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.
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.
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.
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.)
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")
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.
An extremely rare first type inclinometer by famed inventor, artist and publisher of Scientific American, true Renaissance man- Rufus Porter…only the third we have handled in nearly forty-years! A very special piece of Americana that speaks to multiple collecting interests; appealing to level/tool enthusiasts and to followers of Rufus Porter.
Porter inclinometers of any type are very rare, the first type is almost unknown. This is destined to be the highlight of any advanced collection of inclinometers/levels.
The illustrated dial is printed on paper; dial face depicts masons using the device to construct/level a wall.
The engraving is clear and mostly complete with some water damage and three small paper losses at lower left, the indicator needle retains 50% of original bluing and about 85% of weight gilding. The 8.75” glass appears to be original.
Based on when Porter first advertised his inclinometer in Scientific American (Vol. 2, No. 11, Dec. 5, 1846), it is believed he developed this device in early 1846.
While the later versions are marked “patent applied for”, no known patent was granted. Whereas so few of Porter's levels are known, we assume that he didn't produce these in quantity or for very long.
Spandrels center the chapter ring framing depiction of masons using the device. Finely joined walnut frame retains original finish; likely original glass. (8.75 by 8.75”)
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.
The lift-lid with gently chamfered edges retaining original brass hinges opens to reveal a
plain interior over a drawer featuring an inlayed flush brass handle; box retains lock and
brass escutcheon. The drawer is missing a few removeable dividers, else fine.
(Height: 7.5"; width: 6.75"; depth: 7")
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")
An excellent example of a very rare tool by famed inventor, artist and publisher of Scientific American, true Renaissance man- Rufus Porter; only the second we have handled in more than thirty-years! We think that this is a very special piece of Americana that speaks to multiple collecting interests; appealing to level/tool enthusiasts and to followers of Rufus Porter. The illustrated dial face depicting masons using the device to construct a wall features spandrels centered by a star in each corner. Finely joined mahogany frame retaining original finish; the weighted pointer retains original bluing; original glass.
Brass Spring Fleam, Lancet, Engraved
Anonymous
In Fitted Leather Case
Trigger type brass and steel fleam. The fleam is within a fitted brown leather case with tan lining. Remains in good condition. (L: 2.5") $225
691-12
Spring Fleam, Lancet, Packtong
German
In Fitted Leather Case
Trigger type silver alloy and steel fleam. The fleam is within a fitted red leather case with a brown brushed cotton lining. Fleam remains in good condition, case with losses as depicted. (L: 2.5") $285
691-13
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An identified instrument engraved with owner’s name, Job Terry [Jr.] (1783-1861) of
New Bedford, Massachusetts who was master of New Bedford’s whaling ship Good
Return beginning in 1821; he made nine voyages as master. Published within Richard
Dana’s book, Two Years before The Mast written in 1840, Captain Terry is said to have
been known in every port in the pacific. Portraits of the captain and his wife are within
the collection of the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The octant remains within it
stepped and fitted mahogany case; arched medial frame brace surmounted with pencil
displays embossed owners name; Vernier is engraved. The case remains in original
condition showing typical, as expected shrinkage; minor wood loss to one corner of
bottom board.
The instrument is accompanied by an early statement on laid paper; stated is that the
owner refused a cash offer for the instrument by a Mr. Emery of Salem which he bought
new in 1844. The document is a bonus as we can’t confirm any connection to this
instrument. (case: 17" x 14.25" x 3.5")
Stamped by maker, dry cell type, two mirror, 5-point, removeable lens cap. Made between 1873 and 1900. Turned wood pedestal on tripod base. 9.5" high. Scope is 10.25" long, 3.5" diameter. Cardboard tube with brass end and brass ship's wheel turning dry cell with ampules; 2-mirror system, 5-point mandala, magnifying end.
Brass bowl and gimbal, three-tier brass-bound mahogany box with top-lid, (vacant escutcheon) and base; decorative key-hole escutcheon, the base with inset bone disc (cracked) inscribed 1054, external brass drop handles. Robert Roskell worked under his own name at 31 Church Street in 1839…he favored Kulberg movements and Hartnup and Eiffe balances. Instruments made under Robert Roskell’s name [alone] are rare, this combined with the early date greatly increases the importance of the instrument.
The small case measures 6.5 x 6.5 x 6.5"…main spring is replaced, we have original.
Francis Nicholson, first known American plane maker freed his slave Cesar Chelor (1720-1784) upon his death circa 1753; Chelor, the celebrated maker and independent businessman was the first African American to imprint tools. (1754-1784)
(Very good condition, scattered staining; L: 10", H: 6", W: 1.5")
A simply gorgeous tool; art and function combined. This working example remains in scarcely encountered untouched original surface including 95% japanning and 95% of the original and elaborate gold ornamentation. The base displays original milling marks.
