9. Scientific & Medical

9.35/22.60  NAUTICAL THEME WALL COMPENDIUM.   Genuine 19th century English wall clock and barometer set.  This handsome display features a clock with early-type cylinder escapement running blued steel Breguet-type hands over a white enamel dial with Roman numerals.  The 8-day mechanism is wound and set on the reverse protected by a hammered brass cover.  The barometer function consists of an open face aneroid barometer with white dial marked in atmospheric pressure with an amazing range of 25.5 to 31.5 inches, calibrated in hundredths.  It is marked “ANEROID BAROMETER” at the bottom and bears the standard weather indications of “STORMY, RAIN, CHANGE, FAIR and VERY DRY.”   It has a fine blued steel indicator needle and a brass set need attached to a knurled knob.  Both instruments have brass bezels with beveled glass crystals.  Of great significance and value is the fact that this set is beautifully-carved of oak in the form of an old fashioned kedge anchor with rope-carved inserts.  The stock of the anchor bears a triangular shield in relief and the bottom a decoratively-carved “nut.”  Adding even greater value is the branded English maker’s mark on the back.  This Victorian symbol indicates the precise day, month and year of manufacture:   June 18, 1873!  The display measures 21 ¼ inches tall by 10 inches wide on the flukes of the anchor and protrudes 2 ¼ inches from the wall.  It retains its stout brass hanging bracket on the top.  Both functions, the clock and barometer, are working.  Outstanding condition overall.  Complete with period winding and set key.  WAS $1995  NOW! 1195 

9.34  CASED SURVEYOR’s COMPASS.   Late 19th century precision surveyor’s pocket compass of French manufacture, made for the Western market.  This high quality pocket instrument is all brass made in two tiers.  The bottom is a silvered brass compass rose with the Cardinal and Intercardinal points identified.  In tiny letters below the “W” it is signed “Made In France.”  The second tier has a surrounding silvered ring calibrated in single degrees marked by 10’s, 0 – 360.  The high quality double-ended compass needle is supported on a brass bearing with an agate pivot.  A caging device operated by a small button on the side between “E” and “SE” locks the needle in place during transport.  The surround of the compass body is scored in sectors coinciding with the major compass points within.  The two sight vanes align along the North/South axis.  The peep vain is above the “S” with the hair line vane above “N”.  Together they will sight and take a compass bearing of a distant object using the caging device to set the compass needle when sighted.  The vanes fold into a positive position for use and neatly fold down when secured.  Remarkably, this instrument comes complete in its original wooden carrying case with leather covering and velvet interior.  It is hinged and secured with 2 early-style hook and eye closures.  The compass measures 3 ¼ inches in diameter and is 3 inches tall overall with the vanes extended.  The carrying case is 3 7/8 inches in diameter and 1 1/8 inches thick.  Amazingly well-preserved showing good age and careful use.  The compass is lively, accurate and the caging function works properly.  A fine 1800’s scientific instrument at a guaranteed to sell low price.  349

9.33 COMPENDIUM.   Remarkable 19th century gentleman’s pocket compendium comprising 4 functions in one instrument!  Barometer – altimeter – compass – thermometer.  The aneroid barometer function features a silvered brass dial indicating atmospheric pressure with a huge range spanning 18 to 31 inches calibrated in whole inches divided down to 5/100ths.  It is marked “RAIN, CHANGE and FAIR.”  A delicate indicator needle points the reading.  The dial is signed “Henry Kahn & Co. SAN FRANCISCO, Compensated.”  The altimeter is embodied in the rotating rim surrounding the dial.  The elevation is marked from 0 through an astounding 15,000 feet subdivided in 50 foot increments!  The back of the instrument contains two more functions.  A circular mercury thermometer which indicates the range of degrees Fahrenheit from 8 to 150.  It is marked “FAHT” at the bottom of the dial next to the adjustment screw for setting the barometer.  In the center is the magnetic compass under beveled glass.  It indicates the standard 32 compass points on its mother-of-pearl card with the Cardinal and Intercardinal points identified.  North is designated by a star above a lyre.  The body of the instrument is gilt washed brass with a small pivoting suspension loop at the top.  The rim of the altimeter is knurled for ease of setting the reading.  The entire instrument is 2 inches in diameter and 7/8 inches thick.  With the loop it measures 2 ¾ inches in length.  Outstanding original condition showing careful use.  ALL functions operate properly.  795

According to Kornelia Takacs in her comprehensive reference book ”Compass Chronicles,” 2010, Schiffer Books, Atglen, Pennsylvania, this compass was made in accordance with Samuel Barry Singer’s 1861 patent.  The dry card dial is distinctively marked in half-black, half-white, providing a sharp contrast which was much easier to see in low light.  A nearly identical compass dial is shown on page 42, dated at circa 1868.  Two similar examples are shown, dating 1870 and 1880 respectively (p. 44).

