1880's,Morris's Patent Wealemefna,Measuring Intrument,Watch Fob,Engraved Silver

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This is a neat little device that was made to wear on a watch chain. It is a mechanical watch fob, and quite practical. It is a Morris's Patent Wealemefna. It appears to be engraved Sterling silver, but it is not marked Sterling. It measures 1" in diameter. By rolling the wheel it measures distances. Here is some history that I found online on this little gem. This is from a sight on Mathmatical Instruments: Morris’s Patent Wealemefna, also dating from the late nineteenth century and invented by E R Morris. They were sold with nickel, sterling silver and eighteen carat gold cases. Nickel was priced at seven shillings and sixpence in 1900, the others being 17s 6d and £2 17s 6d respectively, in the price list at the back of W F Stanley’s book. Intended to be hung on a watch chain, it is just 25 mm overall. This is from Wikipedia and explains the odd name: Early versions of this instrument were patented in 1873 by the English engineer Edward Russell Morris. The instruments he produced were initially described as a Patent Chartometer although later versions were sold under the curious name of Wealemefna . Writing in 1881, Morris described how he had created a wholly original name in an attempt to outwit his imitators; he also refused to disclose the origin of the word. Thanks for looking, and ............ ALL ITEMS TO BE PAID FOR read more