Archives

Stuart’s Marine Distance meter – Hughes, around 1910

Beautiful and complete Stuart distance meter made by Hughes in a mahogany box. The distance meter was used in convoy sailing or to maintain a safe distance in a hazardous situation. For detailed information on how to use the distance meter, see https://sextantbook.com/2012/07/13/a-stuart-distance-meter/ Date: around 1910HWL case: 5x20x12 cmSigned: Hughes & Son Ltd, London Nr. 7155Origin: EnglandCondition: in good and working condition, wear consistent with age and use More nautical instruments can be seen at www.archipel-img.com Read More...

Very rare Massey Harpoon log A1 – Massey, London, ca. 1890

From the 17th century onward people had made many attempts to devise a mechanical log which would automatically record the ships distance done. Edward Massey invented a mechanical log in 1802 with four blades which was used by the Admiralty from 1807-1815. When dragged behind the ship the log vin rotates and the revolutions were transformed in miles on the dials, to be read after the log was brought in. The design of Massey was further refined by Thomas Read More...

CLAY & COURT. THE HISTORY OF THE MICROSCOPE 1ST EDITION 1932

POSTAGE ARRANGED, FULLY TRACKED.  Contact Email:  [email protected] Read More...

~AN UNUSUAL VICTORIAN CAMERA LUCIDA-MAHOGANY CASED~

A good Victorian camera lucida in brass-unsigned but of the highest standards and with unusual construction features. The C-clamp and extension arms are of normal construction although the smallest extension is not demarcated.  The prism head is where the innovation is seen. A  flip-type sun filter of rectangular form in a brass frame with 4 screws, a pivoting prism  head by knurled nut and an articulating arm to the prism (flawless)  by a ball and socket joint (much as you Read More...

Down Bros Aspirateur

A nickel-plated brass Aspirateur du Dr Potain by Down bros Londen. The aspirator is used to treat pulmonary pathologies and to suction liquids or gases contained in natural or accidental cavities of the body. The set comes with a robinet (divider) and nine needles; two large trocars, three small trocars and three large with round endings. The syringe is signed ‘Down Bros Ltd makers London S.E.1.’ The set comes in a wooden case. There is a signed brand attached to Read More...

A large marine telescope in case – Fedele Primavesi.

A large marine telescope. The taper barrel is finished in black leather with lacquered brass collars, eye piece and lens cap. It measures 31.5″ long and 39″ with the draw tube pulled out, the tube signed, ‘F. Primavesi, Cardiff’. The main lens has a diameter of 2 & 5/8″ and gives excellent clear views. No dents, dings or chips. Everything is intact. Contained in a canvas covered wooden case which is lined with green baize and ( handle detached at on Read More...

Early 19th c. telescope – John Browning.

A three draw telescope with variable power pancaratic eye piece. It is heavily engraved  along the first and second draw tubes; ‘John Browning, London. Pancratic. This tube alone to be used for the purpose of adjusting the focus to suit the eye’. The second tube engraved, ‘High power. To be drawn out to the double line and the focus re-adjusted by sliding in the other drawer, only to be used in the day time, when the weather is clear’. Two John Read More...

Governor wheel – Fly wheel – Regulator – W. Waring (?), circa 1878

The spoked fly wheel is introduced in 1878 by W. Waring. Subsequently applied in large quantities by Walkers and others. This early hand-made brass item is possible made by Waring. Date: ca. 1878D: 22.5 cmSigned: not signedOrigin: poss. EnglandCondition: perfect with small signs of use More nautical instruments can be seen at www.archipel-img.com Read More...

Large Circular Protractor or Navigational Plotter – Chas. Smith, 1910

Remarkable navigational protractor with cross piece in a green baize lined mahogany case. With a 0-360 degree scale and four 0-90 degree scales in the quarters. Diameter 30.6 cm. Made by Chas. Smith, London and used by the War Department. Date: 1900-1920D: 30.5 cm (1 foot)Signed: C.S © Ltd. And B.033 – W10?VC/1320Origin: EnglandCondition: perfect More nautical instruments can be seen at www.archipel-img.com Read More...

Excelsior IV Ship-log with Rotator – Walker’s, Birmingham

A ship-log records the distance traveled through the water. With the time in hours between the observations, it gives the ship’s speed in knots.  This is a very nice set with clock, line, rotator, sinker weight, tin with oil and shoe in a pine case with labels and instructions for use in the lid. The log is fixed on a shoe at the stern of a ship. The recorder would have been connected with a line to the rotor at Read More...

Dollond spyglass with two-lens eyepiece and achromatic objective, circa 1780

A small telescope or spyglass, signed “Dollond London”, circa 1780. This telescope has is equipped with two objective lenses giving different power magnifications. The objective lens is achromatic. The tube is marked “1” and “2” depending on the lens used. The brass is scratched and has lost much of its original lacker but the optics work perfectly. The small telescope preserveds its screw cap. 11cm folded and 4.5cm in diameter.   Read More...

Silver plated marine telescope – Dollond.

Top quality marine telescope by Dollond, the taper barrel finished in Honduras mahogany. Length: 25″ closed, 30.5″ with the draw tube out. Achromatic lens of just over 1.5″. No splits / cracks / dents. Very clear to look through. It has the initials ‘C H’ engraved to the collar. Some wear in areas of the plating. Read More...