UK and Ireland Archives

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With the exception of some sticky residue on the top of the base, this instrument is in amazing condition for it’s 150 year old age. Standing 11 inches tall (14 inches fully racked), the bright golden lacquer is 95% intact. Having an unusual factory stage insert (for opaque/mineralogical? work), the stage clips are extra deep to accomodate this blank insert sitting atop the the original with Abbe-type substage with iris. Flawless operation of all components. Perfect double sided mirror, fine Read More...

07 Mar

Weighing Coins by Michael Crawforth

By Fletcher

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The only book available on ‘English folding Coin balances of the 18th and 19th Centuries’ I have 200 copies of this book so priced at give away £5 each, with discount for multiple copies. Published by Cape Horn Trading Company Ltd. in 1979. Read More...

06 Mar

PACKING AN ASTRONOMICAL INSTRUMENT: WOMEN TAKE CHARGE

By Boris Jardine Rare Books

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EPPS, James (1773–1839) Autograph letter signed, to John Lee (1783–1866), giving details of the packing up of an astronomical instrument to be sent to the Cape, 9 July 1839 3pp., bifolium; 188 x 231mm (folded) A highly unusual and digressive letter, from James Epps assistant astronomer to John Lee, giving details of how to pack an instrument to be sent to the Cape of Good Hope, a matter in which Epps’ wife has the final say. Epps was a self-taught astronomer, who became Read More...

06 Mar

Neptune observed by its discoverer, Cambridge Observatory MSS

By Boris Jardine Rare Books

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COUCH ADAMS, John; GRAHAM, Andrew [University of Cambridge Observatory], a small archive of original manuscript observations from the University of Cambridge Observatory, 1866-1867 Various paginations; three sets of observations Very good condition, with only minor age-toning to the paper Including observations of stellar occultation, the diameter of the Sun and Jupiter, and the position of various planets, notably including Neptune, of which Adams was co-discover in 1846. Another set of observations of a comet uses the famous Northumberland Equatorial telescope, which is Read More...

06 Mar

OBSERVING THE FIRST ‘NEW’ PLANET SINCE THE DAWN OF HUMANITY

By Boris Jardine Rare Books

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GOODRICKE, John (1764–1786) Autograph letter signed, to to Nathaniel Pigott, ‘M[inster]. Yard’, [York] (18 December [1782]) 2pp., bifolium; 159 x 200mm (open). A delightful letter by the young astronomer John Goodricke, instructing the father of his close collaborator Edward Pigott on the observation of the newly discovered ‘Georgian Star’, i.e. Uranus. Through 1781 the astronomical world had debated the nature of William Herschel’s newly observed ‘comet’ – or could it be a new planet? (Herschel even speculated that it might be ‘a Read More...

04 Mar

A large and brass pantograph By Elliott, circa 1830

By Le Zograscope

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A large brass pantograph by William II Elliott, signed “Wm Elliott 227 High Holborn London”, circa 1830-833. William II Elliott was active between 1804 and 1849 but was only at 227 High Holborn for a few years between 1830 and 1833. A pantograph is a drawing instrument used to reproduce a pattern to an exact scale, enlarged or reduced. This model is absolutely complete with all its parts, accessories and especially its 6 wheels. A handwritten note, apparently autographed by Elliott, inside Read More...

04 Mar

A cased Large Best microscope by Smith & Beck, circa 1859

By Le Zograscope

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A large compound microscope, called “Large best” microscope signed “Smith & Beck 6, Coleman St. London” and bearing the serial number 2064. According to Beck’s archives, this microscope was sold to the English pharmacist William Dickison in 1859. Very good example coming with a large box of accessories and various optics. Everything is preserved in its large mahogany travel box with brass handle. Impressive and heavy instrument. Read More...

01 Mar

A large 10inch/24,5cm proportionnal dividers by Dollond, circa 1760-1770

By Le Zograscope

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A very good example of a quite large and cased English proportionnal dividers measuring 10inch/24,5cm lenght signed “Dollond London” and datable around 1760-1770. The proportionnal dividers is divided with three lines for circles, planes and lines. It is stored in its original fishskin case measuring 26,5cm lenght (a little damage inside the case). A rare example of its size. Read More...

28 Feb

Antique Smith & Beck Student Model Monocular Brass Microscope – circa 1854, Cased

By Arcboutant Scientific

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Offered for sale is a collectable example of a mid-sized antique monocular brass microscope by quality makers Smith & Beck of London. The instrument is numbered 862 and bears the details of its makers Smith & Beck and their address at 6 Coleman Street, London on the optical tube. Examination of the Smith & Beck delivery book available on the Quekett site gives the exact date of manufacture and its first sale as 1st July 1854 and I’ve Read More...

26 Feb

Two day marine chronometer by Thomas Mercer

By Hatchwell Antiques

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Two day marine chronometer by Thomas Mercer Ltd, St. Albans, England, circa 1966. 4 inch silvered roman dial, minute tracking, and power reserve in 8 hour increments. Serial number: 25812 Dial signed: Thomas Mercer Fusee movement. Mahogany 3 part case with brass gimble, handles, and mounts. Locking arm and tipsy key. Case with brass retailer’s label: C.L. Malmsjö & Co. of Gothenburg. Felt lined mahogany deck box with leather strap. (29 x 26 x 22 cm). Height: 17.5 cm. Width: 19 cm Depth: 20 cm. Thomas Mercer Ltd: established 1858 makers of chronometers, Read More...

24 Feb

Silver octant

By Scientific Inspirations

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A silver octant crafted from solid silver with hall marks. 100 grams. 15 cm x 9 cm. For decorative use. Read More...

23 Feb

Surgical travel set By John MILLIKIN C.1800

By Antiques Le Saint Georges

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Surgical travel set By John MILLIKIN C.1800 Mahogany set with surgical saw , knife and scalpels and surgical instruments Read More...