(Superb condition, minor surface loss to scattered highpoints; L: 12", H: 3.5", D: 1.25")
A fine and untouched survivor retaining 95% or more of its original fancy gold painted ornamentation on the delicate filigree webbing. Most of these are found broken and/or with only traces of gold. This is a great survivor; looks like the brass face has never been polished; great patina. (Excellent condition; L: 12", H: 2.25", D: 1")
This stunning example featuring gold painted trim dates from 1875 and is the first type offered by the Davis Level and Tool Company, also the least common variation.
(Excellent original condition, probably 95%coverageminor and scattered enamel losses to highpoints, else fine. Box lid missing end panels; base missing one end panel, else very good including label; 6 by 2.5 by 1.75")
John W. Harmon Artificers Sighting Level within its original wooden slide-top box; complete with two bases. (The round base is rarely found with this tool as it was not attached and was easily separated.) This example in superb original condition retaining 98% original japanning and very appealing multicolored (red, blue and gold against black) pin striping. The sight tube retains 100% original nickel. Harmon patented three variations of this device, this is US Patent 234,709. Again, one of three known within original boxes; our consignor owns two; here's your opportunity!
(Excellent original condition; box: 12.5 by 5.5 by 4", level: 11.5 by 3.5 by 1")
Pediment top with silvered humidity dial, waist with thermometer dial, bulls-eye mirror; weather dial, and name disk with level. Retains knob, backboard and paper label. Dimensions: 38.5" H, 9.75" W, 2.5" D.
This example features a compass in the base, three leveling screws and a pair of bubble levels. The hour plate is hinged; user may set any angle of latitude from degree marks on arched arm fitted to one side of base. The gnomon and arm are hinged accommodating flat packing within shark-skin case. The instrument is finely engraved and remains is excellent original condition; wood case covered in Shagreen is generally very good with very minor imperfections limited to vapor barrier and two tiny adjustable foot punctures that pierced the bottom of case.
(Box: H: 2"; W: 6"; D: 5.75")
Wooden surveying compass half round; wood marked with degrees, old note pasted to side says, true as is the needle to the pole shall be the fire that warms my soul as true to friendship sacred laws surveyors call and countries cause. Joshua Dean Caning 1874
Adjustable rest on hinged conforming stand standing on cast feet; the "stop" at foot of book-rest features cast cherub centered by acanthus scrolling and simple file-work. (Height: 10.25 inches; width: 14.25 inches; depth: 10.75 inches.)
Dollond type telescope; painted wood barrel; brass lens fittings, front cap has slide and can be removed; slides work; no maker's mark; very good with only minor flaking of paint. Measures 21.5-inches long.
459-13 - SOLD
If you are interested in buying any of these items, please call (978) 597-8084 or email David Hillier at drh@aaawt.com
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![19th Century Octant, Spencer, Browning & Rust)
Case with label of DeMORY GRAY, New York
SECOND HAND [sic] INSTRUMENTS BOUGHT AND SOLD, box & accesories view](https://www.aaawt.com/images/Octant,-Demory-&-Gray_box-&-accesories_604-62.jpg)
![19th Century Octant, Spencer, Browning & Rust)
Case with label of DeMORY GRAY, New York
SECOND HAND [sic] INSTRUMENTS BOUGHT AND SOLD, in box view](https://www.aaawt.com/images/Octant,-Demory-&-Gray_in-box_604-62.jpg)
![19th Century Octant, Spencer, Browning & Rust)
Case with label of DeMORY GRAY, New York
SECOND HAND [sic] INSTRUMENTS BOUGHT AND SOLD, box view](https://www.aaawt.com/images/Octant,-Demory-&-Gray_box_604-62.jpg)
![19th Century Octant, Spencer, Browning & Rust)
Case with label of DeMORY GRAY, New York
SECOND HAND [sic] INSTRUMENTS BOUGHT AND SOLD, label view](https://www.aaawt.com/images/Octant,-Demory-&-Gray_label_604-62.jpg)
![19th Century Octant, Spencer, Browning & Rust)
Case with label of DeMORY GRAY, New York
SECOND HAND [sic] INSTRUMENTS BOUGHT AND SOLD, detail view 1](https://www.aaawt.com/images/Octant,-Demory-&-Gray_detail-1_604-62.jpg)
![19th Century Octant, Spencer, Browning & Rust)
Case with label of DeMORY GRAY, New York
SECOND HAND [sic] INSTRUMENTS BOUGHT AND SOLD, detail view 2](https://www.aaawt.com/images/Octant,-Demory-&-Gray_detail-2_604-62.jpg)
