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Click here to subscribeA Victorian mahogany cased stick barometer and thermometer by Negretti & Zambra of London, with engraved ivory scale and vernier and mercury thermometer, contained in plain mahogany case with arched top and with turned cistern cover, 36ins high (lacking lower moulding and glass to upper part)
A Victorian rosewood cased stick barometer and thermometer by W.Gray, 16 Crooked Lane, London Bridge, with ivory scale and vernier, exposed tube and mercury thermometer, in plain rosewood case with split turned cistern cover, 36ins high, and one other stick barometer by Wyatt of Andover, with ivory scale and vernier, exposed tube and alcohol thermometer, in plain case with arched top and split turned cistern cover, 36ins high (ivory scale split) Note: Please be aware that according to CITES Regulations, it will be necessary to acquire an export licence to export this lot of ivory outside the EU. It will NOT be possible to export this lot of ivory to the USA.
A late 18th/early 19th Century mahogany cased stick barometer and thermometer by C. Gally, with silvered scale and vernier, exposed tube and mercury thermometer, contained in case with scroll pediment and turned cistern cover, 38ins high, and one other mahogany cased stick barometer by J. Pozzi of Oswestry, with silvered scale, in plain mahogany case with overhanging pediment and large rectangular enclosed cistern, 37ins high
An 18th Century Style Mahogany Stick Barometer, concealed mercury tube, gilt metal pediment with scroll engraving, twin vernier scale dial, later inscribed David Hubert London, turned and scroll column, turned cistern cover, 90.5cm high 06.12.17, Case with small scratches and minor chips, base with some small cracks, later inscription is rubbed, mercury tube looks complete with visible mercury.
A Russian Stick Barometer, signed G.Bielau, St Petersberg, late 19th century, exposed mercury tube with a single vernier scale dial signed, 94.5cm high 06.12.17, Pediment and sides with small chips and dents to edges, replaced dial screws, dial is discoloured throughout and needs silvering, mercury tube is complete with mercury visible.
A George III mahogany stick barometer by James Long, with a broken arch swan neck pediment, with an urn finial above a silvered dial inscribed 'J A S Long Royal Exchange LONDON', with an adjustable vernier scale, the banded trunk with a silvered thermometer scale, the base with a turned well cover, 101.5cm high.
λ A Victorian rosewood stick barometer by McLachlan & Son, with ivory dials and adjustable vernier scale (knob missing), signed 'MC LACHLAN & SON, 17 UPPER EAST SMITHFIELD', with a mother of pearl inlaid case, decorated with birds and foliage, with thermometer and a brass cistern, 97cm long.
A Directoire mahogany barometer by Chevallier, Paris, the case with a later moulded pediment above the silvered dial, signed 'L'Ingr Chevallier / Opticien du Roi/ Vis a vis le Marche aux Fleurs a Paris', with vernier scale, a thermometer to the right, above the plain trunk and rounded reservoir, 107cm high.
*A George III mahogany cased thermometer, the silvered dial with vernier scale and exposed mercury cistern, signed Nairne, London (with losses to case), h.65cm Condition Report / Extra Information Please note that this a thermometer, not barometer as originally catalogued.Timber to base appears to be poor replacement.Some staining to silvered scale.Tube good.Otherwise appears original and untouched.
A George III mahogany stick barometer , Milesio, Kendal, late 18th century, with architectural pediment above rectangular glazed door enclosing vernier scale calibrated in barometric inches and with the usual observations, beside an alcohol tube Farhenheit scale thermometer and signed by the maker to upper corner, the trunk with exposed mercury tube and domed cistern cover with inlaid bullseye to centre and chequer inlaid border, 97cm high
A 19th Century figured mahogany cased stick barometer and thermometer by Alexander Alexander of Exeter, with engraved ivory scale and vernier, contained in figured mahogany arched top case, turned cistern cover, 36ins high (small piece of veneer missing to case and case slightly damaged) Note: Please be aware that according to CITES Regulations, it will be necessary to acquire an export licence to export this lot of ivory outside the EU. It will NOT be possible to export this lot of ivory to the USA.
