Archives

Rare 19th Century Armillary Sphere By Faustino Paluzie — Barcelona, Circa 1880

Exceptional and very rare armillary sphere made in Barcelona around 1880 by Faustino Paluzie, one of the most important 19th-century Spanish makers of scientific and educational instruments. Made of iron, wood, paper, and brass, this finely crafted model combines precision with decorative appeal. The paper rings are printed and hand-colored with celestial and terrestrial references, mounted on a turned wooden base and brass axle. Dimensions: Height: 53 cm (20.9 in) Diameter: 33 cm (13 in) A rare and valuable Read More...

19th Century Asian Bronze Portable Sundial

19th Century Asian Bronze Portable Sundial  Rare Asian portable sundial from the 19th century, beautifully crafted in bronze  This exquisite instrument combines scientific function with artistic ornamentation, reflecting the refined taste and craftsmanship of Asian decorative arts of the period.   It is preserved with its original wooden case, which enhances its authenticity and collectible value.   Dimensions: 7x6x3 cm   A unique and decorative 19th-century scientific instrument, uniting astronomical precision and artistic beauty, ideal for collectors of antique horology and Asian craftsmanship Read More...

19th Century Asian Bronze Portable Sundial with Semi-Precious Stones

Rare Asian portable sundial from the 19th century, beautifully crafted in bronze and adorned with semi-precious stones. This exquisite instrument combines scientific function with artistic ornamentation, reflecting the refined taste and craftsmanship of Asian decorative arts of the period.   It is preserved with its original wooden case, which enhances its authenticity and collectible value.   Dimensions: 8 × 5 × 2 cm (3.1 × 2 × 0.8 in).   A unique and decorative 19th-century scientific instrument, uniting astronomical precision and artistic beauty, ideal for collectors Read More...

19th Century Portable Sundial in Wooden Case

Charming portable sundial from the 19th century, housed in its original wooden case. This compact instrument exemplifies the craftsmanship and practicality of 19th-century scientific design, created for accurate solar timekeeping while remaining elegantly portable.   The piece displays fine workmanship, with engraved details and a warm natural patina to the wood, enhancing its authenticity and decorative appeal.   Dimensions (closed): 9x9x3 cm   A refined and collectible 19th-century scientific instrument, perfect for enthusiasts of antique horology, navigation, and scientific curiosities. Read More...

19th Century Portable Wooden Sundial

Charming portable sundial crafted in engraved wood, dating from the 19th century. This compact timekeeping instrument exemplifies the practical elegance and craftsmanship of traditional scientific tools from the period.   The piece features fine engraved details and a warm natural patina, reflecting both its age and authenticity. When closed, it measures 8x5x2   A decorative and collectible 19th-century scientific instrument, ideal for enthusiasts of antique horology, navigation, and curiosities. Read More...

19th Century Chinese Portable Engraved and Enameled Bronze Sundial

Rare cadran solaire portatif chinois du XIXe siècle, finement ouvragé en bronze gravé et émaillé.   Cet instrument aux détails précis témoigne du savoir-faire et de l’art scientifique de la Chine de la dynastie Qing, où fonctionnalité et ornementation s’alliaient avec élégance.   Les gravures et les accents d’émail coloré soulignent la précision et le raffinement esthétique de l’artisan, reflétant à la fois sa maîtrise technique et sa sensibilité artistique.   Dimensions (fermé) : 12 × 8× 3 cm.   Pièce de collection rare, cet instrument scientifique Read More...

19th Century Portable Wooden Sundial

Charming portable sundial crafted in engraved wood, dating from the 19th century. This compact timekeeping instrument exemplifies the practical elegance and craftsmanship of traditional scientific tools from the period.   The piece features fine engraved details and a warm natural patina, reflecting both its age and authenticity. When closed, it measures 9x6x5   A decorative and collectible 19th-century scientific instrument, ideal for enthusiasts of antique horology, navigation, and curiosities. Read More...

19th Century Portable Wooden Sundial

Charming portable sundial crafted in engraved wood, dating from the 19th century. This compact timekeeping instrument exemplifies the practical elegance and craftsmanship of traditional scientific tools from the period.   The piece features fine engraved details and a warm natural patina, reflecting both its age and authenticity. When closed, it measures 6 × 5 × 2 cm (2.4 × 2 × 0.8 in).   A decorative and collectible 19th-century scientific instrument, ideal for enthusiasts of antique horology, navigation, and curiosities. Read More...

Portable Bronze Sextant for Nautical Navigation

Elegant portable bronze sextant used for nautical navigation, finely crafted with precise detailing and compact design. A beautiful example of traditional maritime instrumentation, reflecting the craftsmanship and engineering typical of early navigational tools. In good condition, with a rich aged patina enhancing its authenticity and charm. Dimensions: Diameter 8 cm (3.1 in), Height 5 cm (2 in). A collectible and decorative nautical instrument, perfect for maritime enthusiasts or as an elegant accent in a study or librard patina enhancing Read More...

The monochord instrument by Kipp Holland

The monochord is the instrument that Pythagoras and other theorists used to study the relationships between string length and pitch, and between pitches themselves. It is still used today as a teaching tool. It consists of an elongated sound box with a number of strings stretched across it. There are often two strings, tuned in unison with tuning pegs, and a third string whose tension is controlled by a pulley with weights. Pythagoras investigated the relationship between string length and Read More...

Rare 19th-Century Swan’s-Neck Pewter Infant/Sick Feeder

Pewter infant/sick feeder with swan’s neck spout. While we encounter swan’s head feeders in porcelain, this is the only pewter example we’ve seen in a  museum collection, book or catalog. That is not to say that it is unique but it certainly is rare. Dating from the first-half of the 19th century it is likely Dutch but the mark is not sufficiently well-stuck to allow for identification. Height including spout =2.5″ or 6.25cm. Diameter of bowl at rim=2.5″ or Read More...

Coddington Microscope Pendant Set In Silver Housing, Late 19th Century

The housing does not bear a hallmark, indicating that it likely has a non-British origin. However, I have analyzed it using an X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer and determined that it contains approximately 92% silver by weight. The precise elemental composition will be provided to the buyer. The magnification is quite impressive, and the resolving power is good for the period.  Read More...