8296

Britain, Circa 1780

DOLLOND ROLLING RULE

By Peter Dollond (British, 1731-1821). Signed on one end "Dollond London 1673". Ebony ruler with ivory inch scales on either long edge, divided by tenths. One side is beveled downward for map reading and plotting, and the other side is beveled upward for ink drawing. Roller arm with two milled brass wheels with ivory readouts in tenths of inches and geared to drive a central pointer reading against an enameled dial likewise divided into tenths of an inch. Original fitted wood case bound in fish skin, lined in green velvet and with three brass catches.
Ruler length 12". Case height 1". Length 12.75". Width 2.75".
Condition: The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact Eldred's before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction. 

  • Provenance:
    Tesseract, Hastings-on-Hudson, New York.
    The Kelton Collection of Marine Art & Artifacts.

    Notes:
    This is the sophisticated mechanical readout version of the rolling rule invented by A.G. Eckhardt of London in 1771 (British patent #985). He apparently left the patent with Peter Dollond. When used with care, the ruler permitted rapid two dimensional plotting of points on a graph. It is most rare.

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October 6, 2022 9:30 AM EDT
East Dennis, MA, US

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