A mahogany cased dip circle (dip needle) retailed by F. E. Becker and Co. London, with silvered azimuth circle split into 90 degree quadrants and with locking mechanism to the right hand side, raised on a short lacquered stem and vernier scale, circular plinth and three adjustable feet, 26cm high, 15cm wide, 16cm diameter plinthF. E. Becker and Co. traded at 33-37 Hatton Wall, Hatton Garden (1900-1910), also 17,19,21, 23, 25, 27, Hatton Wall (1912-1920s) and Nivoc House, 17-29 Hatton Wall (1930s) London, England. Founded in 1872 and taken over by W. J. George Ltd. in 1897 but continued to trade under the original name until the 1950s, when it was renamed W.& J. George and Becker Ltd.Dip circles are used to measure the angle between the horizon and the earth's magnetic field (the dip angle).
A fine George III mahogany cistern tube stick barometer with hygrometer or Triple Weather Glass, by Benjamin Martin, London, circa 1760, the arched top case with leaf carved surround for the inset herringbone border engraved vernier scale with arched hygrometer scale above Fahrenheit and Reaumur mercury thermometer and signed B. Martin, London , the caddy moulded trunk with scroll carved edges to throat and exposed tube above hemispherical cistern cover mounted onto the scroll edged rounded base, 93cm high, 10.5cm wide, 4cm, deep Provenance: The Edwin Banfield Collection of Barometers, Dreweatts, Donnington Priory, Newbury, 4th September 2007, lot 62. Literature: Illustrated in Banfield, Edwin ºROMETERS, Stick or Cistern Tube' (Baros Books, Trowbridge, 1985) pages 58-59. Benjamin Martin worked 1756-82 and was a prolific writer on the subjects of science, art and instruments who launched a monthly magazine entitled 'General magazine of the Arts and Sciences' in 1755. He is thought to have been the first maker to incorporate a hygrometer into a barometer with thermometer and marketed the instrument as a 'Triple Weather Glass'. The hygrometer utilises a length of gut (which expands and contracts with variations in humidity) linked to a rack and pulley rather than the simple oat beard found on later instruments.
A fine late Regency mahogany and outlined bowfront barometerBy Anthony Pastorelli, LondonThe pediment with moulded cornice above bowed glazed panel, the silvered dial signed 'A. Pastorelli 4 Cross St. Hatton Garden London', and with vernier scale, the trunk with well-figured veneer, above an ebonised urn cistern, flanked to each side by a canted angle with chevron inlay98cm high overall. IllustratedThe Pastorellis were established in Cross Street in the first half of the 19th century.
A George III mahogany stick barometerBy Baptiste Roncheti & Co With a broken arched pediment above the silvered dial, signed 'Bap. Roncheti & Co. Fecit', with vernier scale, the trunk with a star inlay above a silvered thermometer scale, with turned reservoir cover below100cm high. IllustratedProbably Giovanni Battista Ronchetti, recorded at 15 High Street, Manchester in 1785.
the 4in. silvered dial signed APPS / Sole Manfacturer, 433 Strand London and inscribed as per title, oxidised brass vernier with hinged magnifier, the eastern scale in red, the western in black, complete with fitted lid – 4½in. (11.5cm.) diameter overallA similar example is held on loan by the Science Museum, London, Object Number 1876-771
with oxidised brass bell frame, polished arc with silver inset scale signed as per title, numbered 'X97' and inscribed maker JJ Grant & Son, Leith, vernier with quick release clamp and magnifier, mirrors, seven shades and wooden handles, contained in fitted box with three lacquered brass sighting tubes, eyepiece filter and mirror adjuster and Japanese test certificate inside lid and dated for 1936, securing hooks and drop handle – box 11in. (28cm.) square
the three-circle oxidised brass frame with polished arc signed as per title and inset with contrasting black composition inset with a white scale divided to 150º and stamped PATENT COMPOSITE ARC, braced index arm with vernier and magnifier, seven shades, two mirrors, pin feet and wooden handle, contained in possibly associated lined box with three sighting tubes, drop handle and securing hooks and trade label for 'Frederick Smith, Southampton' – 11in. (28cm.) wideApparently an unrecorded maker, it's not certain whether C.J. Kettlewell was the maker or an owner - no location or address has been provided as is usual for a maker and this form of arc is possibly unique at the time of writing. It seems to be an attempt at a time of transition from wooden instruments with their easier to read scales to all metal ones with silver scales which in time can be polished away.
