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Early Victorian Bate’s Patent Saccharometer by Ludwig Oertling London

For sale, an early Victorian Bate’s Patent Saccharometer by Ludwig Oertling London. Contained within a mahogany case with a black felt fitted base and lid, this rare complete example is comprised of a brass saccharometer with scale marked 0 to 30. One side is minutely engraved with “Bates Patent” and the serial number 1354, whilst the other is engraved to the maker, L.Oertling, London. The loop at the base of the instrument is provided with a small hole for the Read More...

~FINE 5 GNOMEN SLATE SUNDIAL by RICHARD MELVIN~

A fine, untouched, 5 gnomen slate sundial by the renowned dial maker Richard Melvin c.1860. Signed Rich. Melvin, maker, London and Dublin, this 15 x 14 inch sundial has the main gnomen set at 54 degrees, 30 minutes N latitude-Belfast? (Brooklands. Belfast-owners location). J.T. Owden (1799-1867) ??? Although the original owners name (working on it) is obscured by Victorian graffiti, the dial is all original, uncleaned and with only minor scratches. Originally set in a bronze cradle, this was probably Read More...

C1860 POCKET BRASS MICROSCOPE WITH ITS ORIGINAL BOX IN EXCELLENT CONDITION, IMAGE GOOD

A RATHER UNUSUAL FIELD MICROSCOPE IN VERY GOOD FUNCTIONING CONDITION Read More...

‘Little Perspective’ telescope, English, c.1720

This stunning little telescope or ‘prospect glass’ is similar in design to the famous ‘little perspective’ advertised in John Yarwell’s late-17th century trade card. A similar example is held at the Science Museum, London, where it is dated c.1750 (inv. no. 1918-142). Little research has been carried out on this particular design, and an earlier date – potentially even late-17th century – is possible. Classical studies of early telescopes have tended to focus on astronomical instruments rather than small Read More...

Improved Stanhope Lens by Francis West of Fleet Street London

For sale, a William IV period improved Stanhope lens by Francis West of 83 Fleet Street, London. The Stanhope lens so called because it was considered to have been invented by Charles, The Third Earl Stanhope, is a simple microscope comprised of glass cylinder with two convex ends and which could be used for rudimentary scientific investigation. It was popularised due to its easy accessibility to the public in a period when microscopy was a growing phenomenon. Enclosed in a German Read More...

Whitehead torpedo gyroscope, Royal Gun Factory, dated 1902.

RGF Torpedo gyroscope, dated 1902. Gear stamped: W & Co (Whitehead & Co of Fiume), 541 RGF, (Royal Gun Factory), and 541 RNTF (Royal Naval Torpedo Factory).  Case stamped: RCD (Royal Carriage Department) 1902 and F.KING Papers signed & stamped: ENGINEER COMMANDER IN CHARGE HMS SOKOTO. And R.N. Torpedo Depot Longhope. In original brass fitted transit case used for winding and testing. With winding tool.  Case dimensions: Width: 26 cm. Depth: 23 cm. Height: 17 cm.   HMS Sokoto, a torpedo sub-depot ship, built in 1899 by Vickers. Read More...

Spectacle cases RIVET CASE SOLD

Three Steel Spectacle cases-dull steel finish=£100 each Copper Rivet spectacle case=£300 SOLD Read More...

Late 18th – Early 19th century telescope by Gilbert and Wright, London

As seen, provides sharp images Read More...

Interesting Bridges Phrenology Head Inkwell

Interesting Bridges Phrenology Head Inkwell.Stffoedshire pottery with white glaze and blue decoration, Sentiments delineated , numbered and labelled. Read More...

Opera Glasses

Gilt Metal opera glasses by Lemaire Paris in good condition, noting loss of silk to interior=£100 Pocket opera glasses by Busch Winett, brown painted metal with chamois case=£70 Frodsham patent opera glasses unsigned=£190 Aitchison Patent No.24883 with original leather case=£280 Read More...

~VERY GOOD ENGLISH COMPASS MICROSCOPE-CASED~

A very good example of a Georgian compass microscope with finely turned bone handle, removeable 5X lens, pivoting focus, blued steel forceps with B/W disc on end for opaque objects, fine optics from the biconvex lens, pleasing design. Sharkskin case included. 5 inches long (12 cm.). Minimal lacquer wear. Can be used to observe insects, flowers or aquatic/mineral samples. Read More...

~FINE ENGLISH BLOOD LETTING/CUPPING SET-SOLD~

A fine English (unbranded) fire bleeding and cupping set in an unusual decorative, cylindrical card case with blank name plate c.1860.  Consisting of a 12 bladed scarificator (as new), a large cupping glass, brass three part alcohol torch and a fine cut alcohol bottle, this set has never been used. The lacquer is intact (see photos), the wick never burned, the bottle never filled and the cupping glass never heated. The cylindrical case measures 8 x 4 inches (20 x Read More...