| |
A SIEBE GORMAN & CO. LTD MAKER'S PLATE FOR A PUMP, EARLY 20TH CENTURY
the brass late engraved with Royal Arms and engraved Siebe Gorman & Co., London, Submarine Engineers - 6 x 6¾in. (15 x 17cm.)
£80-120
|
|
| |
A DIVER'S KNIFE BY SIEBE GORMAN
the 7½in. steel blade signed as per title, attached to chromed guard and typical turned wooden handle with black finish, retaining brass scabbard of issue - 13½in (34.5cm.) long
£300-500
|
|
| |
A DIVING KNIFE BY JOHN NOWILL & SONS LTD, SHEFFIELD, CIRCA 1981
with 7¾in. blade signed as per title, with rubber handle and brass scabbard with presentation inscription to Norman, MV Seaforth Clansman, December 1981 - 13½in. (34.5cm.) overall
£80-120
|
|
|
THE ENGINE ROOM PLATE FROM THE S.S. LAURA, 1901
by Muir & Houston Ltd, No.530, engraved brass with black and red filling - 7¾ x 11½in. (19.5 x 29cm.) later historical plate
(2)
A cargo ship of 699 tons, she was built by Irvine Ship Building for Norwegian owners, sold to Portuguese owners, her name changed to Algarve (1904) and then France-Aimee (1916). On the 3rd April 1918 she sank as the result of a collision off Culver Cliff, Isle of Wight carrying coal between Barry and Rouen.
£150-250
|
|
|
'A NARRATIVE LOSE OF THE MARY ROSE AT SPITHEAD ... BOUND IN THE WOOD OF THE WREAK'
printed and published by S. Horsey, Sen., Portsee 1844, 96pp, with gilt edges, pasted provenance note inside front cover pertaining to Mr Deane Public Sale of 1840, presentation owner's inscription on rear fly, dated 1846 - 3¾ x 2¼in. (9.5 x 5.5cm.)
£300-500
|
|
|
A RARE STAINED GLASS ROUNDEL BEARING THE ARMS OF ADMIRAL SIR JOHN HAWKINS, PRE-1571
in etched and coloured glass with lead lining and contained within two coloured roundels, the outer with suspension loop - 10½in. (27cm.) diam
A later grant to Sir John in 1571 alters from these with the addition of a heraldic device related to Riohacha, Colombia. Sir John Hawkins (1532-95) styled himself Captain General, was an English naval commander and administrator, merchant, navigator, shipbuilder, privateer and slave trader. He was considered the first English trader to profit from the Triangle Trade, based on selling supplies to colonies ill-supplied by their home countries, and their demand for African slaves in the Spanish colonies of Santo Domingo and Venezuela. He sailed on several voyages of discovery and was amongst the first Europeans to witness tobacco usage which he brought back to London in 1565. Together with his cousin, Sir Francis Drake, they dominated the Royal Navy - Hawkins designed some of the fast ships that nipped at the Spanish Armada and served as Vice Admiral in that action. Upon their departure, the Royal Navy slumped into a sharp decline.
£800-1200
|
|
|
A CLOCK AND BAROMETER SET FROM THE S.Y. JOYEUSE, 1898
unsigned, each with 4½in. enamelled dials, contained within nickel plated bulkhead cases and mounted on an oak board with plate inscribed J.W.J. / S.Y. JOYEUSE / 1898 - 8½ x 15½in. (21.5 x 39.5cm.)
Built by Day, Summers & Co, Southampton for Hamilton Fletcher, Joyeuse was a steel hulled schooner-rigged steam yacht. Registered at 267 tons and an impressive 153 feet in length, she was also fitted with electric lighting. Latterly she was sold to Greek owners and renamed Athina S when she was bombed and sunk off Greece in April 1941.
