18th Century Scientific Instruments

Decorative and tactile, late 18th century mortar set. Mortars have been used for centuries by private people and by people in certain trades. In the kitche...

Antique 18th Century Diptych Sundial and Compass a portable wooden sundial with compass, of German origin, by David Beringer, Nuremberg, dating back to the 1780 circa, in good age re...

Ptolemaic armillary sphere Charles-François Delamarche Paris, ante 1798 Wood and papier-mâché covered with printed and partly hand-colored paper It measures 15.55 in in height x Ø 10...

18th Century Medical Syringe For historical medical use and dating from the 18th century, and certainly from the beginning of the 18th century. This hand-crafted example is made to...

"Rare 18th Century Equatorial Sundial And Compass By Johann Nepomuk Schrettegger," Rare 18th-Century Equinoctial Sundial & Compass by Johann Nepomuk Schrettegger, Augsburg Maker: Joh...

Pocket globe London, between 1775 and 1798 Re-edition of the globe of Hermann Moll (1678-1732) dated 1719 The globe is contained in its original case, which itself is covered in shark skin. There are slight gaps in the original paint on the sphere. The case no longer closes. The sphere measures 2.7 in (7 cm) in diameter whereas the case measures 2.9 in (7.4 cm) in diameter. lb 0.22 (kg 0.1) The globe is made up of twelve printed paper gores aligned and glued to the sphere. In the North Pacific Ocean there is a cartouche with the inscription: A Correct Globe with the new Discoveries. The celestial globe is depicted on the inside of the box and is divided into two hemispheres with the cartouche: A correct globe with ye new cons relations of Dr. Halley & c. It shows the ecliptic divided into the days of the zodiacal calendar and the constellations represented as animals and mythological figures. On the globe are delineated the equinoctial line, divided by degrees and hours, the ecliptic and the meridian (passing west of Greenwich). The continents are shaded and outlined in pink, green and yellow. It shows: the Cook routes; a wind rose in the Southern Indian Ocean; Antarctica without land; Africa with Negroland (Hermann Moll is considered the first geographer to name the West African region in his 1727 map. (Encyclopaedia Britannica, ed. 1902, under "States of Central Africa"); Tartary in Central Asia; the Mogul kingdom in northern India; in North America only New England, Virginia, Carolina, Florida, Mississippi are identified; California is already a peninsula; the northwest coast of America is "unknown parts" (Alaska is not described and it is only partially delineated, it was to become part of the United States in 1867); Mexico is named "Spain"; Central South America "Amazone America". Australia (which was to be so named after 1829) is called New Holland. The route of Admiral Anson is traced (1740) and the trade winds are indicated by arrows. (See Van der Krogt, P., Old Globes in the Netherlands, Utrecht 1984, p. 146 and Van der Krogt, P. - Dekker, E., Globes from the Western World, London 1993, pp. 115.) Elly Dekker, comparing Moll’s 1719 globe and his re-edition (of which the one described above is a sample), identifies the differences between them: the two editions are quite similar to each other, but in the "anonymous" globe, compared to the previous globe of 1719, California looks like a proper peninsula - the reports of the Spanish explorers of the region had given rise to uncertainty over whether it was connected to the mainland or not. The geographical nature of California was confirmed after the explorations of Juan Bautista de Anza (1774-1776). The routes of Dampier's journey were partially erased and the route of Captain James Cook's first voyage was superimposed on them, and the geography of Australasia was adapted accordingly, including the denomination of the Cook Strait. See Dekker, Elly, Globes at Greenwich, 1999. An important ante quem element is represented by Tasmania: it is not separated from Australia by the Bass Strait...

