L. & A. Boulade Frères, Lyon – c. 1887–1895 - Surveyor's compass - Brass - 1850-1900






Holds bachelor's degrees in Law and Art History with an Ecole du Louvre auctioneer diploma.
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This antique French cylindrical surveying compass by L. & A. Boulade Frères, Lyon, dates from 1887–1895, is made of brass and comes with its original fitted mahogany case.
Description from the seller
Antique French Surveyor’s Cylindrical Compass - ca. 1887–1895
A rare and beautifully preserved late-19th-century French surveying instrument by L. & A. Boulade Frères, Ingénieurs Opticiens, Lyon.
The finely made cylindrical brass instrument combines a surveying compass with optical alignment sights, featuring a striking black compass face, 0–360° silvered graduation and finely crafted brass fittings. The maker’s name is prominently displayed on the compass dial.
The instrument retains its original brass mounting adapter and comes complete with its impressive original mahogany fitted case, featuring dovetail construction, brass fittings and original metal latches. The case retains the original stamp from the architect: Maurice Mailleux, Géomètre Architecte, Boussu
A superb piece of 19th-century French scientific and surveying equipment, equally appealing to collectors of optical instruments, scientific history and industrial design.
Details
Maker: L. & A. Boulade Frères, Lyon, France
Period: c. 1887–1895
Type: Cylindrical surveying compass / équerre cylindrique à boussole
Compass diameter: approx. 9.5 cm
Instrument height: approx. 19 cm
Case: approx. 21 × 11 × 11 cm
Total weight: approx. 2.05 kg
Materials: Brass, steel and mahogany
Condition
Very good antique condition. The brass has been professionally polished and waxed. Compass needle moves freely and functions correctly. Minor age-related marks and patina are present. The original mahogany case is structurally sound and beautifully preserved.
A highly decorative and genuinely historical French precision instrument, complete with its original case.
Seller's Story
Antique French Surveyor’s Cylindrical Compass - ca. 1887–1895
A rare and beautifully preserved late-19th-century French surveying instrument by L. & A. Boulade Frères, Ingénieurs Opticiens, Lyon.
The finely made cylindrical brass instrument combines a surveying compass with optical alignment sights, featuring a striking black compass face, 0–360° silvered graduation and finely crafted brass fittings. The maker’s name is prominently displayed on the compass dial.
The instrument retains its original brass mounting adapter and comes complete with its impressive original mahogany fitted case, featuring dovetail construction, brass fittings and original metal latches. The case retains the original stamp from the architect: Maurice Mailleux, Géomètre Architecte, Boussu
A superb piece of 19th-century French scientific and surveying equipment, equally appealing to collectors of optical instruments, scientific history and industrial design.
Details
Maker: L. & A. Boulade Frères, Lyon, France
Period: c. 1887–1895
Type: Cylindrical surveying compass / équerre cylindrique à boussole
Compass diameter: approx. 9.5 cm
Instrument height: approx. 19 cm
Case: approx. 21 × 11 × 11 cm
Total weight: approx. 2.05 kg
Materials: Brass, steel and mahogany
Condition
Very good antique condition. The brass has been professionally polished and waxed. Compass needle moves freely and functions correctly. Minor age-related marks and patina are present. The original mahogany case is structurally sound and beautifully preserved.
A highly decorative and genuinely historical French precision instrument, complete with its original case.