£150-250
|
|
|
TWO PAIRS OF 19TH CENTURY CAMPAIGN CHAMBER STICKS OR 'BRIGHTON BUNS'
one leather covered, with male and female candle sockets - 4¾in. (12cm.) diameter
(2)
£250-350
|
|
|
A SET OF TRAVELLING OR CAMPAIGN CUPS
comprising four small, medium and large gilt-lined beakers, the inner sets with fruitwood spacers, contained in fitted leather travelling case with securing strap - 5in. (12.5cm.) high
£250-350
|
|
|
|
|
A PITOMETER LOG BY MERCER, ST ALBANS, CIRCA 1960
with 3in. clock dial, inscribed Pitometer Log / the British Pitometer Co. Ltd, London & Kilmarnock, black painted hands, mounted to a two-day going barrel and drive train movement, mounted on spotted steel plates signed as per title, and mounted in typically brass bulkhead clock case with bevelled glass cover - 8in. (20.5cm.) wide; together with two marine distance meters; a Walker's log impeller and a large mounted lens
(5)
£200-400
|
|
|
A RARE ONE MINUTE TORPEDO TIMER BY CHARLES FRODSHAM, CIRCA 1944
with 11in. black painted sealed dial divided every ten seconds between 1-10, signed Chas. Frodsham / 27 South Molton St. / London / W.2563, electric contacts, stowage for reset and winding knobs, contained within a substantial oak case with inset carry handles, lid restraints, twin locks and securing catch. Overall measurements - 6¾ x 16¾ x 16¾in. (17 x 42.5 x 42.5cm.); battery operated switch and wires
(2)
Whilst this is spring powered, the electric stop/start and large scale of dial allows for greater accuracy than might be achieved with a stop watch, surprisingly little is known about their commission or precise purpose. How they were activated or arrested in timing a torpedo flight for instance, and why a large (and very expensive) instrument weighing in at 18 kilos would be needed has yet to be answered. Another, No. 2551, is known to have been used/trialled by the Royal Australian Navy; three others are now in the Frodsham Museum, London, and a further one is understood to be in a private collection, making a total of six known examples to date. The serial numbers, if consecutive, suggest there may have been at least fourteen produced but no more are known of at this time
£500-800
|
|
|
A TWO-DAY MARINE HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEY CHRONOMETER, BY THOMAS MERCER, ST ALBANS, CIRCA 1950
the 4in silvered dial signed as per title with 24hr dial, plugged winder aperture, open subsidiary seconds dial, up/down dial numbered '11054', blued steel hands, contained in drum case with stop/start lever and secondary contacts to side with counterstamped plastic and aluminium lid, contained in sponge, lidded wooden box of issue with numbered key in leather pouch, and MoD label to front, in canvas sided metal bound box with leather securing straps - 6 x 11 x 8¾in. (15 x 28 x 22cm.)
Rated to sidereal time these were used in conjunction with a tape chronograph for determining precise time of observations in survey work. The opening in the seconds dial reveals the electrical (seconds) contacts
£400-600
|
|
|
A ONE-DAY DECK WATCH BY LONGINES, CIRCA 1945
the 1¾in. enamel dial signed LONGINES, with blued steel hands and sweep seconds, fob wind to 16 jewel movement countersigned and numbered '6702421', bi-metallic balance with heat compensation weights, in steel case with threaded and spotted back plate counterstamped and with repairer's scratch marks, contained in fitted box with aperture and H.M. Chronometer Depot issue ticket to M.T.B. 783 dated 26 Jun 1945 - 5in. (12.5cm.) deep
£600-800
|
|
  |
A FINE TWO-DAY MARINE CHRONOMETER BY ARNOLD & DENT, CIRCA 1829
the 3½in. silvered dial signed as per title and inscribed and numbered 84 Strand, London, No.1012, blued steel hands, seconds dial with Government broad arrow device, fusee movement with Earnshaw escapement, silvered helical balance spring to bi-metallic compensation balance with peripheral temperature and meantime adjustment screws, the plain plates engraved with broad arrow device, contained within gimbal-mounted bowl with domed glass cover within three-tier box of issue with ivorine roundel countersigned and numbered to front, and full trade label in lid for 'Edward I. Dent' annotated with repairer's notes from 1851 and 1966, and brass drop handles - 6in. (15cm.) cubed
Literature: Mercer, V: John Arnold & Sons, A.H.S., London, 1972, p.271
This instrument is recorded as being purchased in 1836 and was used from Plymouth between 1842 and 1855. Between 1855 and 1928 it was located at the Deal Time Ball Tower in Kent. Overlooking the South Downs, this Time Ball set the chronometers for thousands of ships waiting for the winds and tide.
