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A Rare Sundial Inscribed John Robins, Dated 1619, Made by Early Clockmaker
Date/Period: 1619

A Rare Sundial Inscribed John Robins, Dated 1619, Made by Early Clockmaker, entire view

Measurement: Height: 4.25"; width: 8.75"; depth: 8.75"

Material: Brass, gorgeous plumb brown patina

Condition: Fine

Additional Information: The octagonal plate is fitted with a scroll decorated angled
gnomon set at 51 degrees, centered with a thirty-two point compass rose featuring
stylized sunburst and billowing cloud engraved decoration to segments and annotated
NE, SE, SW and NE within the inner track; the middle track engraved N, E, S, and W
and inscribed Iohn [John] Robins. The narrower outer track with Roman numeral
chapters IIII-XII-VIII divided into quarter-hours and eighths, with asterisk half-hour
markers and engraved Anno Christi *1619* between IIII and VIII…the angles with line
engraved border panels and pierced for attachment. The engraved detail, octagonal
shape and profile of the gnomon [original] closely conforms to features of three related
sundials by William Bowyer, Richard Hinton, and Isaac Symmes illustrated and
discussed in Not A Bad Timekeeper: The English Lantern Clock In The Seventeenth
Century by George White (Antiquarian Horology, Vol. 3, September 2009, pp. 624-628).

The engraving of the Robins sundial is so close, nearly identical to the Hinton and
Symmes dials that it is likely that these dials were engraved by the same hand. The
narrow chapter ring, with its half-hour markers, also closely conforms to those of
Bowyer and Hinton dials and can be compared to the chapter rings applied to the
earliest English domestic clocks such as Francis Nowe’s chamber clock of 1588 and the
earliest “first period” lantern clocks made in the Harvey workshops prior to 1620. The
striking similarities of the Robins dial and the Hinton, Bowyer and Symmes dials
suggests a high probability that they were all made for the same purpose in neighboring
workshops. As George White suggests…these examples were made by clockmakers to
be supplied with lantern clocks…so it is reasonable that the Robbins sundial was likely
made for the same purpose (to establish True Time for regulating timepieces). The date
of the Robins dial being 1619 clearly assigns the sundial to an extremely rare and
important small group by makers producing the earliest lantern clocks of which very few
are extant.

The engraved name Iohn [John] Robins was obviously engraved by a different hand
than the maker of the dial, also indicated by the style of script with its hatched stems
and the positioning of the name on the dial. The style of font, in particular the “s” of
Robin^s suggests that the name Robins was added very soon after the dial was made
and is probably the name of the original owner. Records indicate that a John Robins
bought a farmhouse known as “Boddenhams” from the manor of Upton Street,
Leonards, near Gloucestershire in 1619! This location is certainly close enough to the
latitude of 51 degrees North to give reasonably accurate readings.

$15,450.00

843-445

A Rare Sundial Inscribed John Robins, Dated 1619, Made by Early Clockmaker, entire view 2

A Rare Sundial Inscribed John Robins, Dated 1619, Made by Early Clockmaker, entire view 3

A Rare Sundial Inscribed John Robins, Dated 1619, Made by Early Clockmaker, entire view 4

A Rare Sundial Inscribed John Robins, Dated 1619, Made by Early Clockmaker, detail view 1

A Rare Sundial Inscribed John Robins, Dated 1619, Made by Early Clockmaker, detail view 2

A Rare Sundial Inscribed John Robins, Dated 1619, Made by Early Clockmaker, detail view 3

A Rare Sundial Inscribed John Robins, Dated 1619, Made by Early Clockmaker, detail view 4

A Rare Sundial Inscribed John Robins, Dated 1619, Made by Early Clockmaker, back view

A Rare Sundial Inscribed John Robins, Dated 1619, Made by Early Clockmaker, back detail

Sundial, 17^th C., Maker Signed, John Knapp, Reading, England
Date/Period: 1678

Sundial, 17th C., Maker Signed, John Knapp, Reading, England, entire view

Measurement: Height: 3"; width: 6.75"; depth: 6.75"

Material: Brass, plumb-brown patina

Condition: Fine

Additional Information: Owners of clocks and watches used sundials to keep their
timepieces accurate; they set them at noon according to the shadow cast on the
gnomon…noon referred to as True Time was the only moment at which to determine
solar time. These uncommon surviving 17^th century sundials were fabricated by
scientific instrument makers and clockmakers. This example dated 1684 was made by a
known clockmaker, John Knapp. We sold a traveling size lantern clock by this maker
who was active 1690 to 1730 in 2021.