Of particular note is the fact that this American instrument, circa 1880, was designed to measure altitudes exceeding the tallest mountain in the United States at the time, that being California’s Mount Whitney at 14,505 feet of elevation.   Long before air travel!

9.31  PRECISION SCALE WEIGHTS.  Full set of balancing scale weights used for determining the exact weight of precious substances such as gold, diamonds and medicine.  This pristine set contains 8 identified brass weights marked from one through 50 grams, with duplicate 2 and 10 gram weights.  Then there is a cut black glass tray which contains thin metal strips ranging from 1 milligram up to 500 milligrams.  The set is complete with its original brass tweezers.   The total contents are neatly mounted in the substantial mahogany box with dark blue felt liner and brass hook closure.  The set is signed by the maker as stamped into the case “F. HOPKIN & SON, JERSEY CITY, NJ.”   5 1/8 inches long by 3 inches wide and 1 ½ inches thick.  It is amazing that this set has remained entirely intact in such good condition for over 100 years!  249

9.32  ANEMOMETER.  Finest quality 19th century American instrument used to measure the volume of air passing through mines, sailing ships at sea and other “windy” applications.  This precision all brass device has a silvered main dial with 3 subsidiary dials.  It is marked “VELOCITY IN FEET No. 8839. ZERO SETTING Patent No. 3729.”  The periphery of the dial is calibrated from 0 to 100 feet in single increments marked by 10’s.  The inner dials read from 100 to 1,000 and from 1,000 to10,000.  The  entire dial is covered by a beveled glass crystal.  The fan attaches to the mechanism in a perpendicular fashion and retains its substantial blackened brass cowling.  It is extremely sensitive, registering the slightest air current.  Circa 1900.  3 inches wide by 3 1/8 inches tall.  The fan housing is 2 ¾ inches in diameter and the stout instrument base is 2 ¼ inches in diameter.  Lovely original condition.  A wonderful, virtually pristine example of early American technology in the emerging industrial age at a very  reasonable price.  385

9.30  APOTHECARY CHEST.   Unique 18th century sea captain’s medicine chest constructed of rich African mahogany with brass fittings.  The upper section contains 6 hand-blown bottles with ground stoppers and telltale pontils on their bottoms.  Three of the bottles have original non-descript contents.  The section is divided by thin wooden panels chamfered to precisely fit the interior.  The second tier contains 4 more bottles, 3 of which are hand-blown with stoppers.  The 4th bottle is embossed “Booty CASH CHEMISTS.”  The third and fourth tiers are precisely fitted with detailed dove-tailed drawers having ivory pulls.  The top drawer has 4 fitted sliding covers.  Two have labels:  “Purified Nitre” and “Jalap Powder.”  Of special note is the overall construction of the chest.  It has a spring-loaded solid mahogany lid mounted on stop hinges which pops open when the skeleton key is unlocked.  Interestingly, there is also a spring-loaded “keeper pin” which automatically locks the door when the lid is closed.  As a secondary means of assured closure a hook and eye are provided on the right.  Folding brass bail chronometer box handles adorn each side.  The chest measures 8 by 7 inches on the top by 10 inches high and weighs 9 pounds.  Excellent original condition, still functional after 250+ years! 1195

9.29  RENAISSANCE DIVIDERS.  Super rare, genuine cartographer’s and/or architect’s dividers from the late 1600’s  This museum piece is made of hand-finished cast iron featuring a splined joint at the apex and subtle decorative embellishments along the limbs.  The tips are no longer sharp from centuries of use.  Yet, the action is still very tight and smooth, opening to a width of 4 ½ inches.  4 3/8 inches long.  Amazing original condition for such a working instrument over 350 years old!   WAS $499 NOW! 249

From a major Pennsylvania collection of scientific instrument begun in the early 1960’s.
The accompanying plate is taken from page 34 of  Maya Hambly’s ground breaking reference book entitled “Drawing Instruments 1580-1980,” 1988, Sotheby’s Publications, Philip Wilson Publishers, Ltd., London.  The caption reads “Engraved plate dated 1599 from Giovanni Pomodoro’s Geometria Practtica showing a selection of mathematical instruments.  Museo di Storia della Scienze, Florence, Italy.”  The dividers, top center, identified as “Compafso Hordmario” are nearly identical to the pair offered here. Interestingly, in her comprehensive book, Ms. Hambly offers no known examples of dividers dating earlier than the mid-18th century!