£2000-3000
|
|
  |
A TWO-DAY MARINE CHRONOMETER BY BARRAUD, LONDON, CIRCA 1850
the 4in. silvered dial signed, inscribed and numbered BARRAUD Maker to the Royal Navy / 41 Cornhill LONDON No.2721, blued steel hands, spotted plates, Earnshaw escapement with bi-metallic balance with heat compensation weights, contained in gimballed bowl within three-tier case with tipsy key stamped '569', drop handles and numbered maker's roundel to front, approximately - 7in. (18cm.) cubed
£2000-3000
|
|
  |
A TWO-DAY MARINE CHRONOMETER BY CHARLES FRODSHAM, CIRCA 1835
the 3¼in. silvered dial signed, inscribed and numbered Charles Frodsham / 7, Pavement, Finsbury Square / LONDON No.1657. countersigned plates with Earnshaw escapement with bi-metallic balance with wedge-shaped compensation weights, steel helical balance spring, contained within later gimbal-mounted bowl and three-tier case with drop handles, approximately - 7in. (18cm.) square
£1000-1500
|
|
  |
Ø AN UNUSUAL IVORY PEDESTAL DIAL BY DANIEL, PROBABLY ITALIAN, CIRCA 1700 OR EARLIER
the 1in. silvered dial inscribed with compass points 'T' [Tramontana - North] 'L' [Levante - East] 'M' [Mistral - South] 'P' [Ponente - West], set within bowl with rim further inscribed in red and black with duplicate abbreviations, hinged chapter ring signed under Daniel F[ecit], mounted on a turned tapering three-part pillar support with shaped vents in middle section and threaded cover (missing gnomon and latitude arm) - 3in. (7.5cm.) high
It has been suggested the maker might be William Daniell (1632-70). A member of the Clockmakers' Company with premises at the Sign of the Golden Ball, Ivy Bridge, Strand, London, he specialised in watch-cases and dials. It's possible he only made the signed chapter ring which was later mounted in Italy to the distinctive pedestal.
£2000-3000
|
|
|
AN EARLY 18TH-CENTURY VOGLER-TYPE POCKET DIAL
unsigned, with 1in. silvered dial, blued needle, decorative embossed rim with hinged chapter ring with folding pin gnomon and latitude arm, the base inscribed with several continental latitudes, contained in original green silk-lined leather case - 2½in. (6.5cm.) wide
£250-350
|
|
|
A BRASS POCKET SUNDIAL BY JOHN COGGS, LONDON, CIRCA 1720
with 3in. engraved base plate, blued steel needle with balancing 'N', folding fixed gnomon (?later), decorated cross bar to chapter ring signed above 'south' I Coggs Fecit, plain brass cover - 3¼in. (8.2cm.) wide overall
John Coggs is recorded as working in Fleet Street between 1718-1733
£250-350
|
|
|
AN INCLINING DIAL BY NEBEL & BUTTERFIELD, PARIS, CIRCA 1780
the 2¼in. silvered dial with half-blued needle and clamp, rim inscribed with maker's name as per title and several latitude locations, sprung horseshoe gnomon to hinged chapter ring, latitude arm, the base engraved with more continental latitudes, pin feet with slotted heads, contained in original baize-lined case with simulated fishskin covering and old collection label in French to lid - 4in. (10cm.) wide
£500-800
|
|
|
A UNIVERSAL SUNDIAL BY DOBSON & BAKER, LONDON, CIRCA 1850
of typical form, the silvered chapter ring signed as per title and inscribed 36 Chiswell Street, London, folding gnomon and latitude arm, the compass inset with two bubble levels, the whole on three threaded feet - 5in. (12.7cm.) diam
£400-600
|
|
|
AN INCLINING DIAL, ENGLISH, 19TH CENTURY
unsigned, constructed in silvered brass, 2in. dial with with blued steel needle on clamp, hinged chapter ring, gnomon and latitude arm - 3½in. (9cm.) wide; together with a 1in. six-draw prize pocket telescope signed Dixey, London with baleen-covered main tube and inscription dated 1853
(2)
£200-300
|
|
|
A POCKET INCLINING DIAL BY T. HARRIS & SON, LONDON, CIRCA 1805
with 1½in. silvered dial, steel needle with clamp, hinged chapter ring, gnomon and latitude arm, signed above 'NW' as per title and inscribed Optician to the King / 22 CORNHILL - 3in. (8cm.) overall
£200-300
|
|
|
A NOON DAY CANNON DIAL, PROBABLY FRENCH, CIRCA 1880
6¼in. diam marble base incised with sun dial and latitude 46:50, with lacquered brass fittings including magnifier assembly, cannon and gnomon - 6in. (15cm.) high (approx.)
