William Simms - Swing Arm Protractor - Brass, Mahogany - 1800-1850
08
days
17
hours
45
minutes
00
seconds
Current bid
€ 130
Reserve price met
Expert
Selected by Marcel van Hulst
Over 35 years trading and collecting militaria with deep industry knowledge.
Estimate € 330 - € 400
21 other people are watching this object
 | €130 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €120 | |
 | €100 | |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 132408 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
William Simms swing-arm protractor in brass with a silvered Vernier scale, dating to 1820–1826, housed in its original mahogany case, dimensions 3 cm high by 14.8 cm wide by 15 cm deep, United Kingdom origin, in excellent condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A rare and historically significant scientific instrument by the master maker William Simms. This circular swing-arm protractor dates to the short period between 1820 and 1826 when Simms operated independently at 1 Bowman's Buildings, Aldersgate Street, London, prior to his legendary partnership with Edward Troughton.
Crafted from hand-finished brass, the instrument features a sophisticated silvered Vernier scale for ultra-precise plotting. These tools were the "super-computers" of their day, utilised by Royal Navy hydrographers and master engineers to map the coastlines of the British Empire and plot the first great railways. This example is housed in its original, perfectly fitted mahogany case, which retains its exceptionally rare, original paper trade label. A centrepiece for any serious collection of Georgian scientific or mathematical instruments.
Condition Report:
Outstanding museum condition. The brass retains a soft, age-authentic patina. The mechanical swing-arm and Vernier adjustment are smooth and precise. The mahogany case is structurally sound with the original lid label clear and fully legible although worn at the edges.
Seller's Story
Welcome to Beautiful Old England. We specialise in Antiquarian Books, Antique Surgical Instruments, art and collectibles from old England, for collectors all over the world. We have supplied customers in over 30 countries, nearly all with same day despatch.
A rare and historically significant scientific instrument by the master maker William Simms. This circular swing-arm protractor dates to the short period between 1820 and 1826 when Simms operated independently at 1 Bowman's Buildings, Aldersgate Street, London, prior to his legendary partnership with Edward Troughton.
Crafted from hand-finished brass, the instrument features a sophisticated silvered Vernier scale for ultra-precise plotting. These tools were the "super-computers" of their day, utilised by Royal Navy hydrographers and master engineers to map the coastlines of the British Empire and plot the first great railways. This example is housed in its original, perfectly fitted mahogany case, which retains its exceptionally rare, original paper trade label. A centrepiece for any serious collection of Georgian scientific or mathematical instruments.
Condition Report:
Outstanding museum condition. The brass retains a soft, age-authentic patina. The mechanical swing-arm and Vernier adjustment are smooth and precise. The mahogany case is structurally sound with the original lid label clear and fully legible although worn at the edges.
Seller's Story
Welcome to Beautiful Old England. We specialise in Antiquarian Books, Antique Surgical Instruments, art and collectibles from old England, for collectors all over the world. We have supplied customers in over 30 countries, nearly all with same day despatch.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Manufacturer/brand
William Simms -
Type
Swing Arm Protractor
Country of origin
United Kingdom
Material
Mahogany, Brass
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
3 cm
Width
14.8 cm
Depth
15 cm
Estimated period
1800-1850
Sold by
