David Neligan Antiques Scientific Instruments

Vintage Tricle Bakelite Olympic Tape Measure made Peoples Republic of China Cover made from dappled rich dark tricle bake-lite includes gilt brass fittings and cloth tape. 5.25 dia...

Vertical mirror galvanometer made in 1850 circa, oak and glass, three adjustable screws at the base. Tool constituted by a magnet bar movable inside a coil and connected to a needle. In the absence of current the needle is positioned vertically while when the coil is crossed by the current it creates a magnetic field that moves the needle. This type of galvanometer was used for measurement of insulation of telegraph cables...

A Rare and Historic 1859 Elkington Silvered Bronze Victorian Centerpiece with Cut-Glass Bowl. Presenting a magnificent Victorian silvered bronze centerpiece of unmatched rarity and importance, crafted by the renowned Elkington Mason & Co., Birmingham, in 1859. This exceptional work, complete with its original cut-glass bowl, epitomizes 19th-century British craftsmanship and artistry. Hallmarked to the base, this centerpiece showcases intricate sculptural details, embodying a high level of technical prowess and aesthetic refinement characteristic of Elkington's celebrated works. The centerpiece's striking design features three meticulously rendered figures—a young hunter, a friar, and a fishmonger—each embodying elements of Victorian life and industry. At their feet, a loyal spaniel and various game highlight the naturalistic approach to the composition, enhanced by the masterful chasing and dynamic form. This sculptural ensemble rests on an elaborately decorated base, exuding both grandeur and narrative depth. Adding profound historical value are two engraved plaques. The first, dated “January 28, 1859,” reads: “Presented to William Johnson Esq. as a token of respect & esteem by the workpeople in the employ of Messrs Richard Johnson & Brother, Manchester.” The second, an inscription from 1941, states: “Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers, Alias Wire Workers of the City of London, Presented by Arthur Laurence Johnson M.A., Grandson of William Johnson, both Wire Workers, with his Daughter Eleanor Morton Johnson, a Freeman of the Company, to commemorate his Mastership 1941-42.” These inscriptions chart a rich lineage, connecting the Johnson family to pivotal moments in industrial history. William Johnson, alongside his brother Richard, assumed leadership of a wire-drawing firm in 1838, which would later become Richard Johnson & Nephew Ltd. Their contributions included providing galvanized armored wire for the historic 1857 transatlantic telegraph cable...

A British military officer chest. Exceptional rectangular British military officer's travel trunk chest, superbly rebuilt and refurbished in beautifully patinated antique leather ...

This print, titled "Occasus Ortus", showcases a highly detailed engraving of an 18th-century measuring device, likely related to astronomy or navigation. The design features various components of the instrument arranged systematically, with each part labeled by figure numbers. The centerpiece is a large circular protractor...

Very charming small figurine of a lady that functions as a tape measure. This vintage piece was commonly found on a sewing table and has both centimeters as well as inch measurements...

Italian walking stick with built-in measure, created to measure the horse at the withers. It has never been used. SN.

This is a striking antique hanging temple incense burner. An Indian, heavy bronze ceremonial censer of impressive scale and intricate detail, dating to the Victorian period, circa 18...

A captivating and comprehensively illustrated study of the seventeenth-century Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto, Japan An outstanding example of Japanese architecture, Katsura has in...

Complete Set of Six Graduated Copper Haystack Measures, English, Early Victorian An exceptional and complete set of six antique graduated copper haystack measures, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1830–1860. These traditional English measures range from 1 gallon down to ⅛ gill and retain their classic conical 'haystack' form, each with a bold flared rim and side handle. Each vessel is fitted with a lead verification plug stamped by a local authority, affirming their use as standardised liquid measures. The set exhibits a handsome warm patina with polished surfaces, highlighting the rich pink hue of the copper. Some historical repairs and light dinks are visible, consistent with age and practical use. Volumes: 1 Gallon 1 Pint ½ Pint 1 Gill ½ Gill ⅛ Gill Heights: From approximately 10 cm to 29 cm. A fine and increasingly scarce complete set, ideal for collectors of antique weights and measures...

This unusual, barrel-form object was originally one of the many accessories that comprised an opium smoker's kit. Formed of brass with a copper lining, the small tool is known by col...

Two copper and brass metric "Checkpump" fuel measures by Sutherland Astell, circa 1950. Made for the County Borough of Blackpool. Marked: 10 and 20 litres, at 20°. 20L, Height: 23...