£800-1200
|
|
|
A DRY CARD COMPASS BY SPENCER BROWNING & CO., LONDON, CIRCA 1840
the 3in. card signed as per title around centre, and set on a jewelled pivot within lacquered brass drum case with lid - 1¾in. (4cm.) high
£100-150
|
|
|
A GROUP OF POCKET COMPASSES
comprising a 2½in. pocket example signed Negretti & Zambra, London; another similar, unsigned; a fruitwood type with domed glass cover, white paper dial with gnomon and lid; a hard wood example with open dial, the lid with trade label inscribed Porter's Magnetic Sun-Dial on the floating compass card
(4)
£200-300
|
|
|
A FINE PTOLEMAIC ARMILLARY SPHERE, PROBABLY ITALIAN, THIRD-QUARTER 18TH CENTURY
the turned wooden earth sphere mounted on an axis with sun and moon orbits within typical armillary universe, mounted on to a finely carved pinewood figure of Atlas, his outstretched hands supporting articulated models of Saturn with five moons and Jupiter with four moons, secured to a carved Corinthian column terminating in square pediment base, sphere - 13in. (33cm.) diam.; 63in. (160cm.) high (including pedestal)
It's possible this was once an architectural pediment within a Palladian villa - similar decor has been noted flanking doors in some buildings; the number of moons depicted is interesting as Saturn was thought to have five moons between 1684 (when Cassini discovered the fifth) and 1789 when Herschel found two more with his powerful new reflecting instrument; Jupiter's four moons were all discovered by Galileo in 1609-10 with no more being found until 1892.
£8000-12000
|
|
|
A 12IN. TERRESTRIAL GLOBE PUBLISHED BY PAUL OESTERGAARD, BERLIN, CIRCA 1925
with coloured printed culottes signed as per title, red delineation for the British Empire, mounted on a calibrated brass horizon ring to tapered wooden stand, the base set with a compass - 23in. (58.5cm.) high
£200-400
|
|
|
A RARE 19TH CENTURY FRENCH GLASS OIL LAMP GLOBE
the 7in. coloured glass globe inscribed and numbered Brevet d'Invention number 151621, with light blue oceans, the European empires delineated in different colours, graduated equator, Paris meridian, St. Petersburg marked, India entitled 'Hindustan', mounted on a milk glass oil lamp base with glass funnel - 22½in. (57cm.) high overall
£800-1200
|
|
|
A 3½IN. TERRESTRIAL DESK GLOBE PUBLISHED BY SMITH & SON, LONDON, CIRCA 1870
12 tinted culottes pasted over a wooden former, signed and inscribed Smith Terrestrial Globe Exhibiting The Whole of The Discoveries To The Present Time, London Smith & Co. 63 Charing Cross, mounted on original turned and ebonised wooden base - 7in. (18cm.) high
£200-300
|
|
|
A 7IN. HUSUN STAR GLOBE, BY HENRY HUGHES & SON, LONDON, CIRCA 1920
with maker's label signed as per title, contained in original wooden box of issue with drop-handle, brass meridian and horizon rings - approx. 11in. (28cm.) cubed
£300-500
|
|
|
A MODERN BRASS ARMILLARY SPHERE
with decorative etched plate, zodiac orbit engraved with relevant sections and with sliding indicator, weighted decorative plate, mounted in a sliding cradle on pillar base - 16in. (40.5cm.) high
£200-400
|
|
  |
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.
