Dollond
/ London 45" Leather Barrel Telescope w Queen Anne Brass Folding Tripod Base
What a graphic and commanding looking instrument this is!!
Dollond is the most widely known and well respected
English maker of telescopes and spyglasses in the 18th & 19th century.
The firm was begun in the mid 1700's and the original owner, John
Dollond, is
credited with the development of the Achromatic Lens which solved problems associated
with colors being off in earlier optical telescopes. You can find a much
more detailed explanation of that idea / patent and development here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_telescopes.
I found one site on the internet having to do with Lewis & Clark, and it
mentioned that Thomas Jefferson had a similar telescope by Dollond, and that it
made the trip cross-country with the Lewis & Clark expedition in 1803.
The Smithsonian has a short history of the firm and the various Dollond family makers. They have a couple of their instruments, but no telescopes like this on brass Queen Anne tripod bases. Here is a link to that information. If it does not work just paste the address into your top browser window. http://americanhistory2.si.edu/collections/surveying/maker.cfm?makerid=10
The telescope is 45" long without the tailpiece. Overall on the Queen Anne style folding brass tripod base this Dollond telescope stands approx 16" tall. This
telescope can be used with or without the tailpiece as it is designed to
erect the image for use on land or sea. Without the tailpiece the image
appears to be inverted as is typical with celestial telescopes even today.
The first section of the tailpiece is a different color from the rest as though it has been buffed or
the lacquer has worn off.
There is one eyepiece with a very dark lens and another with a clear lens.
There are holes in the box for three lenses. The leather covering on the telescope barrel is in nice condition noting a few nicks, dings and some cracking. The makers name, Dollond / London is marked at the end of the tube on the brass fitting. I could find no info on a time line for dating this from that marking, but other aspects indicate it is from the first quarter of the 19th century.
The telescope is in a fitted mahogany dovetailed box. It has a label from the well known American Surveying Instrument maker and dealer in surveying and scientific instruments, Richard Patten of NY. Patten first opened his shop in 1813 in NY as an importer and dealer in charts, maps, and imported instruments before starting to offer his own line of instruments. He is only lasted in NY until the 1830's. I assume that this is the period that this telescope dates from, approx 1813 to 1830. Here is the Bio and write-up on Richard Patten that can be found on the Smithsonian site. http://americanhistory2.si.edu/collections/surveying/maker.cfm?makerid=21 If the link does not work just paste the address into your top browser window.
This Dollond Telescope came from an old time estate here in the Western states and has been in the same family for as long as they could remember. This telescope is fresh to the market and deserves a place in a collection and to be prominently displayed. It is a wonderful piece of history.
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C-PD-TELE-1
Good ++. . . . . $3495.00 SPECIAL SALE PRICE . . . . . . .$2495.00
19th Century Ebony Sextant / Octant / Quadrant
This interesting maritime or nautical navigation aid dates from near the turn of the century
or before.
It is housed in a close fitting Mahogany box that is in nice condition.
I believe the proper term is Octant but they are often called a Sextant, or Quadrant.
The body is ebony with ivory or bone inserts for the scales. It is
unmarked as to Maker or origin and could be either American or English.
Nice!!
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GM-SEXT
Good + . . . . . $995.00
Circle
Frame Sextant / Octant / Quadrant w/ Several Scopes
This interesting maritime or nautical piece dates from near the turn of the century.
It is housed in a close fitting Mahogany box that is in nice condition.
I am not sure if the proper term is Sextant, Quadrant or Octant. The
label inside the top indicates that it is a sextant, and that it was
calibrated, or certified by the National Physical Laboratory back near the
turn of the century. I believe it is English, but I see no maker ID
anywhere. Note the swinging magnifier over the outer scale when
viewing all th4e pics. All in all a nice condition piece of Maritime history
that will display even better w/ a lite cleaning.