Ptolemaic armillary sphere Charles-François Delamarche Paris, ante 1798 Wood and papier-mâché covered with printed and partly hand-colored paper It measures 16.37 in in height x Ø 10.94 in (41.60 cm - Ø 27.80 cm) It weights 2.33 lb (1,058 g) State of conservation: consistent with its age and use, the paper shows some signs of use, stains and abrasions. The sphere is Ptolemaic, with the Earth placed at its center, surrounded by the Moon and the Sun mounted on two metal arms. The sphere is composed of six horizontal and two vertical rings (armillae), each bearing graduations and its own name. The first horizontal ring is illegible. The others, in descending order are: North Pole, Tropic of Cancer, Equator, Tropic of Capricorn, South Pole. The vertical rings consist of two double meridians. The sphere is then connected to the large meridian by two pins, a vertical ring inserted perpendicularly into the circle of the Horizon, in turn supported by four semicircles connected to the turned and black-stained wooden base. Each element is covered with printed paper. It contains various pieces of information: latitudes, length of days, names and zodiac symbols, calendar, wind directions, etc. The vertical circles mention the latitudes and longitudes of different cities: Rome, Bordeaux, Madrid, Boston, Batavia (Jakarta), Acapulco, etc. Even the small terrestrial globe is covered with printed paper: continents and oceans appear with numerous geographical markings indicating the most recent explorations. In the Pacific Ocean, west of South America bears the following inscription: GLOBE TERRESTRIAL à Paris chez Delamarche Géog Rue du Foin Jacques Au Collège de M.e Gervais The North American coasts are well delineated and California appears correctly as a peninsula - reports from Spanish explorers in the region had given rise to confusion as to whether it was connected to the mainland or not. The geographical nature of California was confirmed after the explorations of Juan Bautista de Anza (1774-1776). Alaska is not described and is only partially traced; it would become part of the United States in 1867. Various Pacific islands are indicated. Australia (the name definitely used from 1824) is called "Nouvelle Hollande." Tasmania is still represented as a peninsula and this is an important detail for the dating of our armillary sphere. The island is separated from Australia by Bass Strait, which was crossed by Matthew Flinders for the first time in 1798, showing that it was not a peninsula. Delamarche certainly would not have waited a long time to update such an important geographical datum: presumably he did so shortly after receiving the news. Charles-François Delamarche (1740-1817) founded his laboratory around 1770 and, in a few years, he became the most famous French cartographer and globe maker between the 18th and 19th centuries. After having acquired the laboratory of the late Didier Robert de Vaugondy (1723-1786; himself a renowned cartographer who continued the family business founded by his grandfather Nicolas Sanson in the seventeenth century) and after having purchased, between 1788 and around 1800, the businesses of Jean-Baptiste Fortin (1750-1831) and Jean Lattré (around 1750-1800), he began to call himself "Successeur de MM. Sanson and Robert de Vaugondi, Géographes du Roi and de M. Fortin, Ingénieur-mécanicien du Roi pour les globes et les sphères." Thus, at the end of the eighteenth century, Delamarche possessed the warehouse stocks, as well as the manufacturing skills of the globes of his main rivals in Paris. In addition to this aggressive acquisition policy, the key to its success also lay in the combination of high-quality cartography combined with extremely attractive globes and armillary spheres; and, of course, its famous red paint finishing touch. His laboratory was located on Rue de Foin St Jacques "au Collège Me. (or "Mtre") Gervais" in the Latin Quarter of Paris until around 1805, when he moved to rue du Jardinet No. 13. On the death of Charles-François in 1817, the reins of the company passed to his son Félix (1779-1835), who continued to publish, often in collaboration with the engraver Charles Dien, Sr. In 1835 the company first moved to rue du Jardinet No. 12 and a little later to rue du Battoir No. 7. Bibliography: Dekker, Elly, et al. Globes at Greenwich...

Rare Museum-level 18th Century carpenters tool, an antler hand plane, hand-carved to look like a lion. Signed with initials and dated 1791.

George III Mahogany Banjo Barometer By Edie & Son. Edinburgh Alexander James Adie FRSE MWS (7 November 1775, Edinburgh – 4 December 1858, Edinburgh) was a Scottish maker of medical ...

A late 18th century brass lacquered Culpepper design microscope by Adams, London in the original mahogany case. The two drawers contain a good selection of lenses and accessories. Th...

Antique mid-18th-century brass Gregorian refractor telescope, almost certainly made by James Short (1710-1768). Good condition, replaced eyepiece and missing lens, lathe rebuilt the ...

A fine 3" Gregorian telescope by Springer of Bristol, although signed this model is very similar to examples we have had by George Adams and could have been made by him for Springer ...

Celestial table globe Charles-François Delamarche Paris, 1791 It measures: 17.13 in in height, Ø max 27.7 in; the sphere Ø 7.09 in (h 43.5 cm x Ø max 27.7 cm; the sphere Ø 18 cm). W...