£800-1200
|
|
|
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
£400-600
|
|
|
Ø A 9¼IN. RADIUS VERNIER OCTANT, CIRCA 1820
unsigned, ebony frame with ivory scale divided to 100º, braced brass vernier with clamp, pinhole with swivel shade, six shades, note plate, brass pin feet and associated pencil top - 10in. (25.5cm.) wide
£80-120
|
|
| |
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
£200-300
|
|
|
A 7IN. RADIUS DOUBLE-FRAMED SEXTANT BY J.B. DANCER, MANCHESTER, CIRCA 1850
lacquered brass frame signed on the arc as per title, silvered scale divided to 155º, braced index arm with magnifier, seven shades, two mirrors and wooden handle, contained in fitted keystone box of issue with four sighting tubes, maker's label inside lid and loose correction certificate dated 1923 - 12in. (30.5cm.) wide
£600-800
|
|
|
A MID-19TH CENTURY 8IN. RADIUS DOUBLE-FRAMED SEXTANT WITH PLATINUM SCALE BY TROUGHTON & SIMMS, LONDON
signed on the arc as per title and inscribed and numbered 'Platina 2507' at centre, scale divided to 150º, oxidised brass frame with quick-release sighting tubes, shades, mirrors and wooden handle, contained in fitted box with 'Husun' test certificate for 1949 and retailer's label for John Parkes & Sons Nautical & Scientific Instruments, Liverpool - 11¾in. (30cm.) wide; together with a large boxwood rolling protractor by Cary, London, bearing R.G.S. prize inscription from H.M.S. Worcester for 1916, contained in fitted case - 19in. (48cm.) wide
(2)
£600-800
|
|
|
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
£300-500
|
|
|
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
£300-400
|
|
| |
AN UNUSUAL 7IN. RADIUS SEXTANT POSSIBLY BY C.J. KETTLEWELL, CIRCA 1860
the three-circle oxidised brass frame with polished arc signed as per title and inset with black composition, itself inset with a contrasting 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.) wide
Apparently 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.
£400-600
|
|
| |
A FINE 8IN. RADIUS VERNIER SEXTANT BY H. HUGHES & SON LTD, LONDON, CIRCA 1920
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
£400-600
|
|
| |
Ø A 19TH CENTURY DRUM SEXTANT BY STANLEY, LONDON
constructed in oxidised brass with detachable telescope support, the cover inscribed CUV BELLAMY. RE - 3in. (8cm.) diam.; together with a pierced ivory compass sundial compendium with curved bar thermometer contained within base of leather case, unsigned
(2)
£200-300
|
|
| |
A DRUM SEXTANT BY BAKER, LONDON, CIRCA 1880
constructed in lacquered brass of typical form, signed as per title above the scale and inscribed 24 High Holborn London, contained in fitted leather case with detachable sighting tube - 4in (10cm.) overall; together with a modern copy version with faux marks for 'Henry Barrow & Co' and the 'EIC'
(2)
£150-250
|
|
| |
A SMALL-SIZED STATION POINTER BY FRODSHAM & KEEN, LIVERPOOL
with polished brass scale, signed on oxidised spokes as per title and numbered '525', oxidised brass arms, contained in fitted box of issue - 11in. (28cm.) wide
£80-120
|
|
  |
A RARE 18TH CENTURY CUFF-TYPE MICROSCOPE COMPENDIUM BY DOLLOND, LONDON
of typical form, signed on the platform Dollond London, and contained in fitted pyramidal box with two drawers of accessories including a full set of numbered nose pieces, fish plate, live box, pinchers, magnifier, two brass slides and five bone slides and other accessories; and solar microscope with mirror and threaded projection lens, the box - 18in (46cm.) high
£3000-4000
|
|
|
A MONOCULAR MICROSCOPE BY JAMES HOW, LONDON, CIRCA 1850
constructed in lacquered brass, signed on the foot James How, 2 Foster Lane London, concave mirror, rack-and-pinion adjustment, ¼in. and 1in. nose pieces in signed containers and other accessories, contained in original fitted wooden box with lower drawer and top handle - 17 x 8in. (43 x 20cm.)
£300-500
|
|
|
A 4IN. REFLECTING TELESCOPE BY FRASER, LONDON, CIRCA 1800
signed on top of the 25½in. barrel Fraser London, eyepiece with solar accessory, speculum mirror with rack-and-pinion fine focusing to secondary mirror, tube cap, secured to folding tripod stand - 19in. (48cm.) high overall
£1000-1500
|
|
|
AN EARLY 19TH CENTURY 1½IN. THREE DRAW REFRACTING TELESCOPE BY T. HARRIS & SON, LONDON
signed on the eyepiece as per title, and on the tube for retailer J. & R. Ferguson Glasgow, clamp-mounted to brass tripod stand (later) - 13in. (32cm.) high
£150-250
|
|