The famed Dutch Renaissance painter Johannes Vermeer painted a portrait in 1668 entitled “The Cartographer,” which depicts a gentleman using such a divider on a map with a world globe in the background.

9.28  3-LEGGED DIVIDERS.  Rare, original set of 3-legged dividers as used by mariners and cartographers in the 1800’s and earlier.  This superb set is unsigned but is likely of German or English origin.  It is absolutely the finest quality ever made.  The body is German silver (non-metallic) with polished steel tips.  The apex of the 3 limbs is a complicated pivot.  Two are like a regular pair of hand dividers with splined joints opening and closing in a straight line.  The addition of a third limb connected by a ball and socket allows the instrument to describe a multidirectional plane necessary in measuring the curvature of a globe.  The quality of its precision cannot be overstated.  The joints are smooth, tight and beautifully-finished.  Speaking to its age, the ball joint has a small washer with 2 telltale holes for tightening, rather than a screw slot.  Such a feature is indicative of 19th century and earlier manufacture.  In addition, the instrument has a double knurled thumb screw which, when tightened, locks all three prongs in position.  A wonderfully clever complication. 5 ¼ inches long by 1 ¼ inches wide at the pivots.  Fabulous original condition.  The best!  349

9.27  AMERICAN POCKET COMPASS.   Turn-of-the-century traveler’s pocket compass constructed in 2 leaves of wood hinged together.  Known as a “diptych” compass, this device has a silvered brass compass in 2 tiers.  The bottom is engraved with the cardinal points of the compass with a star denoting north.  It is signed “W. & L.E. Gurley Troy.N.Y. ”The upper tier is marked in single degrees running counterclockwise from 0 at north to 359 marked in 10’s.  The high quality compass needle has a jeweled pivot and is balanced for accuracy on the southern limb.  A high quality caging device locks the needle in place automatically when the lid is closed.  A “Lubbers line” is scribed in the lid for sighting.  The lid fits snugly on its two hinges and is held by a small pivoting hook.  Outstanding original condition.  The compass is lively and extremely accurate.  279

W. & L.E. Gurley are perhaps the best known surveying instrument makers in American history.  The Gurley name goes back as far as Ephrain Gurley who in 1813 started an iron foundry in Troy, New York.  In 1851 Lewis Gurley began a partnership with his brother William.  In 1852 they founded the company of W. & L. E. Gurley, not far from where their uncle Ephrain began his work.  They advertised as manufacturers of compasses, theodolites, leveling instruments and “apparatus to illustrate the principles of Philosophy.”  A fire destroyed their workshop in 1862, but it was quickly rebuilt that same year.  Both men were active in the civic activities in their community.  William Frank Gurley, son of Lewis began his work in 1882.  He became a partner of W. & L.E. Gurley upon the death of his uncle in 1887.  The company was incorporated under the name of “W. & L.E Gurley” on October 18, 1899.  William Frank died in 1915, but the company carried on under the same name to this day.  (Charles E. Smart, “The Makers of Surveying Instruments in America Since 1700,” 1962, Regal Art Press, Troy, New York).

9.26  APOTHECARY BOX.   Exceptional 18th century sea Captain’s medicine chest used to treat seamen’s ailments on extended cruises.  This particularly handsome example is constructed entirely of rich African mahogany, fully brass bound with complex inlays of superb quality.  One indication of such quality is its ivory key escutcheon, normally reserved for use by nobility.  The lock retains its original skeleton key which operates properly, providing a crucial function for carrying the set.  The complicated interior is in 2 tiers.  The upper section contains 11 vials and 3 stoppered tubes with various contents.  9 have ground glass stoppers.  2 retain their original labels.  One reads “TINCT. ARNICA.” with a Boston, Mass. address.  A second bears the label “RECTIFIED BENZOLINE HIGHLY INFLAMMABLE.”  Thank fully it is devoid of contents, but others do remain.  All are hand-blown glass with distinctive pontils on their bottoms.  The second tier consists of a sliding drawer with flush folding brass pull.  The drawer is held in place by a brass keeper pin operated from above.  The drawer has a lift-out tray containing numerous marked scale weights, a sharpening stone and a scalpel.  Beneath it is a hand-held balancing scale with a miniature mortar and pestle.   Next to it are 4 more stoppered bottles.  In front are 2 more trays containing 6 bottles, a porcelain dosing cup and 4 labeled containers.  The hinged lid of the chest is lined in red crushed velvet and its top is inlaid with a fine, flush folding carrying handle.  10 ½ inches wide by 6 ¾ inches deep and 9 ½ inches high.  Excellent overall condition noting some staining to the velvet.  Otherwise amazingly well- preserved. 2950 

