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Georgian Twin Fusee Balloon Bracket Clock by William Smith London – Retailed by Percy Webster

For sale, a large mid-Eighteenth century twin fusee balloon bracket clock by William Smith of London and retailed by Percy Webster. This early and beautifully imposing example is comprised of an ebonised continental style case set upon a thick brass surround at the base and four well-proportioned brass ogee bracket feet. The hips of the case have an open section either side adorned with fine gilt brass filigree type inserts representing the Louis XIV sun god motif contrasted with striking Read More...

Small Georgian Cased Library Telescope on Stand by Matthew Berge London

For sale, a rare Georgian mahogany cased library telescope of small proportions by Matthew Berge, London. Comprised of a 17” main barrel and a 2” inch objective lens, this unusually small and powerful library telescope has a separate 6” eyetube which is fitted to the end and is focused by means of a knurled brass screw operating a short secondary barrel contained within the main body. The top of the main barrel is engraved, Berge London, Late Ramsden. The tripod is Read More...

Early 19th Century “Withering cylindrical type” simple microscope

The case is a pasteboard cylinder covered with red leather.  The instrument is made from three discs of brass separated by two pillars.  The lowest disc is the base and the pillars between that and the stage carry the concave mirror direct.  The stage has a stepped opening carrying a live box.  The lens carries three screw-in simple lenses, usable separately or together.  Measurements: 9cm, diam.: 4cm – case: 9,7cm, diam.: 5cm    Feel free to ask for further informations and photos. Thank you. Read More...

Green Cupping glass, C 1820

A early 19th C dark green hand blown leech jar. Diameter 8 cm and 5,5 cm high. In mint condition. Look for shop information on www.vanleestantiques.com  Read More...

Very Large Victorian Aneroid Barometer by Blake & Son of London & Gosport

For sale, a very large Victorian Marine Aneroid Barometer to Blake & Son of London & Gosport. Comprised of a 12” painted, ceramic dial with a circular divided scale for 26 to 31 inches of barometric pressure. The outer circumference is decorated with lavish script with red accented colours outlining standard weather indications and stating, ‘Aneroid Barometer’ at the base. The centre of the dial is decorated with a geometric pattern with the company name of Blake & Son – London Read More...

Optical Cabinet by Benjamin Martin (Retailed by Jones), Ca. 1770-1780

For a concise description of Martin’s later pocket microscopes and his optical cabinets, including this one, please refer to my collection’s page: https://www.microscopehistory.com/martin-signed-dollond  The parallels to the 18th-century drum microscope are all related to Benjamin Martin, though most are unsigned. Most of the parallels to this microscope are found in the optical compendia made and advertised by Martin from about 1750 as a Cabinet of Optical Instruments. There, this microscope accompanies scioptic balls and telescopes. Therefore, while the telescope is Read More...

Ca. 1700 set of bone slides for the original screw-barrel microscope by James Wilson

Box with eight small three-cell bone slides. Read More...

A Pair of Large Proportional Dividers with Fine Adjustment

A pair of unsigned proportional dividers with fine adjustment Read More...

War Department Large Proportional Dividers

A pair of large proportional dividers with spare set of point and screwdriver. Rack and pinion adjustment length 12 inches Read More...

Good Part Set of Drawing Instruments with Three legged Dividers

A good cased part set of drawing instruments unsigned but possibly Troughton and Simms. Case in good condition with original key and green plush velvet interior, noting brass key plate missing. Bottom tray empty Read More...

Lot 19th-century microscope parts and accessories

Items include parts of an 1840s drum microscope, condensers, substage and supra-stage prisms, Nicol prisms, shutter discs, livebox, and more. Read More...

Regency Period Cased Telescope on Stand by Joseph Smith of Royal Exchange London

For sale, a Regency period cased telescope on stand by Joseph Smith of Royal Exchange, London. This fine example consists of a three draw achromatic telescope with a 1.5” objective lens and original dust cap, a mahogany barrel and dust slide to the eyetube. The telescope measures, 77cms extended and 25cms closed and is engraved for the maker, J Smith, Royal Exchange, London to the first draw. The accompanying tripod is cleverly designed in three parts in order to maximise its Read More...