Exceptional 18th-century octagonal brass sundial, signed “Johan Schrettegger, Augsburg”, featuring a blued steel needle, a folding latitude arc engraved 10°–90°, and an engraved equi...

A fine example of a silver Butterfield type sundial in the original green shagreen case. The finely engraved dial has Premier cadran (first dial) engraved with the city names and lat...

A very handsome 18th century mortar and pestle hand carved from a solid block of wood. Sensational patina. A wonderful object for table top, bookca...

18th century English treen mortar and pestle hand turned and carved from yew wood with the rich and warm patina that only comes with age and use. Beautifully carved by hand from a si...

This is an antique three-draw telescope. An English,walnut and brass navigational or astronomical instrument by Lincoln of London, dating to the Georgian period, circa 1790. Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky. A fine and tactile example of Georgian optical craftsmanship Crafted with a striking walnut main barrel, displaying warm amber tones Walnut exhibits a fine grain pattern, with minimal wear commensurate with gentle use Features three smoothly operating brass draw tubes, with bright golden hues Engraved to the rear barrel with 'Lincoln, London' – a noted maker of the period Fitted with a push-type dust cover to protect the 40mm primary objective lens Bright, functional optics with a clear image – suited for both display and gentle use A handsome piece for the collector of nautical antiques or scientific instruments Supplied with a London Fine oak and brass 'Captain's Stand' for display Further enhanced with the original leather carry sleeve, in lightly time worn order Elegant and evocative, this Georgian telescope...

This is an antique kitchen mortar and pestle. An English, bronze apothecary or chemist's shop aid, dating to the Georgian period, circa 1780. Useful kitchen or apothecary aid from ...

A stunningly beautiful 18th century French gold gilt barometer is a weather instrument with mercury-filled glass thermometer still in working order...

Wooden pocket diptych sundial Ernst Christoph Stocket - type, Bavaria. A folding wooden sundial is partially covered in paper with engraved/printed decorations and text. A compass is...

This is an antique apothecary mortar and pestle. An English, bronze chemist's shop aid, dating to the Georgian period, circa 1800. Quality Georgian apothecary aid with superb finis...

Antique astronomy print titled 'L'inégalité des Saisons et des Jours'. Interesting print explaining why there is an inequality in the length of days and seasons. Source unknown, to b...

French Louis XVI (18th Century) barometer with original scientific illustrations and mercury vial framed with gilt foliate carvings & ebonized ...

This exquisite 18th-century French barometer, crafted in 1778 by Charles Desnioulin (Signed), is a true masterpiece of both science and art. The finely carved wood frame, adorned wi...

Nathaniel Hill Pocket globe London, 1754 The globe is contained in its original case, which itself is covered in shark skin. There are slight gaps in the original paint on the sphere. The case no longer closes. The sphere measures 2.6 in (6.8 cm) in diameter whereas the case measures 2.9 in (7.4 cm) in diameter. lb 0.24 (kg 0.11) The globe is made up of twelve printed paper gores aligned and glued to the sphere. In the North Pacific Ocean there is a scroll with the inscription: A New terrestrial Globe by Nath. Hill, 1754. The celestial globe is depicted on the inside of the box. On the terrestrial globe much of central and southern Africa is empty. North America bears only the name of some British colonies. It shows California as a peninsula and the northwest coast of America as "unknown parts" (Alaska is not described and is only partially delineated; it would become part of the United States in 1867). The route of Admiral Anson is traced (1740) and the trade winds are indicated by arrows. Australia, still named New Holland (the new name would be introduced in 1829), is part of the west coast. (See Van der Krogt, P., Old Globes in the Netherlands, Utrecht 1984, p. 146 and Van der Krogt, P. - Dekker, E., Globes from the Western World, London 1993, p. 115.) Nathaniel Hill (London, news from 1746 to 1768) had impeccable professional credentials: he had done his apprenticeship with Richard Cushee, who at the time was carrying out surveying work for John Senex's Surrey map...

Bronze Apothecary mortar, fitted with mortar pestle. Italy early 18th century.

This is a trio of antique mortars. An English, bronze apothecary instrument, dating to the William III period, circa 1700. Charming trio, ideal for decorative display or as planting...