In the days of sail, few ocean-going ships carried a ship’s doctor.  Only capital ships of the largest type and naval ships of the line embarked a ship’s surgeon.  So it fell the merchant ship’s  captain to double as his crew’s dictator and doctor.  Such sets were furnished with a variety of herbal as well as questionable “remedies” including those considered poison and narcotic by today’s standards.

9.25  ANTIQUE MICROSCOPE.  Genuine 1840 high quality continental microscope complete in its original box with accessories.  This professional scientific instrument is all bras with all of its original optics and accessories.  The unusual configuration has a knurled knob connected to a rack and pinion platform which raises the stage for focusing, rather than the typical method of moving the optics while the specimen remains firm.  It has a solid lead base for stability covered by brass which supports the pivoting substage concave mirror for illumination.  Above, an articulated magnifying lens is attached to the body of the scope.  The instrument comes complete in its original fitted mahogany case measuring 10 ½ inches long by 5 ¼ inches wide and 3 ½ inches thick.  The hinged case has it original skeleton lock with inlaid ebony diamond-shaped escutcheon and is complete with 2 additional objectives and circular glass magnifier.  The box contains the business card of the last owner, “James Lincoln Hauser, M.D.”  This rare scientific instrument is in excellent overall condition.  The surfaces retain about 80 % of their lacquer without significant discoloration.  The form-fitting mahogany box is very sound but it does have 2 significant age cracks in the lid.  Included in this offering are 8 period prepared microscope slides all in excellent condition.  This is an incredible value for a quality instrument of its type over 180 years old!  WAS $895 NOW! 295

9.22 TWO ‘TESSERACT’ CATALOGS.  This company was certainly the preeminent purveyor of the finest scientific instruments available at the time of their publication.  Dr. Cofeen was an eminent specialist in all forms of scientific instruments from navigation to medicine.  His research and documentation are unexcelled in modern day treatments of the subject.  These two catalogs, from 1999 and 2005 document the state of scientific collecting of their time.  A wonderful window into the evolution of values.  Offered at the same prices they sold for at the time of publication!  Both for only 14

Shipped First Class Mail

9.21 MARCHING COMPASS. Very high quality pocket compass made for the American Corps of Engineers for World War I. According to Kronelia Takacs in her monumental reference work “Compass Chronicles,” 2010 Schiffer Publishing, Atglen, PA, pages 73 - 74, a number of British firms manufactured military compasses in WWI. The most widely used was the Verner’s Pattern prismatic compass, Mark VI, made as early as 1905. The dial has 2 scales. The inner area is graduated every 5o, numbered every 20o. The numbers on the outer edge are reversed to be read through the prism and they start form South towards West. The edge of the dial is marked every 1o. North is indicated by a prominent arrow running from the center. The high quality pivot is jeweled. This all brass compass has a hinged lid with glazed port and line of sight. When the lid is opened a clever prong engages the compass’ caging device freeing the card. The pivoting prism can then be move into position to sight the target through the glazed lid while simultaneously reading the compass bearing! The surroundings sides of this complicated device is marked in 5o increments numbered by 10’s 0 through 34 and in ½ points of the compass rose with the cardinal, intercardinal and subcardinal points of the compass identified. The top face of the compass body is marked “ENGINEER CORPS U.S.” The bottom is backed with a rubber insulator and is marked “C.E. (Corps of Engineers) 1918” with the serial number. The top has a pivoting brass suspension loop. This precision instrument comes in its original leather carrying case with closure. The case has a belt loop for attachment. The compass body is 2 ¼ inches in diameter. The case measures 3 ¾ x 2 ½ x 1 ¼. Remarkable original condition. 249