with blacked brass ladder frame, polished arc signed as per title and numbered '7330', silver scale divided to 150º, braced index arm with hinged platform magnifier to vernier with clamp, threaded sighting tube port, seven shades, two mirrors, wooden handle with stand arbor, contained in fitted wooden box with complete accessories including six optic tubes, magnifier, screwdriver and adjusting spanner, the lid inset with owners plate inscribed 'J.W. Beatty' – 13in. (33cm.) wide
the three-circle brass frame indistinctly signed as per title, inset silvered scale divided to 160º, vernier to magnifier, two mirrors, seven shades contained in fitted box with three sighting tubes and filter – 9½ (23.5cm.) wide; together with a military pattern aerial viewer by R. Prior, in box (2)
A 14½IN. RADIUS VERNIER SEXTANT BY JESSE RAMSDEN, LONDON, CIRCA 1772, AND PROBABLY USED DURING CAPTAIN COOK'S SECOND AND THIRD VOYAGES OF DISCOVERY constructed in brass, signed on the lower cross bar Ramsden London, scale divided to 130º direct to arc, vernier inscribed G. Vancouver, braced index arm, index mirror with Maskelyne flap, sighting tube, four shades, secondary mirror on rear-mounted adjusting lever, wooden handle and brass pin feet (missing secondary mirror and part of sighting tube) – 17 x 17in. (43 x 43cm.) overallProvenance: Acquired unidentified 2005 from the estate of a retired R.N. officer in DevonGeorge Vancouver (1757-1798) joined the Royal Navy as a 'young gentleman' in 1771 and served as a midshipman on Captain Cook's second and third Voyages of Discovery (1772-75; 1776-79) during which he is recorded as using a Ramsden sextant. Promoted Lieutenant upon his return in 1780, he served on several foreign tours thereafter and proved adept at hydrographic survey work. Latterly given his own command he was sent on his own 'voyage of discovery' in command of the Discovery (1791-95) where he produced some of the most significant and accurate surveys of the Pacific and North West coast of America. Like Cook, he was sent off with a selection of instruments to test including no less than twelve sextants by various makers including Ramsden, Adams, Dollond, Troughton and Gilbert and which he reported agreed exceedingly well together upon his return. In Canada, Vancouver Island and the city of Vancouver are named after him, as are Vancouver, Washington, in the United States; Mount Vancouver on the Yukon/Alaska border; and New Zealand's sixth highest mountain. His final promotion was to Captain in August 1794 however, despite his impressive achievements, his work was never fully recognised in his own time and he died unmarried at Petersham, Surrey, on the 18th May 1798, his grave marked by a plain stone.Ramsden's Sextant for Vancouver, It seems Vancouver was not entirely satisfied with this instrument's error and wrote a stiff enough letter of complaint that Ramsden - who brooked very little criticism - responded with a robust defence of it to the Board of Longitude, claiming the error was no more than a ¼ of a minute of arc having re-tested it on Vancouver's return. As a midshipman on Cook's Second and Third voyages, he would certainly have taken many of the measurements recorded and possibly used them in conjunction with the trial 'sea clocks' sent by John Harrison to determine their location - an error of just 1 minute of arc equates to two nautical miles which would have to be compensated for. It would have been produced on Ramsden's first circular dividing engine of 1768 which, whilst representing a great leap forward in scale division, he himself found wanting mainly for ease of usage, and he had completed new updated engine in 1774, selling the first engine to a French collector. The instruments he would have sent for testing with Vancouver would have had smaller radii and therefore frames as this second engine could divide accurately and to a finer degree. The instrument offered here conforms closely to the example held by the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, believed to have been taken by Cook on his Third Voyage, item number NAV1236. , Literature: McConnell, A: Jess Ramsden (1735-1800) London's Leading Scientific Instrument Maker, Ashgate, 2007.
