Other Archives - Page 15 of 20

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SPECIALIZED CALCULATING RODS — “NAPIER’S BONES” FOR SIZE AND WEIGHT CONVERSIONS, Dutch, c. 1800, with the partial trade label of “Dirk Van Den Bosch,” mathematical instrument maker of Rotterdam. The fine mahogany case contains this complete set of 20 four-sided, 8-3/8″ (21 cm) long, boxwood rods. Each rod is numbered on top with an integer from 0 to 9, and punched on each face with four sets of columns of nine numbers, each column headed by different lettered abbreviations. Read More...

05 Nov

Rarefacteur Delstanche pomp mechanisme.

By Van Leest Antiques

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A Rarefacteur Delstanche pump mechanism with two attachments for the two tubes. See for a copy of the Catalogue by Hendriks & van Steenbergen – Amsterdam. Measurement 23 x 14 x 3 cm. Look for shop information on www.vanleestantiques.com Read More...

03 Nov

EARLY DUTCH MATHEMATICAL RULE

By TESSERACT

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EARLY DUTCH MATHEMATICAL RULE, second half 18th century, signed “I. Reghter, Delft.” This thick brass rule, 14-3/4″ (37.5 cm) long, is divided on both sides with a total of six strongly nonlinear scales plus one scale of (Delft?) inches running from 0 to 12, the inches divided respectively into halves, thirds, fourths,…, twelfths (each inch 26.3 mm long). Scales are labeled cryptically “S,N” (1-32, 1-100), “V,R” (1-32, 1-125), and “L,T” (1-32, 1-125). Condition is fine except for several stains Read More...

03 Nov

School collection of raw materials and seeds

By Early Science

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School collection of raw materials and seeds from the former Dutch colonial institute. On the lids of the original old boxes, it says in Dutch what is in it, a total of 8 boxes with a diameter of 7 cm and 3 cm high. TAPIOCA – PARAFFIN – DAMAR – RICUNUS – PAARL TAPIOCA CITRUS VULGARIS – RESIN – CASSAVE. Will be well packaged and shipped by registered mail, shipping price depending on the destination Read More...

02 Nov

MEDICAL MISCELLANY

By TESSERACT

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1) Ophthalmic Surgery Set, English, c. second half 19th c., by Weiss & Son of London. The 6-1/2″ (17 cm) long fitted case contains two Weiss scalpels, two Weiss needles, one Charriere needle, and one Luer needle, all signed and with matching mounts. Condition is good, the case lid detached. SOLD 2) Civil War Period Thermometer, American, c. 1860’s, unsigned. This bent arm axilla (underarm) thermometer is 5-1/4″ (13 cm) overall, with scale (83 – 112 F., by half degrees) Read More...

27 Oct

EXQUISITE SILVER SECTOR

By TESSERACT

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EXQUISITE SILVER SECTOR, Continental, possibly Italian, c. early 18th century, bearing a punch mark, and with lovely shaped ends, and roses engraved to the hinge. Overall length is 4″ (10 cm) closed, and the sector is beautifully engraved with doubled sector scales “Arithmetica, Geometrica, Cubica, Gradus Quadrantis.” Additional scales give “demy Pied Roy,” i.e., half the French linear measure of the King’s Foot with subdivisions in inches and twelfths; ‘Reinlendscher. 1/2 Fusz,” i.e., half the Rhineland foot, likewise subdivided; Read More...

11 Oct

FINELY BOUND IRREGULAR LODESTONE

By TESSERACT

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FINELY BOUND IRREGULAR LODESTONE, engraved “N” and “S” at the two poles. Measuring 2-1/4″ x 2-3/4″ x 2″ (6 x 7 x 5 cm) overall, the brass is beautifully shaped to accommodate the natural form of the stone. It features large iron plates to concentrate the force, and a swiveling brass suspension ring. Constructed with a type of naturally magnetic magnetite stone, it dates 17th / 18th century, in very fine condition, retaining noticeable magnetism. Such mounting and assembly Read More...

05 Oct

FINELY SHAPED SINGLE-HANDED CHART DIVIDERS

By TESSERACT

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FINELY SHAPED SINGLE-HANDED CHART DIVIDERS, European, c. 17th century. Made of two pieces of iron, hand wrought and filed, decoratively cut and riveted together, these early navigator’s dividers measure 7-1/2″ (19 cm) overall. They are most attractive, with thin legs topped by zig-zag cut decoration, and extraordinary waviform head. Condition is fine noting overall light oxidation. A very special early example. Read More...

30 Sep

EXCEPTIONAL DIRECT-PLOTTING SEXTANT

By TESSERACT

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EXCEPTIONAL DIRECT-PLOTTING SEXTANT, Austrian, c.1840, signed “C.E. Kraft in Wien.” This lovely sextant measures 5-3/4″ tall and 6″ (15 cm) wide overall, of clear lacquered brass with blued steel screws and shaped wood handle. It is fitted with clampable index arm and mirror, half-silvered horizon mirror rotatable by thumbscrew below, and sighting tube. The angular scale is divided directly on the brass, every degree from 0 to 140 (but useable only to 122° making this a true sextant); readout Read More...

29 Sep

DUTCH PLEINSCHAAL NAVIGATION RULE

By TESSERACT

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DUTCH PLEINSCHAAL NAVIGATION RULE, first half 19th century, signed “JMK & Zn” (for J.M. Kleman and Son), made of fine boxwood 13-1/2″ (34 cm) long. The rule is hand divided and punched with numerous scales, and has six little inset brass studs for use with dividers. One side has a straightforward linear scale of equal parts, running from 0 to 9 in units of approximately 2.2 cm, and with single and double transversal interpolation grids at each end. The Read More...

27 Sep

LARGE EARLY BRASS AND STEEL DIVIDERS

By TESSERACT

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EARLY BRASS AND STEEL DIVIDERS, Continental, c. second half 17th century, 9-1/4″ (23 cm) overall, rather primitively shaped but with a five-leaf brass hinge. In fine condition complete with an early sheet brass cover for the tips. Read More...

15 Sep

GOOD VENETIAN TELESCOPE

By TESSERACT

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GOOD VENETIAN TELESCOPE, Italian, c. 1800, signed “Leonardo Semitecolo.” Opening from 12″ to 33-1/2″ (30 – 85 cm) by three draw tubes, the telescope is constructed of heavy card tubes bound in fine multi-colored paper, with turned fittings of multi-toned horn. The main tube is stamped with charming floral patterns. The singlet objective and three-element Schyrle eyepiece system give good erect images. Condition is fine with light wear, lacking dust covers. Lens making got an early start in Venice, and Read More...