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GM-SEXT
Good + . . . . . $495.00
Trippensee
Planetarium The Trippensee
Co. was formed just after the turn of the century and they made these for a
number of years with some minor changes that allow dating them. Those with
maple wooden parts like this one are considered first models.
Later ones had ebonized wooden parts, and those made after WWII had plastic
parts. This Trippensee Planetarium is in overall Good + original condition
noting one small dent in the brass sun.This tellurian by Trippensee is geared and chain driven. The earth is represented with a terrestrial globe that rotates at the end of the maple arm. The three-inch terrestrial globe was manufactured by Rand McNally and copyrighted 1891; it is also marked with the Trippensee name. There is a black-and-white painted wood representation of the moon that revolves around the earth when the long arm is moved. All of this is chain driven. The second small object that revolves around the sun is said to be a representation of Venus. I had to read about that as I did not remember from school the sun having its own moon.
The entire assembly is mounted on a turned maple post, mounted to the weighted brass base. It has a circular zodiac dial as well. The maker’s label with the company name, location, and patent info is on the arm. There is also a small compass inset into the arm. When turned by hand using the small metal post under the arm, the earth moves around the sun, and the earth, moon and Venus rotate in unison. I am not sure if the 7000 year young Earther crowd accepts this representation as fact, or if Trippensee or some other outfit makes another version for them where the sun revolves around the earth. Same concept from the same source of information, or have we moved past that part of the idea?
In addition to the educational benefits tellurians offer, they are also decorative, entertaining and make for a great display piece. This fine early 20th century scientific teaching aid is very hard to find and will make for a great display piece today!
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PTLND-TELER
Good + . . . . . . . $1695.00
Thomas Greenough 18th Century
Wooden Surveyor's Compass There are two possibilities about who made this compass:
1. It was made by Thomas Greenough about 1760 or
2. It was by the unknown successor to Thomas Greenough in about 1780. I am not certain
which is correct but either way it is an 18th century American compass. The compass measures 14 3/4 inches long and the compass has a 4 3/4 inch needle. On the inside of the cover is a very old glued paper label that says "Made by Thos. Greenough Jr. Boston May 8, 1738 mathematical instrument maker ... From the 1865 Edition of New England Hist. + Gen Register ..." Thomas Greenough Sr. and Jr. made compasses in Boston during the period beginning about 1730 to about 1780. There is a compass with this same compass card attributed to Greenough on pages 89 & 90 in Silvio Bedini's book, Early American Scientific Instruments and Their Makers. This same style compass with the same card can also be seen at the Smithsonian Site. There is also some further bio info you can read there.
The compass has no box, (probably never did) or staff / tripod. The sights are numbered in the old style to show which side of the compass they fit. The compass cover is original, and leather tie to hold the cover on the compass for transport is present. As you can see in the photos the compass glass is cracked but the compass has what appears to be it's original putty holding in the glass and the original compass needle.
18th Century American Compasses are a rarity and becoming ever more difficult to find. This is a nice example that will be the highlight of any important collection of early Americana. Recommended.
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MB-GC-1
Good + . . . . . . $2495.00 SPECIAL SALE PRICE . . . . . . . $2150.00
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Edmund Draper Surveyor's Compass
Edmund Draper was an early and important Philadelphia instrument maker, Edmund Draper (1805-1882)
apprenticed to Benjamin Stancliffe before going out on his own beginning in the early 1830's.
He is said to have made an accurate dividing engine at a time when on Young
also of Philadelphia had the only other one. He manufactured surveying compasses, some of which were fitted with telescopes, as well as some early transits.
It is unknown how many he made, but the Smithsonian site estimated that the
made approximately 28 instruments a year.
