass set into it with a central needle, engraved cardinal directions and scale around the rim graduated in degrees. Next to this, on the vertical edge of the base, there is a small rod emerging from a slot. Sliding this fixes the Read More...

02 Nov

19th Century American Portable Engraved Bronze Sundial

By Florin

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19th Century American Portable Engraved Bronze Sundial Rare American portable sundial from the 19th century, finely engraved in bronze with inscriptions of various U.S. cities for geographical reference and calibration. This beautifully crafted instrument reflects the precision and ingenuity of 19th-century American scientific craftsmanship, combining practical function with elegant design. The piece retains a warm natural patina and finely detailed engraving, emphasizing its authenticity and historical value. Dimensions (closed): 10 × 10 × 4 cm (3.9 × 3.9 × 1.6 in). A collectible 19th-century Read More...

12 Oct

C1890 Camman Second-Model Stethoscope

By M and R Gordon

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Camman’s second-model stethoscope with fixed Ebonite chest piece. Some darkening of the metal on the ear piece but overall in very good condition. Read More...

10 Oct

scrimshaw bone compass and magnifying glass, marine

By Gilgamesh

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A similar artwork (though without reference to a specific ship) can be seen in https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/scrimshaw-bone-loupe-compass-mermaid-1867300976 Read More...

03 Oct

SOLD – Thacher slide rule / calculator in box.

By Scientific Inspirations

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SOLD – A very good example of Thacher’s calculator. This instrument consists of a cylinder that revolves in an open framework made by 20 triangular brass bars. Each bar is covered in a paper on two of its visible sides, and each piece of paper has two scales. These bars are held between two metal rings which are mounted to a wood base. There are wooden knobs on either side of the instrument that both rotate the cylinder, and move Read More...

23 Sep

P.D. Pinke’s 1885 Patent Vapor Bath

By M and R Gordon

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P.D. Pinke was awarded a US patent for his vapor bath on May 12, 1885. The details of its construction and use are contained in the patent description shown in attached image. Approx. 6” diameter x 13” tall. Complete and in excellent condtion. Marked with patent date. A rare and interesting apparatus. Read More...

22 Sep

Certified precision ruled diffraction grating by Bausch & Lomb

By Hatchwell Antiques

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A large certified precision ruled diffraction grating by Bausch & Lomb of Rochester, New York. 600 grooves / mmBlaze angle 28 degrees, 41 minutes.Radius concave Serial number: 889-8-1-3Catalogue number 35 53 12 55 Width: 20 cm. Depth: 8 cm. Height: 17.5 cm. (window: 10 x 13.5 cm). Read More...

06 Sep

C1890 Electro-Galvanic Quack Belt

By M and R Gordon

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A c1890 quack electro-galvanic belt. Claims by sellers of this type of belt were ambitious. They supposedly could cure anything from, from ED to rheumatism and even, in some case, life-threatening diseases. There is no maker’s name on this belt and the 1888 patent date on the buckle is more likely for the buckle than the belt. Overall condition is pretty good but the cloth covering on the wires is worn in spots. Read More...

31 Aug

Spencer Lens Co. Microscope Brochure c1920 – Issued by UK Agents Hawksley & Sons

By Arcboutant Scientific

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Offered for sale is a copy of the 1920 Spencer Lens Co. product catalogue running to 114 pages with 2-page index of contents. It’s dated 1920 and was issued in the UK by Spencer’s sales agents who at the time were Hawksley & Sons of Wigmore Street, London. This makes the brochure quite rare, especially in this condition and quite a collectable find. The book will be well wrapped and shipped by Royal Mail. Thanks for looking. Read More...

31 Aug

~RARE AND FINE BAUSCH AND LOMB PETROGRAPHIC MONOCULAR MICROSCOPE~

By Scientifica Opticae Inc.

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Standing 14 inches tall (16 inches fully racked), this instrument was intended to be an easy to use petrographic model for the student or professional. Made to the specifications dictated by George H. Williams, professor of minerology and inorganic chemistry at John Hopkins Hospital/University, it exhibits a few innovations of the time. c.1890. Bearing patent dates of 1876 and 1885, it is a pleasing combination of black enamel and bright, golden lacquer (99% intact). Three leg design (chips to feet), double Read More...

29 Aug

US Navy bronze ship’s anchor, dated 1941.

By Hatchwell Antiques

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A World War II era US Navy bronze ship’s anchor, dated 1941. The anchor’s flukes are marked: USN and 1941 The stock of the anchor has a removeable shackle and chain. Height of anchor with chain: 100.5 cm. Height of anchor with out chain: 44 cm. Approx. weight: 9 kilos. Read More...

15 Aug

Healy Pictorial Completion Test II

By M and R Gordon

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We are offering an example of a Healy Pictorial Completion Test II that was used for measuring intelligence. It is in very good good condition and retains its original case (11″ x 11″ x 1.5″). The illustrations were done by Marguerite Davis, a well-known children’s book illustrator, who was active in the early decades of the last century. It was copyrighted in 1917 by the Judge Baker Foundation, which is still in operation today. ” The “Judge Baker Foundation” Read More...