$4,950.00

843-446

Sundial, 17th C., Maker Signed, John Knapp, Reading, England, entire view 2

Sundial, 17th C., Maker Signed, John Knapp, Reading, England, detail view

Sundial, 17th C., Maker Signed, John Knapp, Reading, England, bottom view

Sundial, 17th C., Maker Signed, John Knapp, Reading, England, bottom detail

Bit Brace, An Ancient Piercer or Wimble, Burlwood Handle and Spoon Bit
Date/Period: 17^th century or earlier

Bit Brace, An Ancient Piercer or Wimble, Burlwood Handle and Spoon Bit, entire view

Measurement: The brace: 12”, with bit: 17”

Material: Burlwood, steel

Condition: Very good, commensurate with age and use

Additional Information: Spreading circular turned handle attached by a peened tine;
inside corners display ornamental file-work; square chuck. The bit locking device
features a shaped finger piece.

During the period a brace and bit was by different names including a piercer [used to
bore holes to drive pins] …for some it was known as a brace, for others a wimble.
Wimble and bits were listed in period probates

$575.00

1245-35

Bit Brace, An Ancient Piercer or Wimble, Burlwood Handle and Spoon Bit, detail view

Bit Brace, An Ancient Piercer or Wimble, Burlwood Handle and Spoon Bit, detail view 2

Bit Brace, An Ancient Piercer or Wimble, Burlwood Handle and Spoon Bit, detail view 3

Sundial, Finely Engraved, Signed: Tho [Thomas] Heath (1698-1773), London
Date/Period: 1720-1750 (Maker was active 1721 to the 1760s)

Antique Slide Lid Document Box with Lock & Key, Original Red Paint New England, entire view

Measurement: Height: 7.75" diameter: 11.75"

Material: Brass

Condition: Very good, as expected…weatherworn displaying dark surface with
verdigris

Additional Information: This is a very sophisticated and complex sundial made by
esteemed scientific instrument maker Thomas Heath (1698-1773), who worked in
London from 1721 until the late 1760 s. It is finely engraved allover.

The sundial allows the viewer to calculate the difference between the apparent and
the mean solar time, allowing him to accurately set his watch or clock. If you were
wealthy enough to own a domestic clock you needed a sundial to establish time allowing
you to set the clock.

This dial shows the Equation of Time (Natural Days). which describes the discrepancy
between two kinds of solar time. The word equation is used in the medieval sense of
"reconcile a difference". The two times that differ are the apparent solar time, which
directly tracks the diurnal motion of the Sun, and mean solar time, which tracks a
theoretical mean Sun ( as shown by a clock) with uniform motion along the celestial
equator. Apparent solar time can be obtained by measurement of the current position
(hour angle) of the Sun, as indicated (with limited accuracy) by a sundial. Mean solar
time, for the same place, would be the time indicated by a steady clock set so that over
the year its differences from apparent solar time would have a mean of zero.

$4,600.00

843-444

Antique Slide Lid Document Box with Lock & Key, Original Red Paint New England, entire view 2

Antique Slide Lid Document Box with Lock & Key, Original Red Paint New England, entire view 3

Antique Slide Lid Document Box with Lock & Key, Original Red Paint New England, entire view 4

Antique Slide Lid Document Box with Lock & Key, Original Red Paint New England, detail view 1

Antique Slide Lid Document Box with Lock & Key, Original Red Paint New England, detail view 2

Antique Slide Lid Document Box with Lock & Key, Original Red Paint New England, back view

Equinoctial Compass Sundial by Johann Martin, (1642-1721) Augsburg, Germany
Date/Period: 1703-1726

Equinoctial Compass Sundial by Johann Martin, (1642-1721) Augsburg, Germany, entire view 1

Measurement: .875" x 2.5" x 2.5"

Material: Gilt brass and silvered

Condition: Instrument is very good, silver loss to bottom, one tiny screw missing.
Shrinkage to leather on top of case; leather hinge is nearly severed.

Additional Information: A fine equinoctial Compass Sundial Signed by Johann Martin
in Augsburg 48” around its edge, to which the folding hour scale and latitude arc are
attached. The hour scales graduated from 3 – 12 and 1 – 9, the latitude arc from 20 to
90 degrees, the compass with blued steel needle with abbreviations of the cardinal
directions: S/E (Septentrio for North), M/E (Meridies for South), O/R (Oriens for East)
and O/C (Occidens for West). The ring, the latitude arc and the plummet support are
finely engraved. Gilt brass, silver, table of latitudes for 32 cities on bottom of compass,
folding hour scale and latitude arc, original leather case retaining brass hook and eye.