9.17  PRECISION PROTRACTOR. Unique antique protractor hand-inscribed from 0 to 180 degrees left and right.  This amazing device is made of sheet copper – very unusual in that virtually all such instruments of its type were made of brass.  This is probably because copper, an elemental metal, is very malleable and easily worked while being less susceptible to corrosion.  This complicated protractor has no less than 20 semi-circular bands radiating from its center.  The outer most band on the periphery is calibrated in single degrees marked by 10's in a counterclockwise direction.  The next band is marked in 5 degree increments running clockwise.  There are two more bands towards  the center each calibrated in single degrees, 0 centered, marked by 10's, running 90 degrees left and right.  At the locus, marked by a very tiny indent, the lines are so finely concentrated as to be the width of a human hair!  This early instrument likely dates to the late 1700's and was probably not made by a professional scientific instrument maker, but rather a skilled ship's navigator or carpenter.  11 ¾ inches wide by 5 7/8 inches high and less than 1/16 inch thick.  Excellent original condition showing great age and use, but no abuse.  A true rarity!  475

9.20  PORTABLE  SURVEYOR's SIGHTING COMPASS. Very high quality late 19th century surveyor's pocket compass of French manufacture. This genuine scientific instrument has a surprising array of multiple features. It is two–tiered. There is a magnetic compass showing direction on the upper scale of the silvered brass dial calibrated in single degrees from 0 to 360 marked by 10's. The compass needle has an agate pivot, indicative of its quality. The lower tier on the Western edge is marked in degrees of declination in single degree increments starting with 90 at North, then 0 at West increasing again to 90 South.  The scale is overlaid by a very fine brass inclinometer which indicates single degrees. Yet a third function is the ability to sight a bearing using the 2 folding sighting vanes in blackened brass finish on the North and South sectors. The brass was blackened to negate the effects of the sun's glare.  For carrying, the compass is equipped with a compass needle caging device at the East point. For determining inclination there is a flat bar attached to compass body on the West end for alignment with the surface being measured.  Although unmarked this precision instrument is undoubtedly French. This complicated device is all brass and fits snugly into its velvet lined case of wood overlaid by Moroccan leather. Complete with original brass snap closure.  The instrument measures 3 5/8 inches in diameter and 3 7/8 inches wide overall.  The case is 4 ¼ inches in diameter and 1 ½ inches thick.  This is a multi-functional compendium of the highest quality, in remarkable condition, well over 130 years old!  It is the first of its type we have encountered in such beautiful condition with its original pristine wood and leather case with velvet lining. 669

9.19   ALTIMETER/BAROMETER.   Very nice large 19th century gentleman's traveling weather barometer of English manufacture with the dual function of being an altimeter. This  larger than average portable instrument is in the form of an antique pocket watch with bow.  The silvered brass dial is hand-engraved.  It is calibrated from 25.5 to 31 inches of barometric pressure, divided down to 2/100ths of an inch.  It is marked "Compensated" and "Made in England"   The outer rim of the dial is marked in "FEET" from 0 to 5,000 divided down to amazing 20 foot increments!  To set and record a reading the rim revolves.  This is provided with pinpoint accuracy by the extremely fine steel indicator needle which is little more than a hair's width in diameter!  The solid brass case retains 95% of its lovely gilt finish This instrument is complete within its hinged wooden case with silk and satin-lining and Moroccan leather cover.  A small spring-loaded lever with brass button latch secures the case with a snap fit when closed.  3 ¼ inches in diameter and 1 ¼ inches thick.  The dial itself measures 2 ½ inches in diameter.  Fully functional and accurate.  Unusually fine original condition considering this is a working scientific instrument over 100 years old!  495

9.18  WOODEN DIPTYCH COMPASS.  Fine, late 19th century folding pocket compass of French manufacture.  This quality traveler's compass is constructed of two hinged wooden tablets, the body of which bears a silvered brass compass protected by old wavy glass.  The compass rose shows the cardinal and intercardinal points of the compass.  The periphery is calibrated in single degrees 0 – 360 marked by 10's.   The compass deviation for late 19th century Europe is indicated by a feathered arrow just West of North.  The center is finely marked "MADE IN FRANCE." Speaking to its quality the delicate double ended compass needle has a ruby pivot.  The compass has a cleaver caging device which locks the needle in place when the lid is closed.   The all brass piano-type hinge assures a secure closure aided by 2 delicate brass hooks pivoting on the front.  3 inches square by 1 3/16 inches thick.  Excellent original condition showing good age.  The compass is lively and accurate.  This is an excellent buy!  199

9.08   HYDROMETER FLOAT.  Pristine precision shipboard scientific instrument used to determine the specific gravity of a liquid, in this case the purity of water in the ship's boilers.  This nickel-plated brass float is marked "Hezzanith, Made In England 60o" and is calibrated from .0035 to .0050, representing the difference in the ratio of the liquid being tested to pure water in thousandths.  0.000 being pure water.  In another application a very similar instrument was routinely used in the distilling industry to determine the proof of spirits (alcohol and water).  39

"Hezzanith" was the trade name of Henry Hughes & Son, a well known nautical instrument maker established in early 1800's England into the mid-20th Century..