This compass plate is 15 inches long, with crossed spirit levels on the right
side. Both are full. The 7 inch sight vanes are attached with knurled
tumbscrews. There is a nice even patina, and this instrument has never
been cleaned or buffed. It look wonderful. The silvered compass face is signed in script "Edmund Draper Philada 375, Warranted". North is marked with
an unusual seven pointed star. The compass circle is divided in quadrants and marked in 1/2 degrees. The silvered face is fine and the glass appears to be original. The compass needle and clamp
work well. The 6 1/2 inch diameter, slightly domed compass cover is made of
heavy brass. Complete with original hand dovetailed walnut box. The
Heller & Brightly tag is probably a repair tag put there when this was sent
there for adjustment or a repair. Recommended.
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DK-D-COMP-1
Good + . . . . . . $1295.00
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W. & L. E Gurley Vernier Compass
w/ 6' Needle This Gurley single vernier
compass is an early example of the Gurley firms work. The Troy NY location is
at the top above the North Fleur d' Lei and dates this compass from pre 188 .
Gurley did not use serial numbers on their early instruments and it is sometimes difficult to pinpoint
the exact year of manufacture. This compass could date from the Civil
War era from its attributes.
The compass face is
silvered and hand engraved. The needle is 6" making this the largest
size compass Gurley offered. The needle swings freely and locks as it
should. The Brass cover is present and nice. Some minor
restoration works need to be done to return this piece to its full glory.
The Vernier adjuster & lock is missing from the left side. This would
consist of a threaded rod running through a ball nut that would occupy the
two holes on the left side above the vernier scale just outside the compass.
On the right side there is a missing level vial.
The box is nice with
some minor rubs and chips at the edges. The original owner has scratched his
name into the top of the box. It is not objectionable.
A Google search did not turn up any info on the owner, but he may have played
a part in dividing up the state just after the Civil War from what the consignor
has said. There is the remains of a label inside the top, but it has no
legible writing on it. Inside the box is the socket joint that would have
been used to mount this to a staff or tripod. The sight vanes are proper
and nice, and are edge marked.
All in all a
nice example of a hard to find early Gurley surveyors compass. It will
display very nicely in or out of the box and has a great patina and graphic
look to it. I have seen this model compass offered for far more
and the price reflects the minor restoration that could be done
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DE-GRC-COMP
Good . . . . . . $895.00
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W. & L. E Gurley
Surveyor's Plain Compass
w/ 6' Needle Gurley offered the
plain compass for general survey work. There is a single vernier scale
under the glass to mark off or read angles. The Troy NY location is
at the bottom below the South point and dates this compass from pre 1880.
There is not serial # and Gurley did not use serial numbers on their early instruments
prior to 1908. It is sometimes difficult to pinpoint
the exact year of manufacture although the features and the label in the lid
can be an indication of the general time period.
The needle
is 6" making this the largest size compass Gurley offered. The needle
swings freely and locks as it should. The sight vanes are present. The compass face is silvered
and there is some spotting with one stained area at approx 2 o'clock that was
cleaned to a point of some of the silver coating is worn through
there. The two level vials are full and OK.
The boxes exterior
was refinished at some point. On the left side there is a long sliver
of wood missing from the box. I have pictured this. There is a label inside the top that pictures the
Gurley office building. There is a site that has a series of these
labels pictured and assigns dates to them from when they appeared
in different year catalogs. The socket / knuckle joint that would
be used to mount this to a staff or tripod is present. The sight vanes are proper,
nice, and are edge marked. The swinging peep sights are present.
The mounting screws for the sight vanes are replacements as can be seen in one of the pics.
The missing sight vane screws could be remade and the compass face
re-silvered to make it even nicer, or this compass will display very nicely
in or out of the box just as it sits.
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SK-GPC-1
Good . . . . . . $795.00
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K
& E / Keuffel & Esser #5093A Alidade
This nice condition alidade dates from the 60's or 70's and saw little use in
the field. It was purchased at a time of changing technologies and
priorities and spent most of its like sitting on a shelf rather than being
used. The optics
are crystal clear, and the striding level is nice. There are spare
bubbles, the sunshade, screwdriver and more No issues or
problems other than the name of the school it came from written in the base
with an electric pen. Use it or
display it, it is a nice piece.
