18th Oct, 2019 12:00

Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine

 
Lot 93
 

An Exceptionally Fine Pantograph by George Adams Senior

English, c. 1765, in mahogany with lacquered brass fittings, inlaid ivory scales, and ivory ball wheels, signed 'G Adams Math.l Inst.t Maker to His Majesty Fleet Street London', complete with accessories in fitted mahogany case with instructions pasted inside lid, case 76.8cm. Notes: the instructions refer to the 'pantographer', the term used by George Adams Senior. This instrument itself is identical to that in the King George III collection in the Science Museum London (illustrated in Morton & Wess), with an identical maker’s signature. In both cases the arms are of mahogany rather than ebony. The only difference between the two is the fulcrum weight, in this example it is the usual lead version rather than the large brass version at the Science Museum. References: Adams, G, A Catalogue of Mathematical, Philosophical and Optical Instruments (1746) no.75; Millburn, J R (2000) Adams of Fleet Street p.105; Morton, A Q & Wess, J A (1993) Public & Private Science – The King George III Collection p.379; Wynter H & Turner, A, (1975) Scientific Instruments Fig.174.

Sold for £2,400

Result plus buyers premium


 
English, c. 1765, in mahogany with lacquered brass fittings, inlaid ivory scales, and ivory ball wheels, signed 'G Adams Math.l Inst.t Maker to His Majesty Fleet Street London', complete with accessories in fitted mahogany case with instructions pasted inside lid, case 76.8cm. Notes: the instructions refer to the 'pantographer', the term used by George Adams Senior. This instrument itself is identical to that in the King George III collection in the Science Museum London (illustrated in Morton & Wess), with an identical maker’s signature. In both cases the arms are of mahogany rather than ebony. The only difference between the two is the fulcrum weight, in this example it is the usual lead version rather than the large brass version at the Science Museum. References: Adams, G, A Catalogue of Mathematical, Philosophical and Optical Instruments (1746) no.75; Millburn, J R (2000) Adams of Fleet Street p.105; Morton, A Q & Wess, J A (1993) Public & Private Science – The King George III Collection p.379; Wynter H & Turner, A, (1975) Scientific Instruments Fig.174.
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