Antique Thacher's Calculating Instrument - 1892

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Antique Thacher's Calculating Instrument - 1892 - RARE

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Antique Thacher's Calculating Instrument - 1892 - RARE

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Sold Date: 12/10/2006
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Tools

This is a beautiful Antique Cylindrical Slide-rule called Thacher's Calculating Instrument, made in 1892 by the D. Van Nostrand Company of New York. It is also called a Gunter's Scale. This is a museum quality scientific instrument from my personal collection. I purchased the instrument from Rosie Bendlage of Ottumwa Iowa in 1989. She was the granddaughter or the original owner. The owner was John T. Brody Sr., who was a civil engineer who attented West Point. He surveyed over southeast Iowa and died in 1944 at age 76. His records are in the Ottumwa Historical Museum. I will provide letters received from Mrs. Bendlage for provenance. The slide-rule is 22-1/2" long and about 5-1/2" radius. It is made of rosewood, brass fitting and the scales are white material which could be ivory. It is in mint condition. The Box is made of rosewood and measures 23-3/4" X 6-1/2" X 6-1/4". It is in excellent shape with great original finish, but does have minor cracks, as shown in the photos. The original paper label from Keuffel & Esser Co. - Manufacturers of Mathematical and Surveying instruments of New York, shows "No. 1740 Serial 910". The booklet contains 71 pages of instruction, and is in very good condition except for the cover, which has deteriorated and is unattached. The Calculator has over 33,000 divisions, calculating to 7 places and the plates contain over 17,000 engraved figures. The work was executed by W.F. Stanley of London upon a dividing-machine made expressley for this rule. This calculator slide-rule can be used for about any mathematical calculation such as trigonometry, navigation, division, multiplication, compound interest, railway curves, weights of materials, reciprocals, moments, logarithms, specific gravity, to name a few. Don't miss your chance to bid on this museum quality, very rare instrument. Please see my other vintage surveying and scientific instruments for sale now and in the coming weeks. Thanks.