Old drawing instruments

[AndyT]

I wouldn't often post just to point out something that has sold on ebay, but I just happened to notice this rather nice collection of late 18th or early 19th century drawing instruments - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A-Rare-John-Bleuler-Cased-Drawing-Instruments-c-1757-1829-/330817310401. I just thought they were rather splendid!

This is the sector

two of the pens

the dividers with lovely file work

and the whole set in its pocket case

I didn't buy them and don't know anything much about such things but I thought that the craftsmanship is just wonderful!

Anyone else like them? Anyone investing in these as a pension fund?

 

[GazPal]

From design through to the shark skin wrapped storage case, I love the level of detail and finish they used to put into tools and equipment like this.

 

[Harbo]

I have a Drawing set that belonged to my Grandfather from the early 1900's made by Negretti & Zambra.
Beautiful workmanship but they are very heavy and the compasses etc drill holes through the paper!

Rod

 

[tinytim1458]

This in end went for £313.03?
an odd figure to see at but if that was right then someone got a bargain as you would have thought they were worth more than that at a good auction venue.
unless of course he already got them valued.
either way a lovely piece of kit.
Tim

 

[dickm]

That's fascinating. I have a similar compasses/dividers set, but only in a wooden case. Had assumed it was much more recent than suggested here, but as others have said, the workmanship is superb.
Shame it never gets used now. Sketchup etc. have a lot to answer for

 

[jimi43]

Oh...the beauty of old technical instruments is something that grabs me every time and really, £313 is not much for such a set.

I remember the day I found this little beauty at a bootfair...

I was smiling for most of the day and the script on these things....

...is from an era when pride in your work was paramount...cost, secondary.

I really must get myself on a Copperplate engraving course one day...anyone know where?

Jim

 

[Phil Pascoe]

I have a set by Blundell & Harling - Finsbury Pavement. My mother bought it in 1966 for£2 and I used it all the way through secondary school, and it's still complete.

 

[matthewwh]

Very droolwothy, I suspect the sector alone is worth plenty more than that.

They are fascinating tools, the scientific calculator of pre-scientific-calculator days and, like so many hand tools, illustrative of how much we are prepared to conform to the limitations of technology.

 

[bugbear]

...is from an era when pride in your work was paramount...cost, secondary.

I share your admiration for the work, but cost was most definitely a factor in all things. The best was for the rich - 'twas ever thus.

The man that did work that was too good, took too long, couldn't feed his family.

BugBear

 

[jimi43]

...is from an era when pride in your work was paramount...cost, secondary.

I share your admiration for the work, but cost was most definitely a factor in all things. The best was for the rich - 'twas ever thus.

The man that did work that was too good, took too long, couldn't feed his family.

BugBear

Indeed? Which is why Master RB Bate died of a bout of flu in his "hovel" in Hampstead...a very rich man.

'Course that could have been because he married well and worked for HMC :wink:

Jim

 

[bugbear]

...is from an era when pride in your work was paramount...cost, secondary.

I share your admiration for the work, but cost was most definitely a factor in all things. The best was for the rich - 'twas ever thus.

The man that did work that was too good, took too long, couldn't feed his family.

BugBear

Indeed? Which is why Master RB Bate died of a bout of flu in his "hovel" in Hampstead...a very rich man.

'Course that could have been because he married well and worked for HMC :wink:

Jim

Or because he charged his customers a high price?

For example, Joseph Clement was a fine engineer, and doubtless took pride in the high quality of his work.

By, by heck, he sent Babbage some corking bills!

Skill and time need to be paid for (*)

BugBear

(*) unless you're a hobbyist working for your self, I'm happy to say.

 

[Dave Martin]

Hi, google bought me here whilst researching drawing instruments.

I have a sector made by D Adams, who I believe was the youngest son of George Adams.

I have searched all over the net but can't seem to find much other than a mention in Wikipedia.

Are they really worth as much as a previous poster says?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Eric The Viking]

I'd love to know how you use a sector, too. I couldn't work it out from the pic.

 

[AndyT]

I'd love to know how you use a sector, too. I couldn't work it out from the pic.

This should help:

http://web.mat.bham.ac.uk/C.J.Sangwin/Sliderules/sector.html

or if you want an older source, plenty are available, such as http://www.archive.org/stream/treatiseonmathem00heatrich#page/34/mode/2up which gives a fairly brief description (sample page below).

As for makers, rarity and value, afaik the best introduction to the subject would be to invest in a copy of The Rule Book by Jane and Mark Rees (available from all good bookshops including Classic Hand Tools.)

I don't have a copy but I have seen one and it's a magnificent book.

 

[Eric The Viking]

Many thanks, Andy - that's really helpful. There's clearly a familial relationship with slide rules.

I haven't time now, but I'll go back and re-read it carefully when I've got a moment.

Cheers,

E.

 

[Harbo]

Wow at £78 I think I will have to decline?

Rod

 

[Dave Martin]

Many thanks for the reply. I think this sector is going to prove interesting.