Ω A Victorian figured walnut mercury cistern tube stick barometer, with a silvered ivory Vernier scale and silvered mercury thermometer W. Heath, Optician, 4 George St., Plymouth, circa 1840 (lacking Vernier adjustment screw) Heath was working at above address from 1845 to 1865. Cites Regulations Please note that this lot (lots marked with the symbol Ω in the printed catalogue) may be s ubject to CITES regulations when exported from the EU. The CITES regulations may be found at www.defra.gov.uk/ahvla-en/imports-exports/cites
Large Double Prism Spectroscope, by John Browning, double prism model with two lacquered brass telescopes (original collimator absent), lacquered base with chasing, scale reading to one arc minute by vernier, signed 'John Browning London', in mahogany caseCondition Report:Two collimators added to this lot, together with a further telescope, see last 4 photographs
A Regency brass mounted mahogany mercury cistern tube stick barometer Bate, London, circa 1815 The ebony line strung case with swan neck pediment applied with cavetto projections to sides over circular slivered hydrometer engraved Moist Air/Dry Air to centre behind glazed cast brass bezel and rectangular glazed silvered brass Vernier scale calibrated in barometric inches and with the usual observations beneath engraved signature Bate, London to upper margin set behind hinged brass-framed glazed door, the caddy moulded trunk inset with large Fahrenheit scale mercury tube thermometer behind conforming brass-framed arch glazed door, the rounded base with moulded circular cistern and level adjustment screw to underside, 111cm (43.75ins) high excluding finial. The current lot is almost certainly by Robert Brettell Bate who is recorded in Clifton, Gloria Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851 as working from Poultry, London 1808-42 and then 33 Royal Exchange 1846-47. Bate was known as a maker of all types of instrument however was celebrated for his nautical instruments including marine barometers and latterly was appointed Instrument-maker to Her Majesty s Honourable Boards if Excise and Customs .
A George III mahogany mercury tube stick barometer Lincoln, London, circa 1800 With open triangular pediment over rectangular glazed silvered brass Vernier scale calibrated in barometric inches and with the usual observations beneath engraved signature Lincoln, London to upper right margin opposing spirit Fahrenheit scale thermometer to left hand side, set behind hinged glazed door with convex lower angles over chevron line edged caddy moulded trunk incorporating visible tube, the base with domed cistern cover applied to circular section, 97cm (38.25ins) high excluding finial. A Charles Lincoln is recorded in Banfield, Edwin BAROMETER MAKERS AND RETAILERS 1660-1900 as working from 11 Cornhill, London in 1763 then at 62 Leadenhall Street from 1791 until his death in 1807.
A Victorian pollard oak mercury cistern tube stick barometer Watkins and Hill, London, circa 1840 With swan neck pediment over rectangular glazed silvered brass Vernier scale calibrated in barometric inches and with the usual observations beneath engraved signature Watkins & Hill, Charing Cross, LONDON to upper margin, with fine moulded surround over ebony line edged burr veneered trunk incorporating Vernier adjustment screw to throat, the base with vase-turned cistern cover applied to rectangular section with level adjustment to underside, 98cm (38.5ins) high excluding finial. The partnership between Francis Watkins and Joseph Hill is recorded in Clifton, Gloria Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851 as makers of a diverse range of scientific instruments trading from 5 Charing Cross, London 1819-56.
A brass Bell Pattern No. 1 sextant Heath and Company Limited, London, late 19th century The elaborate bell-pierced frame with pivoted arm mounted with mirror opposing hinged magnification lens over aperture for reading the silver inset brass Vernier scale signed Heath & Co. Ltd., Crayford. London, and engraved with owner s name E.W. Sinclair. R.N., with two sets of hinged filters, brass sighting tube and wooden grip to rear of frame, the fitted mahogany box with various accessories and paper test certificate inscribed National Physical Laboratory, KEW OBSERVATORY... dated April 1904 applied to a maker s card to the interior of lid, the exterior with shaped brass name plate engraved E.W. Sinclair R.N. to top and ivorine plaque inscribed BELL PATTERN, No. 1, SEXTANT over recessed carrying handle to right hand side, the box 28cm (11ins) wide. The firm of Heath and Company was founded in 1845 by George Heath in Erith, Kent. He specialised in supplying instruments to the maritime trade as was succeeded by his sons Frederick Thomas and George William on his death in 1872. By 1900 the firm had expanded to become one of the most prolific manufacturers of nautical and surveying instruments and had adopted the 'Hezzanith' trade name; in 1926 the business was amalgamated with W.F. Stanley of London.