Please note, I also have several
Johnson Head Tripods and Plane tables listed on another page if
you are looking for those.
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CC-KE-ALA-2
Fine . . . . . $425.00
Gurley High Post Alidade
This dates from the 60's and saw little use in
the field. It was purchased at a time of changing technologies and
priorities and spent most of its like sitting on a shelf rather than being
used. The optics
are crystal clear, the striding level is nice as is the bubble level and
magnetic compass. The previous owners tag is still on the base and they
also
scratched their name into the base with an electric pen, but it is not
distracting. There are no other issues or
problems Use it or
display it, it is a nice piece.
Please note, I also have several
Johnson Head Tripods and Plane tables listed on another page if
you are looking for those.
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CC-G-ALA
Fine . . . . . $375.00
Wild
Heerbrug N-2 Automatic Level
This instrument was top of the line and cutting edge in
its day.. The Swiss maker
Wild / Heerbrugg produced some of the best known and widely respected
optical surveying instruments ever offered. This level dates from the 60's and saw little use in
the field. It was purchased during a time of changing technologies and
priorities and spent most of its life sitting on a shelf rather than being
used on the job. The serial # is 90887. The optics
are crystal clear, and all motions are operable and seem right.
The image is inverted. The previous owner did
scratch their name into the base with an electric pen. It is not
distracting. There are no other issues or problems A nice
piece for use or the collection.
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CC-G-ALA
Fine . . . . . $275.00
Gurley Wye Level This Gurley Wye level was sold as surplus from school
that either discontinued their engineering program or upgraded to more
modern instruments. It dates from the early 60's given the serial #
that starts with 61. The overall condition is excellent and it appears
to have led an easy life spending most of its time on the shelf and not in
the field. The optics are clear, and the crosshairs present. All
motions are free and I see no issues. It takes a 3 1/2 x 8 tripod, and
I have several designed for this instrument listed for sale on another page
at this site. It
will make a great casual user for layouts and the like, or be a welcome addition to the
growing collection.
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CC-G-WYE
Good + . . . . . $225.00
Small French Pocket Vernier Compass
w/ 4' Needle This small an simply
constructed single vernier
compass is marked France. This example is a couple sizes larger than
the smaller size typically seen. These can often be seen offered in
American tool and surveying catalogs as a second line of instruments for use
in the field. This example is in need of some restoration. The
glass is missing over the compass face, and the box needs to be rebuilt as
it is missing several side walls to the top.
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DE-FNCH-COMP
Good - . . . . . . $125.00
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K
& E #5293 Miners Compass / Dipping Compass
This dip compass is NOS and has just minor loss to the finish along the edges.
These were used as locators for all things magnetic, from pipes to ore.
There was a period when they dressed them up a bit, put handles on them, and
told the American public that they could find their riches using the one
they offered.
LCM-DIP
Excellent. . . . . $95.00
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Now
K
& E Miners Compass / Dip Compass
The body of this one is made of Aluminum. It is the same idea as
the other K & E compasses listed above.
SAZ-DIP
Good + . . . . $55.00
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Now
Darley Miners Compass / Dip
Needle w/ Extendable Handle & Case
Same as above, but with a handle.
AMN-DIP
Good + . . . . $55.00
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Now
Brunton Compass
/ Riverton Wyoming
This style of compass has been in production for a
number of years. It was so popular that they have begun to make repops of
it in brass marked different ways. There is a website that has a page
devoted to this sort of fake, and others that have appeared on the market.
This is a real one.
It is a later model, but real.
The housing is made of a composite of some sort. The rear hinge is cracked,
but solid for now. It is otherwise in good + condition but the leather case as seen has seen some days in the field. Nice
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SAZ-BRUNTCOMP
Good + . . . . . $95.00
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