$5,625.00

879-143

Equinoctial Compass Sundial by Johann Martin, (1642-1721) Augsburg, Germany, entire view 2

Equinoctial Compass Sundial by Johann Martin, (1642-1721) Augsburg, Germany, entire view 3

Equinoctial Compass Sundial by Johann Martin, (1642-1721) Augsburg, Germany, entire view 4

Equinoctial Compass Sundial by Johann Martin, (1642-1721) Augsburg, Germany, entire view 5

Equinoctial Compass Sundial by Johann Martin, (1642-1721) Augsburg, Germany, detail view 1

Equinoctial Compass Sundial by Johann Martin, (1642-1721) Augsburg, Germany, detail view 2

Equinoctial Compass Sundial by Johann Martin, (1642-1721) Augsburg, Germany, detail view 3

Equinoctial Compass Sundial by Johann Martin, (1642-1721) Augsburg, Germany, detail view 4

Equinoctial Compass Sundial by Johann Martin, (1642-1721) Augsburg, Germany, back view

Patent or Salesman’s Cased Model,
Sled with Brake & Documents
Date/Period: 1870s

Patent or Salesman’s Cased Model, Sled with Brake & Documents, entire view

Measurement: Case: 17.75 x 7.5 x 9.5", sled: 17” x 7.75 x 6 3/8”

Material: Oak, walnut, steel, and small rubber drums, braking mechanism may not
be complete, please call David to discuss.

Condition: Very good

Additional Information: An expertly constructed snow sled of mortise and tenon
joinery. The sled is contained within a dovetail joined lidded box made of poplar.
Within the case are a letter written on Carr, Crawley & Devlin, a partnership formed in
1871 and directed by Thomas Devlin a manufacturer and, capitalist.
The company was in the hardware trade and other businesses. The brief document
speaks to castings, lead time and credit. Perhaps when the sled or braking system was
manufactured, if it went into production, the maker contracted with Carr, Crawley &
Devlin to cast parts for braking system.

A memorandum dated 1878 from Towner, Landstreet & Co. having a footer for
“Goodyear’s Rubber House” discusses an order…the sled brake system utilizes two
small rubber pieces. Of course, this is solely conjecture. Also included are a postcard
and envelope.

$1,550.00

1349-2

Patent or Salesman’s Cased Model, Sled with Brake & Documents, entire view 2

Patent or Salesman’s Cased Model, Sled with Brake & Documents, entire view 3

Patent or Salesman’s Cased Model, Sled with Brake & Documents, break detail

Patent or Salesman’s Cased Model, Sled with Brake & Documents, letters detail

Antique Abacus, Calculator, Original Paint
Date/Period: 19^th Century

Antique Abacus, Calculator, Original Paint, entire view 1

Measurement: Height: 14.75"; width: 12.25": depth: 1"

Material: Maple, paint, modern display stand

Condition: Good paint, 9 of 10 lines remain, 10 beads each

Additional Information: An Abacus in original paint with 9 lines of 10 beads each, all
retaining their original painted surface. In a turned wood frame.

$495.00

745-213

Antique Abacus, Calculator, Original Paint, entire view 2

Antique Abacus, Calculator, Original Paint, detail view

Tooth Extractor, Medical Instrument, Dental Key
Date/Period: 19^th Century

Tooth Extractor, Medical Instrument, Dental Key, entire view

Measurement: Length: 5.5"

Material: Steel, wood

Condition: Chips to handle terminus

Additional Information: Turnkey tooth extractor

$115.00

110-1023

Civil War Era Binoculars

Brass binoculars with black covering; brass retains about 80% of blacking; no maker mark; very good to excellent; focus is excellent; black leather case is not period. The binoculars measure 9.5-inches extended and 8.25-inches closed.

$325

459-15

19th Century Phrenological Head, Fowlers & Wells, N.Y.

A nice early plater example retaining label: APPROVED BY FOWLERS & WELLS,
PHRENOLOGICAL CABINET, 308 BROADWAY, NEW YORK.
Height: 10.5" (Old, worn smooth chip to base as shown, does not distract.)

19th Century Phrenological Head, Fowlers & Wells, N.Y., label view

$675.00

1210-23

19th Century Octant, Spencer, Browning & Rust)
Case with label of DeMORY GRAY, New York
SECOND HAND [sic] INSTRUMENTS BOUGHT AND SOLD

Spencer Browning Rust worked in London from 1724 to 1840 when the name was
changed to Spencer Browning & Co. after the death of Ebenezer Rust. The successor,
Spencer Browning maintained offices at several addresses on Wapping High Street,
London and were in business until 1870. Ebony frame, ivory plate, and scale; inset ivory
is marked with the makers name and the owners name – H. DUREN / NEW YORK. The
scale engraved with initials SBR for Spencer, Browning and Rust. Brass 10-inch vernier
arm and ivory arc calibrated to 105 degrees, mirrors, shades and with an ebony handle.
Dovetailed mahogany Case with vacant brass plaque. Generally, very good, tarnishing.
(Case: 5" x 13.5" x 12")

19th Century Octant, Spencer, Browning & Rust)
Case with label of DeMORY GRAY, New York
SECOND HAND [sic] INSTRUMENTS BOUGHT AND SOLD, in box view

