Other Archives - Page 15 of 21

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FOLDING “PALMO DI ARCHITTETTO,” Italian, 18th century. Constructed as a sector, the brass rule opens to 8-13/16″ (22 cm). The circular hinge is engraved with a rosette on each side, and there is a central stabilizing strip. The front is labeled “Palmo di Archittetto,” and this “architect¹s foot” of 12 short inches is divided and labeled every inch, the terminal inches divided into tenths and quarters respectively. Each inch is approximately 18.6 mm long. Condition is very fine, with Read More...

25 Mar

ELEGANTLY CARVED PROPORTIONAL DIVIDERS

By TESSERACT

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ELEGANTLY CARVED PROPORTIONAL DIVIDERS, probably central European, c. 17th / 18th century. Measuring 15-1/2″ (39 cm) long, the double-ended dividers are masterfully carved of wood with four inset iron tips and a beautiful iron wing nut. Rectangular slots accommodate the sliding, clampable pivot giving variable ratio positions, calibrated with Roman numerals 2 through 10 and beyond (to 16 apparently). The pivot clamp is made of opposing wood blocks, beautifully carved with geometric designs on all sides. The arms are Read More...

15 Mar

EARLY CONTINENTAL PANTOGRAPH, c. early 18th century

By TESSERACT

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EARLY CONTINENTAL PANTOGRAPH, c. early 18th century. This diminutive drafting instrument is contained in its original finely shaped and fitted wood case bound in dark leather with gilt-stamped decoration to the lid, the interior lined with red chamois leather, the case 10-5/8″ (27 cm) long overall. The brass pantograph is substantially built, designed with opposed hinged “V” shapes which join in widely-adjustable integral positions (*, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8) on each of the four arms. The larger “V” Read More...

26 Feb

Torpedo gyroscope, Sweden, circa 1965.

By Hatchwell Antiques

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A torpedo gyroscope, Swedish, circa 1960 – 1965. Plate to base marked: OH S – T0 87 Production attributed to AB Motala Verkstad of Sweden. Height: 26 cm. width: 19 cm. Depth: 27 cm. The same model of gyroscope is photographed in the collection of the Marinmuseum, Karlskrona, Sweden. AB Motala Verkstad is one of the oldest engineering companies in Sweden. The company was founded in 1822. Read More...

24 Feb

Nice early 19th century italian brass compass Signed: “Cittelli f. in Milano “

By Eppursimuove

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Early 19th century italian brass compass, for use on the plane table surveying. Signed: “Cittelli f. in Milano “ Pasquale Cittelli was a skilled surveying instrument maker in Milan active in Milan in the first half of 19th century, he made wide range of surveying instruments but very few was preserved until today. He is mostly knew from Italian surveying instruments collectors. Diam: 14 cm Feel free to ask for further information and details. Thanks Read More...

23 Feb

2000 PAGES OF INSTRUMENTS — 50 TESSERACT CATALOGUES

By TESSERACT

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COMPLETE SET OF 50 LATEST TESSERACT CATALOGUES, American, 1998 – 2020. For sale are brand new copies of Catalogues #62 through #111, each containing 40 pages of early scientific instruments for sale, all fully illustrated, described, and priced. Included are all manner of unusual instruments of astronomy, microscopy, dialling, navigation, surveying, drafting, calculation, demonstration, experimentation, technology, surgery, diagnostics, dentistry, and ophthalmology. Read More...

23 Feb

DEFENSIVE DIVIDERS!

By TESSERACT

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WROUGHT IRON DIVIDERS / DAGGER, European 17th /18th century. Measuring 13-1/2″ (34 cm) overall, this rather primitive pair of dividers is well constructed, with a five-leaf hinge with pommel knob, twin tapering arms, and double hilt. It has a good “heft” for use as a dagger. Condition is good, apparently all original, noting some pitting to the surface. The application of the hilt to dividers, making them into a significant close range weapon, is well documented. For example, one Read More...

05 Feb

Fine and complete box of 19th century Italian scale with coins weights.

By Eppursimuove

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Fine and complete box of 19th century Italian scale with coins weights. 10 compartments with a total of 25 beautiful coins weights. ( plus six micro weights) In his original box externally lined with red brown leather, and internally lined with chamois leather The inside is lined with very nice goatskin leather. Box dimension: 18,5 x 10 x 2,5 cm All in excellent condition, normal signs of use on the box corners. Feel free to ask further information. Thanks Read More...

18 Jan

PORTABLE DUTCH CORN SCALE OUTFIT

By TESSERACT

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PORTABLE DUTCH CORN SCALE OUTFIT, c. early 19th century. This “Amsterdam corn scale” outfit, when assembled, forms a brass cylinder 3-3/8″ in diameter and 7″ tall (8.5 x 18 cm). The two halves form the weighing vessels, one for corn and one for weights. The 5-1/2″ long cut steel balance beam, with its brass hangers, would be connected to the vessels by chain or cord running through the guides along the sides. The original turned brass weights, of traditional Read More...

13 Jan

SINGLE ARM BALANCE

By TESSERACT

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SINGLE ARM BALANCE, Continental, mid-19th century. The finely grained hand-dovetailed walnut(?) case measures 9-1/4″ x 5″ x 3-3/8″ (24 x 12 x 8 cm) , with internal fitted drawer holding the case-mounting balance outfit. There is a turned brass pillar with steel assembly supporting the steel beam with its spherical brass counterweight and adjustable side weight. A double pan hangs from the far end. This unusual balance is in very fine condition, and has an interesting note of provenance Read More...

13 Jan

EARLY PORTUGUESE VOLUME MEASURE

By TESSERACT

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EARLY PORTUGUESE VOLUME MEASURE, probably northern Portugal, c. early 19th century. Carved from a single block of wood, with handle, pouring spout, and overflow notches, the vessel measures 4″ (10 cm) tall. Condition is fine, noting old deposits and a few worm holes. This vessel would have served as a secondary standard measure for liquids; when filled to the level of the two notches, through which any excess liquid spills away, it contains approximately 294 milliliters. The Portuguese system Read More...

13 Jan

RARE ITALIAN POLEMOSCOPE

By TESSERACT

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RARE ITALIAN POLEMOSCOPE, 1750, signed on a silver band, “In Galleria D.S. M.C. 1750.” Made of turned (probably tropical) wood, bound in (now quite darkened) silver, this optical instrument measures 1-13/16″ (47 mm) tall by 1-7/16″ (36 mm) outside diameter. It has viewing port and observation port, with internal oval glass mirror set at 45°. The other end is set with a circular plane glass mirror. Condition is fine except for considerable loss of silvering to the mirrors. In use Read More...