9.09  PROTRACTOR.  Small, all brass precision protractor made by the famous scientific company "WELCH Quality Service, Chicago, Ill." as signed on the front.  It reads 180 degrees left or right in single degree increments.  The focus on the lower limb is marked with a fleur-de-lis.  4 ¼ inches wide by 2 inches high.  Good original condition showing actual use.  10

William Welch founded an educational supply company in Chicago in 1880.  In 1906 the Welch Scientific Instrument Company was established.  Among other things Welch supplied the U.S. Navy with mercury stick barometers during World War II.

9.06 THEOBALD’s PROBES. Unusual set of 19th century American eye doctor’s instruments. This complete set of 8 probes was precisely manufactured of nickel-plated brass. Atop each probe is attached a small double leaf-shaped plaque stamped with two numbers. The numbers indicate the diameter of the probe on each end, ranging in size from the smallest, “1” through the largest, “16.” The set is housed in it original leather-covered hinged wooden case with blue satin lining. A small sliding lock is provided on the front for positive closure. The top of the case is embossed in gold “Set of Theobald’s Probes. The case measures 6 inches long by 3 3/8 inches wide and is 1 inch thick. The exterior leather evidences wear and some minor losses. The interior and contents are perfect. A rare, complete set of early doctor’s tools. 149

In a publication dated 1888, “New Eye Instruments,” J.O. Tansley discusses lachrymal canal or “tear duct” practice at the time, stating that it was “To dilate the canal as much as possible without traumatism.”

Samuel Theobald was born in 1846. He began his Baltimore, Maryland medical practice in 1871. Before his appointment at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Theobald was one of the founders of the Baltimore Eye, Ear and Throat Charity Hospital in 1882. In 1889 he founded the Opthamology Department at John’s Hopkins Hospital. In addition to teaching at the medical school and working in the dispensary, he was known for the development of “Theobald lachrymal probes,” the introduction of boric acid as an effective eye wash, and his book, Prevalent Diseases of the Eye. He was a member of the American Ophthalmological Society for 50 years and served as its 14th President.

9.48  EARLY PLANETARIUM.   Important, genuine 18th century solar system model of French manufacture.   This very rare second half of the 1700’s Copernican view of a sun-centered solar system is defined by a brass ball in the middle representing the sun.  It rests atop a brass rod which supports 8 brass arms mounting revolving planets and a brass gearwork device which rotates the earth and its orbiting moon.  Reading outward from the center of the solar system are the planets Mercury, Venus, Earth with its moon, Mars, Ceres, Pallas, Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus.   Each is represented with its lithographed identity done on a paper Maché disc.  The earth is constructed in the traditional manner with a solid wood core overlaid by stenciled gores.  The moon is depicted in ivory.  The heavy brass equatorial ring is engraved with 3 scales.  The outer scale shows the months of the year divided by 5 day increments.  The middle scale indicates the signs of the Zodiac, and the inner scale is calibrated in single degrees by 30 degree arc sectors.  The Meridian ring, intersecting the Equatorial ring at the summer and winter solstices, is marked “0” at the Zenith down to 23 degrees where it is marked “SOLSTICE.”  Intersecting the Solstice ring at 23 degrees is the elliptic which is marked “EQUINOXES” on both sides of the Meridian  The entire presentation is mounted on a cast iron hemispherical frame which supports the equatorial and elliptical rings.  It is mounted to a substantial brass cap atop a turned, ebonized wooden base.  19 inches tall by 12 ¼ inches in diameter.  The wooden pedestal measures 6 ½ inches in diameter at the base.  Truly amazing, beautiful condition.  Museum quality! SOLD

Ceres and Pallas were originally considered planets.  But after 1845 and the discovery of asteroid belt, they were reclassified as asteroids.  Uranus was discovered in 1781 but was not officially recognized as planet until 1873.