Lot 63

A George Adams brass and steel perpendicular,
English, circa 1770,

Instruments of Science, Technology and Mechanical Music

18 May 2016, 13:00 BST

London, Knightsbridge

Sold for £1,250 inc. premium

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Claire Tole-Moir

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Jon Baddeley

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Tel: +44 20 7393 3872

[email protected]

A George Adams brass and steel perpendicular, English, circa 1770,

signed G. Adams London, the shaped brass plate with two steel feet and steel plunger that slides in channel down the centre, mounted with a bubble level, in shaped fishskin covered case, 4 1/2in (11.5cm) high

Footnotes

The perpendicular was used by gunners to find the centre line of a cannon or mortar which was then used to aim the piece by sight. By placing the instrument on the barrel and when the bubble is central, the plunger is depressed to mark the barrel. This procedure is then repeated along the barrel to produce a line of sight.

For a similar instrument, see Morton, A. Q. & Wess, J.A. Public & Private Science, p. 401

Additional information

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A George Adams brass and steel perpendicular, English, circa 1770,

Own a similar item?

Looking for a similar item?

Ask about this lot

Claire Tole-Moir

Jon Baddeley

A George Adams brass and steel perpendicular, English, circa 1770,

Footnotes

Additional information

Auction information

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