Archives

EARLY ELECTRICAL EXAMINATION LAMP ON ARTICULATED ARMS,

EARLY ELECTRICAL EXAMINATION LAMP ON ARTICULATED ARMS, English, c.1925, signed in three places “Down Bros., London.” This wall-mounting lamp extends from 14″ to a maximum length of 27″ (35 -69 cm), and is constructed of solid brass with a silver wash. Parallel-motion arms allow it to be raised or lowered, and locked in position by a spring loaded finger with rachet stops. It further swivels against the wall mount, and the always-horizontal lamp arm swivels at its mount. There Read More...

EAR TRUMPETS AND SPEAKING TUBES

EAR TRUMPETS AND SPEAKING TUBES (clockwise from upper left)   “MISS GREENE’S HEARING HORN,” American, c. 1900, by E.B. Meyrowitz, Optician, 104 East 23d Street, New York, so signed on the original box label. Constructed of black japanned “tin” (steel, actually), the “Audiat” assembles in two parts to a length of 18-1/2″ (47 cm). It is a banjo-style ear trumpet, which collects considerable sound with its 5-1/4″ diameter bowl. Condition is fine noting minor losses to the finish, and some to Read More...

4 lbs cast iron bar weight

A square waisted 4 lbs imperial cast iron weight.  ex. Monmouthshire.   Read More...

LE CAT’S FORCEPS FOR EXTRACTION OF LARGE BLADDER STONES

LE CAT’S FORCEPS FOR EXTRACTION OF LARGE BLADDER STONES, English, mid-19th century, signed twice “Weiss, London.” Measuring 11″ (28 cm) long overall (minimum), these lithotomy forceps are made of grey steel with a shaped ebony handle. The ingenious linkage permits one to set the maximum opening by long screw, and to independently set and lock the forward opening, the “overbite” of the jaws. Both jaws are smoothly convex on the outside, and concave on the inside, the smaller relatively Read More...

5 ft bronze imperial dipstick

A 5 foot A 5 foot bronze imperial measure dipstick, with 4 inch graduations, wall mounted on a mahogany backboard. Length: 152.5 cm. – 60 inches. Read More...

17th CENTUIRY HOROLOGICAL COMPENDIUM IN SILVER

HOROLOGICAL COMPENDIUM IN SILVER, probably English, c. 1663, standing 3-3/16″ (8 cm) tall when assembled. Constructed of silver (with some internal fittings of heavy silver plated brass), the compendium disassembles somewhat as a “penner,” into five components: (1) a tapered eight-sided body very finely engraved with two columns of “Dayes” from 1 to 31, and twelve columns of repeating sequential day letters “a” through “g”,” one column for each “31-day” month of the year. Three internal holes in the Read More...

Pantochronometer or pocket Sundial/Compass.

The patent Pantochronometer is a pocket Sundial/Compass that can be used to tell the time all over the world, C 1895. The base has the instuctions on it which are just about readable, see pic 4. Case looks to be sycamore and has a lovely patina, with no splits. The compass works well on a level surface. The face/dial is still clear and does not appear to be faded. The thin glass dome is in tact. Diameter 5,5 cm. Look Read More...

Fortin type barometer by Philip Harris Ltd, circa 1950.

A Fortin type barometer in glazed oak observation case by Philip Harris Ltd of Birmingham. Circa 1950. Maker’s label to top of case door Case height: 134.5 cm. – 53 inches.  The Fortin type barometer is named after Jean Nicolas Fortin (1750–1831) a French maker of scientific instruments, he introduced this highly accurate design of barometer in the late 18th century. Read More...

UNUSUAL HORIZONTAL DIAL

UNUSUAL HORIZONTAL DIAL, English, 1789, signed “Onions, 1789, Lat. 51°30′.” The 3″ x 4″ (8 x 10 cm) brass dial is set into a tabernacle-shaped fruitwood carrying case, complete with early handwritten equation of time table. The brass dial itself is beautifully executed, the folding gnomon pierced and engraved with floral design, the chapter ring divided every five minutes, the inset compass surrounded by engraved vines and flowers, the glazed compass itself with engraved brass compass rose and finely Read More...

TRAVELLER’S COMPENDIUM WITH SUNDIAL

TRAVELLER’S COMPENDIUM WITH SUNDIAL, English, c.1840, signed “T. Staight, London.” The 2-3/8″ (6 cm) diameter turned disk supports a circular mercury thermometer with Fahrenheit and Reamur scales, and a fine floating gnomon compass / sundial, glazed with a carved  surround. Condition is very fine but for a crack in the glass; it is complete with the original domed wood case bound in red Morocco leather. The maker, Thomas Staight, gained his freedom in the fanmaker’s guild in 1828, and Read More...

Telescope & tripod – Spencer, Browning & Rust.

Single draw long marine telescope with mahogany taper barrel, signed, ‘Spencer, Browning and Rust’. They worked from 1784 – 1840. Fully extended it measures 48″ (122 cms) and 38″ (97 cms) when closed with a main lens diameter of 2″ (52mm). It gives a fine sharp image when viewed through with a power of 25 x. The telescope is mounted on an oak tripod.   I do not always receive enquiries due to difficulties with  my server so please feel free to Read More...

FOUR-SUNDIAL COMPENDIUM

FOUR-SUNDIAL COMPENDIUM, English, c. second half 17th century, signed “Phil. Edwards.” Constructed of fine boxwood, this unusual diptych compendium measures 4″ x 4-1/4″ x 1″ (10 x 11 x 2.5 cm) closed. Surface Ia is divided, every quarter hour, with a twice-12 hour scale full circle, and would work in summer, when the sun is above the plane of the equator, with a central straight pin as gnomon. Surface Ib is again divided, half-circle, from 6am to 6pm, functioning Read More...