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Presentation binoculars in case, Royal Military College

A set of brass binoculars measuring 17.5 cms when adjusted fully out and 14.5 cms closed with objective lenses of 5 cms diameter. Engraved around the objective hoods, ‘Royal Military College, December 1890. Prize – Gymnastics. Gentleman Cadet G.G.I. Carmichael’. The black enamel to the binoculars is almost depleted. Dent to outer rim of one objective cell. The lenses are all damage free and the binoculars give a good, clear image. In fitted leather case with shoulder strap.   I do not always receive enquiries Read More...

EXQUISITE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY MONOCULAR

EXQUISITE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY MONOCULAR, English, c. third quarter 18th century, signed “Dollond, London.” Opening from 2-3/4″ to 3-3/4″ (7 to 9.5 cm) by single drawtube, the monocular is constructed of beautifully contrasting dark stained mount, green rayskin, silver bands, wood interior, and red leather stamped in silver with the most delicate, flowing flowering vines. It is a Galilean optical design, giving upright images, the 1-5/8″ diameter singlet objective having large light gathering power. Condition is excellent. It is a Read More...

FINE EARLY REFLECTING TELESCOPE

DIMINUTIVE EARLY CASE-MOUNTED GREGORIAN TELESCOPE, probably English, c. second quarter 18th century. The 8-5/8″ x 3-1/2″ x 2-3/4″ (22 x 9 x 7 cm) mahogany or rosewood case has oak bottom and beveled slide-off lid, plus inset brass mounting plate and beautiful brass escutcheon. The brass telescope assembly mounts to the lid, by tapered steel screw and turned brass pillar to altazimuth mount. The main tube is 7-1/4″ long and 1-5/8″ in diameter, fitted with spring-loaded speculum metal primary Read More...

HANDSOME ENGLISH MONOCULAR BY AN UNCOMMON MAKER

HANDSOME ENGLISH MONOCULAR BY AN UNCOMMON MAKER, third quarter 18th century, signed (stamped) on the drawtube “S. Iohnson, London.” Measuring only 2-3/8″ (6 cm) long closed, this little telescope is constructed in a wonderful combination of materials typical of 18th century fashion, with wood main tube bound in red-stained ray skin, card drawtube bound in green-stained vellum with stamped decoration, dark-stained  mounts, and internal diaphragm of wood. Condition is very fine, noting some (rather attractive) wear to the stain Read More...

MINIATURE GREGORIAN TELESCOPE

MINIATURE GREGORIAN TELESCOPE, English, c. third quarter 18th century. Measuring 7-1/4“ (18 cm) overall, complete with turned brass end cap, the instrument has bright speculum metal mirrors, two-element erecting eyepiece system, and external screw focussing to the secondary mirror. Craftsmanship is excellent, and it gives superb images even in daytime. The telescope is contained in its wonderful original shaped case of wood lined with green velvet and covered in black fishskin. Condition is very fine throughout, noting a bit of Read More...

FASCINATING EARLY QUADRANT

FASCINATING EARLY QUADRANT, English, mid-17th century. This very thin brass quadrant is 3-3/4″ (9.5 cm) in radius, hand engraved on one side, with practice engraving of several numerals and letters on the reverse. There is a circumferential quadrant scale divided every degree, for use in measuring the angular altitude of sun, moon, stars, mountains, buildings, etc., by sighting along the edge and reading against a little plumb line which would be suspended from the apex. Next is a calendrical Read More...

BRASS PERPETUAL CALENDAR / LUNAR CALENDAR

PERPETUAL CALENDAR / LUNAR CALENDAR, English, 19th century, made of brass 1-1/2″ (3.7 cm) in diameter. One side has a rotating disk marked “Day of the Month For Ever,” with a smiling sunface and a ring of month dates. This reads against a fixed ring of weekdays. The other side has a volvelle marked “Moon’s Age, Phases, and Southings,” with circular scales of twice-12 hours, date of the lunar month, and weekdays. An eccentric circle indicates fullness of the Read More...

LOVELY SHEFFIELD PLATE MINIATURE TELESCOPE

SPLENDID MINIATURE TELESCOPE WITH COMBINABLE EYE LENSES AND SOLAR CAP, English, c. last quarter 18th century, signed “J. Bleuler, London.” Constructed with tubes and fittings of Sheffield silver plated copper and brass, this little telescope opens from 2-3/4″ to 6″ (7 – 15 cm) with three drawtubes. The main tube is finished with black enamel over copper. Giving erect images, the optics are a greenish triplet achromatic objective, two swiveling eyelenses useable singly or in combination, and a slip-on Read More...

~INTERESTING GROUP OF DENTAL KNIVES WITH BONE HANDLES~

A nice trio of dental knives for root canals ??? gum surgery ???. Rounded bone handles, brass hilts and steel blades. All slightly differently shaped blades with curved ends and sharp points. Beautifully made and only 4 1/2 inches long. Read More...

Large C19 telescope by Frith, London: a classic naval 3-draw design

For sale is a naval style telescope with three draws, sunshade and bell-shaped eyepiece. Made and engraved by “Frith, London” it measures 90 cms when extended and is 2.5 inches (6cms) in diameter at the objective. The brass draws are in excellent condition, and both lenses have sliding gate type covers, with the objective cover being detachable. The main barrel has a wooden section, measuring just over 4 inches in length. The wood appears to be oak, with a Read More...

Title SPECTACLES. LORGNETTES AND MONOCLES

Well illustrated, handy guide to  dating Spectacles. UK Postage £1.00   40 pages  Read More...

Surgical set by Young – Edinburgh, C 1880

  A small surgical set by Young – Edinburgh, C 1880. The set consists of 9 scalpels with ebony handles and each scalpel has the company name on it. On the bottom, the name of the company is printed: Arch Young – 61 Forestroad & 58 North bridge – Edinburgh. The set belongs to Dr. Ralph Stochman. This set is in good condition and measurement case 19,5 x 5,5 x 3,5 cm. Look for shop information on www.vanleestantiques.com Read More...