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298 - Proportional compass, Italy, circa 1600
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Estimation
€400 - 500Sale fees
Proportional compass, Italy, circa 1600 Brass and steel; 19 cm long. An early form of a reduction or proportion compass with two steel points. The instrument is unsigned but is certainly Italian, dating from the late 16th century. It is marked with only two scales: 3 to 20 and 2 to 12. This instrument could be used equally well in surveying as in technical drawing. We know of a second example, identical in construction, described in Fausto Casi’s book, *Scienziati aretini dal ‘400 al ‘700. Strumenti*, Arezzo, 1993. The specimen described in Casi’s book is listed as coming from the Galileo Museum in Florence but without an inventory number. We were unable to locate it in the museum’s online catalog. There are a few dents on the hinge and scratch marks from the compass, but it is in good original and used condition, with no restoration.
Auction details
Meyer Gallery CollectionAuction house
Coutau-Bégarie +33 1 45 56 12 20 information@coutaubegarie.comDelivery is optional. You can use the carrier of your choice. The stated price does not include the lot price or the auction house fees.