A handsome French 18th century balance scale in iron and brass. The balance mechanism is in iron. The foot and the plates are in brass. The...

Exceptional portable sundial made of engraved ivory, a fine example of German craftsmanship from the 18th century, possibly produced in Nuremberg, one of Europe’s historic centers fo...

An elegant and extremely decorative French 18th century Louis XVI period giltwood barometer thermometer. The most decorative barometer thermometer retains its original glass pane enc...

Considered the first step into the world of modern photocopying, the copying machine was among the first widely used devices to successfully produce an ex...

Compass with pocket sundial, with case. Bronze. BUTTERFIELD, Michael (1635-1724). Paris, circa 1700. Pocket sundial made of engraved metal, with a gno...

An Italian and transalpine hour dial in paper printed on a fruitwood board. The base, in turned boxwood, has a wavy profile and distinct edge, at the top of which is mounted the rect...

Elegant portable brass sundial, finely engraved and signed “Menant à Paris”, demonstrating the precision and artistry of French scientific instrument making. This compact and beautif...

Fine 18th-century solid brass sector, signed Butterfield, Paris, dating from circa 1720–1750. A rare and fully authentic scientific instrument from the renowned Butterfield workshop,...

Travel pharmacy. Box in Mogano Sipo ( Entandrophragma utile ) wood and brass with recessed handles on both sides and a drawer on the front. The upper level opens, inside it there are...

English travelling apothecary made of mahogany Sipo mahogany (Entandrophragma utile) and brass with a rectangular base, a front drawer, an opening to...

Coloured wax anatomic model depicting an human organ: Thyroid mounted on black painted wooden base. Germany end of XVIII sec.

Sundial and compass with case. Bronze. SCHRETTEGGER, Johan. Augsburg, Germany, around 1800. Sundial with a polygonal shape made of bronze, engraved with plant elements on the front,...

A medical instrument. A brass screw clamp (dilator), with a rosewood handle. It consists of two symmetrical parts, each with a circular cushion element that continues with a cylindri...

Bronze Apothecary mortar, fitted with mortar pestle. Italy early 18th century.

ABOUT Antique wooden carpentry plane used to make trim and moldings. Shown with life size hand mold for scale. CREATOR Unknown. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1700s. MATERIA...

A rare antique finely worked French barometer with lyre shaped crest thermometer above a large hexagonal framed barometer. The Parisian décor piece is m...

Of typical form‚ the giltwood body centered by a circular barometer dial flanked by pillars ending in flame‚ above a thermometer flanked by foliate branches‚ surmounted by swags.

Late 18th century lacquered brass table telescope.

18th Century mahogany and brass telescope by Nairne & Blunt of London, having a mahogany barrel with a thumb wheel to the side of the main barrel, supported on a solid brass tripod s...

Sundial with compass and case. Bronze. BION, Nicholas. Paris, 18th century. Polygonal sundial with a bird-shaped gnomon and engraved triangular piece, which presents, on one side, ...

Exceptional German portable sundial, finely engraved and gilt brass, signed “J. Vogler”, and preserved in its original fitted case. Made in the 18th century, this exquisite instrumen...

- Collector's specimens - Lignum vitae is sought after for the beauty of its grain, coloring, patina, density and toughness Translated from Latin, vignum vitae means “wood of lif...

A GERMAN ANATOMICAL MODEL OF A PREGNANT WOMAN STEPHEN ZICK The woman with articulated arms, removable torso revealing internal organs, lying on a couch with cushion incised and modelled with simulated lace.On a later wood box. Stephen Zick was one of a dynasty of carvers active from the late 16th to the 18th century in Nuremberg, . Such models, as well as carved skulls, were conceived as teaching tools and were inspired by the drawings of Andrea Vesalius...

An exceptional late 18th century mahogany cased stick barometer by Dolland of London, The mahogany case of a very solid construction and with a superbly made turned mahogany cistern ...

Antique print titled 'A true Representation of sveral microscopes with some objects (..)'. Print of various microscopes, illustrating several microscope parts. This print originates ...

Stick barometer mounted on a mahogany board complete with vernier reading the variation of atmospheric pressure signed by Jesse Ramsden, end of the 18th century. Very good condition...

This is an antique mortar and pestle duo. An English, polished brass apothecary dish or decorative jardiniere pot, dating to the Georgian period, circa 1800. Dashing Georgian morta...