A George III mahogany stick barometer the rectangular silvered scale signed Stampa and Co Fecit with single vernier and spirit tube thermometer, enclosed by a hinged chevron strung door and with exposed mercury tube, the case with brass finial, architectural pediment, feather banded trunk and ring turned domed cistern cover, 98cm high
An unusual mahogany stick barometer, signed Bapst Roncheti, Fecit, circa 1800, broken arch pediment, concealed mercury tube with a single vernier scale, thermometer tube, hygrometer dial, barber pole stringing with crossbanding borders, turned cistern, 114cm high 31.07.17, Hinged door with small holes, signs of old damage around the door knob and with signs of glue residue, small scuff marks in places, dial is discoloured and with small scratches, later screws to secure dial, cistern cover appears to be later, mercury is visible in the tube.
An oak Admiral Fitzroy barometer, circa 1890, exposed mercury tube with a double vernier scale, thermometer tube, atmosphere tube, 116.5cm high 31.07.17, Case is slightly faded in parts, top side of the case with cracks, central brass mercury tube bracket is missing, metal plate broken to the case back which holds one of the vernier adjustment knob arbors into position, atmosphere tube liquid appears to have crystallised, tube with mercury visible.
A 19TH CENTURY MAHOGANY BOW FRONT STICK BAROMETER the silvered scale signed Dollond, London, with sliding vernier over twin set squares, hygrometer and mercury tube thermometer, with temperature recording marker, each with brass bezel, the case with ogee moulded cornice over a flame veneered trunk and half turned ebonised cistern cover flanked with diamond stringing to the canted corners, 100cm high
Ø A RARE 12IN. RADIUS VERNIER SEXTANT BY THOMAS LORKIN, LONDON, CIRCA 1810, the ebony 'Y' frame with inset ivory plates (one missing) and scale divided to 135º, braced brass index arm signed and inscribed Thos. Lorkin, 89 New Crane, Wapping, London, threaded telescope holder with swivelling pinhole sight, seven shades, two mirrors and pin feet (one missing), contained in original keystone box with loose sighting tube (old wear) -- 16in. (40.5cm.) wide, Thomas Lorkin worked between 1789-1834, but was at this address between 1805 and 1816. The frame seems dated for this period and was perhaps older stock which was signed later.
Ø A 9¾IN. RADIUS VERNIER OCTANT BY D. FILBY, HAMBURG, CIRCA 1840, the ebony frame inset with ivory maker's plate inscribed as per title and scale divided to 105º, braced brass index arm with vernier scale and clamp, threaded sighting tube port with swivel pinhole sight, five shades, two mirrors, and associated bone-topped pencil in cross bar, contained in keystone case with single tube -- 11¾in. (30cm.) wide,
Ø A 10IN. RADIUS VERNIER OCTANT BY CARPENTER & WESTLEY, LONDON, CIRCA 1850, the ebony pi frame with inset ivory maker's plate signed as per title and inscribed 24 Regent St. London, scale divided to 105º, lacquered brass braced index arm with vernier scale and clamp, sighting tube, seven shades, two mirrors, pin feet and handle (lacks case) -- 10in. (25.5cm.) wide
A 6¼IN. VERNIER SEXTANT BY CRICHTON & SON, LONDON, CIRCA 1860, with oxidised brass ladder frame, polished arc signed as per title, inscribed for owner W.H.W. Grove, R.N. and numbered '4400', silvered scale divided to 150º, vernier with magnifier, sighting tube with rack-and-pinion adjustment, seven shades, two mirrors, wooden handle and pin feet, contained in fitted keystone box of issue with accessories and trade label for 'T.S. & J.D. Negus' inside lid -- 12in. (30.5cm.) wide,
A 7¼IN. RADIUS VERNIER SEXTANT BY J.E. WILLIAMS, BRISTOL, CIRCA 1870, with polished ladder frame, arc signed as per title and inscribed Broad Quay, silver scale divided to 150º, braced index arm with vernier, clamp and magnifier, threaded sighting tube port, seven shades, two mirrors and wooden handle, contained in fitted keystone case with three tubes and retailer's label inside lid for 'Edwin Langford, Bristol' -- 13in. (33cm.) wide,
A THEODOLITE BY T. DUNN, EDINBURGH, CIRCA 1835, signed on the telescope as per title, constructed in lacquered brass with silvered scale and vernier scales with magnifiers, bubble level and compass, mounted on two-part convertible base for tripod attachment, contained in original fitted box with plummet, the box -- 11½in. (29cm.) wide
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