Dreweatts 1759
Lot 1022
Y A FRENCH WALNUT-CASED PART SET OF NAVAL ARCHITECT OR CARTOGRAPHERS DRAWING INSTRUMENTSE. LORIEUX, PARIS, MID 19th CENTURYComprising a heavy 16.5 inch hinged brass sector engraved with two opposing angled scales each marked for single units annotated in tens 10-600, the left upper margin inscribed (Les parties egales) and signed E. Lorieux, A Paris, No. 5 and the lower inscribed Depot des cartes et plans de la marine, the right-hand side engraved with initials E.F. over N. 5 and P.B., contained in a hinged polished mahogany case; a brass and steel draughtsman's protractor with radius divided for degrees and annotated in tens in both directions, with hinged arm pivoted at the centre incorporating Vernier scale and also engraved Depot des Cartes et Plans, de la Marine (10), E. Lorieux, A Paris and initialled P.B, E.F., both the arm and the base of the arc fitted with steel extension rules; two compass radius arms, the first with 42 inch boxwood beam fitted with steel sharp point set in a T-shaped mount engraved Depot de la Marine, 22 and P.B. over E.F. to verso, opposing a conforming sliding mount fitted with a loop for a pencil and engraved E. Lorieux a Paris, the second of similar design but smaller with 23.75 inch steel beam and signed ...Hurlimann a Paris over initials E.F. to mount; four ebony square-section straight edges; three various boxwood rulers; two steel rulers; and a boxwood set square, all contained in a solid walnut box inset with brass plate engraved E. Fichol to lid and with substantial hinged cast brass carrying handles to each end.The box 120cm (47.25ins) long including handles, 13cm (5ins) high, 26cm (10.25ins) deep. The firm Lorieux was one of the most important Parisien manufacturers of sextants and other maritime instruments during the second half of the 19th century. The business was established in 1845 by two pupils of the renowned instrument maker Henri Gambey; in around 1902 the firm moved from 43, Passage Dauphine, Paris, to 6 rue Victor Considerant. It was then taken over by Albert Lepetit, in about 1914, and moved to Montrouge at 204 avenue Marx Dormoy, before passing into the hands of Roger Poulin in around 1950.