This is an antique mortar and pestle set. An English, bronze apothecary or chemist’s grinding aid, dating to the mid Georgian period, circa 1750. A fascinating early example, rich wi...

Johann Michael Bergauer (Simonsfeld, 1676 - Innsbruck, 1745 circa) Mechanical equatorial sundial Signed: Michael Bergauer Insprugg? Innsbruck? Ante 1745 Gilded and silvered brass; glass. Measures: closed 1.29 x 3.50 x 4.92 in (33 x 89 x 125 mm); open 5.19 x 3.50 x 3.81 in (132 x 89 x 97 mm). Weight: the sundial 0.49 lb (224 g); the case 0, 20 lb (95 g) Original wooden case covered in brown leather. State of conservation: very good. It has some signs of use. The spring that allowed for the two parts of the instrument to remain open is missing (absent even in the comparative specimens kept in museums). The sundial is composed of two overlapping plates hinged together on the north edge. The base plate is octagonal and is supported by three turned legs. The upper face is gilded and a compass with a magnetic variation index has been inserted. The rest of the surface is occupied by a rich decoration of engraved scrolls, centered around the inscription “Michael Bergauer Insprugg”. A foldable oval support with a plumb-bob is attached with a hinge on the southern edge. On the reverse of the base plate a table of the latitudes of some European cities (expanded with the vertical writing “Meiland 40” on the edge and “Rome” deleted) and of Jerusalem has been engraved. A Cam marked for 0 °-70 ° is applied near the northern edge. This can be adjusted to change the inclination of the upper plate according to the latitude; originally a spring, now lost, made it possible to keep the two plates of the clock open. The second plate is round, has a toothed edge and measures 3.26 in (83 mm) in diameter: it is slightly smaller than the octagonal base which it rests upon and overlaps when the instrument is closed. The recto is gilded and there are three concentric graduated circles engraved on it: - the outermost is the equatorial hour dial, numbered I-XII, I-XII; - the second-one is that of days 1-30 of the lunar month and has “Aetas lunae” engraved on it; - the third, silvered, is a subsidiary hour dial, with double numbering 1-12; originally it could have been rotated. The engravings of the first two circles are enameled in red. In the center - on the polar axis - there is an alidade, at the end of which is associated the silvered minute dial. This, in turn, is welded, perpendicularly, to a small disc, also silvered, with a triangular gnomon. The plate, alidade and minute dial are connected to each other by toothed mechanisms. Below is the procedure for measuring the time: 1) Adjust the Cam under the base of the clock, based on the latitude of your location; 2) Place the watch on a flat surface using the plumb-bob and with the side closest to the compass facing south; 3) Keeping the instrument still, manually rotate the alidade until the shadow cast by the triangular gnomon on the small silvered disc falls on the line marked below it; 4) The hour and minutes can therefore be read on the hour and minute dials set on the alidade respectively. Johann Michael Bergauer, who sometimes only signs his works as Michael Bergauer, was born in Simonsfeld, north of Vienna. His apprenticeship as a watchmaker took place in Landshut and he probably worked as a laborer in Augsburg before becoming a watchmaker at the court of Karl Philipp von der Pfalz in Innsbruck in 1708. In the following years, his repeated attempts to obtain Innsbruck citizenship are documented and, in 1721, he is listed as a resident. In 1724 he was admitted to the guild of watchmakers, with which however he had continuous problems. In 1732 he presented a "masterpiece". This is the last reference to his business; he must have died before or in 1745 because in that year his widow appealed to the City Council. The mechanical sundial...

Wooden trebuchet with its weights. These kind of scales were used by money changers to weigh golden coins in those days to avoid fraud 18th Century The box measures 18 cm X 8.7 cm ...

A gold, large antique French Louis XVI period barometer, signed by Torricelli in gilded wood and of oval shape with original scientific illustrations, in good condition. The detailed wall décor piece is consisting its original glass. Framed with gilt foliate trim and important pediment. Minor fading, due to age. Wear consistent with age and use, circa 1750, France. The Italian scientist Evangelista Torricelli...

A fine and rare 3" celestial pocket globe by G & W Cary, Strand, London circa 1791, housed in its original sharkskin case. A companion globe to terrestrial globes of this type we...