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ANTIQUE #SA968092

Cased George IV Altazimuth Theodolite By Alexander Adie Of Edinburgh

£1,495    $1,918    €1,797
For sale, a cased George IV altazimuth theodolite by Alexander Adie of Edinburgh.
 
This rare example is comprised of a horizontal five-inch divided circle which is coarse adjusted by hand and then finely adjusted by means of a knurled brass knob attached to top. The centre contains an expertly engraved and silvered compass with a small brass cam to the side of the case, to hold or release the movement. Two sides of the outer edge of the base are also provided with glass bubble levels housed in a protective brass cases.
 
Two brass A frame type struts either side of the compass provide support for the semi-circular divided arc which is operated similarly for coarse adjustment and then fine adjusted via a brass knob attached to the A frame. The arc is further completed with a ten-inch telescope and attached glass level, again housed in a protective brass sleeve.
 
Below the horizontal base is attached a brass shaft for fixing to a tripod.
 
The model bears great similarity to a double telescope example I have previously sold by Miller & Adie, Alexander Adie’s earlier partnership. The design first appeared in George Adams Junior’s publication, “Geometrical and Graphical Essays” in 1791 relating to design improvements made by Jesse Ramsden. John Miller had also previously worked under George Adams Senior and so this particular design would have been passed from Adams to Miller and presumably taught to Adie.
 
This example is also interesting for its singular engraved signature stating “Adie Edinburgh”. The majority of Adie instruments are marked to Adie & Son in recognition of the multi generational involvement. Instruments marked solely to Adie (Edinburgh) may be recognised as belonging to the twenty year period between the partnership of Miller & Adie (to 1815) and the creation of Adie & Son in 1835. Examples of this period are surprisingly rare.
 
The firm of Miller & Adie was the original firm that gave birth to the Adie dynasty of famous scientific instrumen...
Antique #SA968092, shown on this page, originates from 1800. For historical context, the timeline below highlights the period when it was made:
1800
Famous inventions historic timeline graphic to help to give historical context to the date of this antique.
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Jason Clarke Antiques
Berkshire
United Kingdom
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