19th Century Octant, Spencer, Browning & Rust)
Case with label of DeMORY GRAY, New York
SECOND HAND [sic] INSTRUMENTS BOUGHT AND SOLD, box view

19th Century Octant, Spencer, Browning & Rust)
Case with label of DeMORY GRAY, New York
SECOND HAND [sic] INSTRUMENTS BOUGHT AND SOLD, label view

19th Century Octant, Spencer, Browning & Rust)
Case with label of DeMORY GRAY, New York
SECOND HAND [sic] INSTRUMENTS BOUGHT AND SOLD, detail view 1

19th Century Octant, Spencer, Browning & Rust)
Case with label of DeMORY GRAY, New York
SECOND HAND [sic] INSTRUMENTS BOUGHT AND SOLD, detail view 2

$965.00

604-62

Ambrotype, Ships Master with Ebony Octant, Anonymous, 1850s to Mid-1860s

An exceedingly rare image…the subject wearing a chinstrap beard and gold watchchain
holds an octant that appears to be ebony with an ivory Vernier, pencil and nameplate;
he is seated at a table covered with a paisley cloth. The image is housed within a
Florence Manufacturing Company [Florence, Massachusetts] case.

$1,150

604-66

Single Draw Two Inch 18th Century Telescope, Spyglass, Overall Length: 59”
Probably London
Brass and mahogany, length: 47.25”, 59” extended - SOLD

Single Draw Two Inch 18th Century Telescope, Spyglass, Overall Length: 59”
Probably London
Brass and mahogany, length: 47.25”, 59” extended, entire view 1

Slightly tapered two-inch main tube with an unsigned single-draw brass tube, original
lenses and components are intact including rings, eyepiece and objective lens with
sliding dust shades. Optical condition is excellent, instrument focuses well, distant
images are magnified sharply. Overall condition is very good, commensurate with age
and use. Small tight shrinkage fissures and miniscule areas of fill at screws.

Single Draw Two Inch 18th Century Telescope, Spyglass, Overall Length: 59”
Probably London
Brass and mahogany, length: 47.25”, 59” extended, detail view 1

SOLD

604-63

Scarificator, Brass & Steel, Octagon, 4 Blade
Unknown Maker, 19th Century

A working spring-loaded lever creating an instantaneous series of parallel cuts in the
skin of the patient; temple size. (2.25 x 1.25 x 1.25")

$295.00

110-961

Nuremberg Single Hand Reading Magnifying Glass, Circa 1680-1750
SIGNED Embossed Copper Alloy Mount; Wire Binding Secures Mount
J. E. MAY SEEL.ERE - IOH.HIERONIMUS SCHNEIDER -- IOH.ERHARD MAY SEEL.ERE - SOLD

(The signature envelops the mount; diameter: 2.75”, length: 4.5”)

SOLD

1245-9

Cameraphone,
Rare Antique Portable Gramophone Record Player,
Pet-O-Phone Antique Windup Phonograph...Working Condition, Germany, 1920s Super Rare Tortoise Horn Speaker,
78-RPM, On/Off & Speed Adjustment Controls

Cameraphone, <br>Rare Antique Portable Gramophone Record Player, Pet-O-Phone

Spring-wound phonograph in the style of a leather-bound box camera. The tortoise shell sound bubble is received by the tone arm...produces loud volume and clarity. Leather bound case...working condition.
(5.5" x 6.5" x 4.25")

$395.00

604-53

Antique Stick Barometer, Timby’s Patent 1857, Rosewood Case

Antique Stick Barometer, Timby's Patent, 1857, angle view

(32 by 2.5 by 2”)

$925

632-42

Antique Stick Barometer, Timby's Patent, 1857, close up view

Antique Stick Barometer, Timby's Patent, 1857, instructions detail

Antique Stick Barometer, Timby's Patent, 1857, patent detail

Antique Stick Barometer, Timby's Patent, 1857, label detail

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A Rare Sundial Inscribed John Robins, Dated 1619, Made by Early Clockmaker Date/Period: 1619

Sundial, 17th C., Maker Signed, John Knapp, Reading, England Date/Period: 1678

Bit Brace, An Ancient Piercer or Wimble, Burlwood Handle and Spoon Bit Date/Period: 17th century or earlier

Sundial, Finely Engraved, Signed: Tho [Thomas] Heath (1698-1773), London Date/Period: 1720-1750 (Maker was active 1721 to the 1760s)

Equinoctial Compass Sundial by Johann Martin, (1642-1721) Augsburg, Germany Date/Period: 1703-1726

Patent or Salesman’s Cased Model, Sled with Brake & Documents Date/Period: 1870s

Antique Abacus, Calculator, Original Paint Date/Period: 19th Century

Tooth Extractor, Medical Instrument, Dental Key Date/Period: 19th Century