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

03
days
09
hours
55
minutes
43
seconds
Current bid
€ 5
No reserve price
Anna Hue-Roques
Expert
Selected by Anna Hue-Roques

Holds bachelor's degrees in Law and Art History with an Ecole du Louvre auctioneer diploma.

Estimate  € 230 - € 280
NL
€5
FR
€4
NL
€1

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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.

AI-assisted summary

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

We are a passionate team of skilled collectors dedicated to sourcing truly unique and rare vintage pieces. On Catawiki, we showcase only our finest finds. Carefully curated, lovingly selected, and offered with the lowest possible shipping rates as a service to our buyers. Every item is professionally packed the very next day and shipped via registered mail for a safe and reliable delivery. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help.

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

We are a passionate team of skilled collectors dedicated to sourcing truly unique and rare vintage pieces. On Catawiki, we showcase only our finest finds. Carefully curated, lovingly selected, and offered with the lowest possible shipping rates as a service to our buyers. Every item is professionally packed the very next day and shipped via registered mail for a safe and reliable delivery. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help.

Details

Era
1400-1900
Manufacturer/brand
L. & A. Boulade Frères, Lyon – c. 1887–1895
Material
Brass
Style
Antique
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
11 cm
Width
21 cm
Depth
11 cm
Weight
2.05 kg
Estimated period
1850-1900
The NetherlandsVerified
2725
Objects sold
100%
protop

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