December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
Two 18th century hinged folding cases for carrying drawing and calculating instruments into the field, commonly called "pocket cases", utilized by navigators, surveyors, engineers, artillerists and artists. The smaller of the two is 5 1/4 x 2 1/2 x 1 1/8 at its widest points when closed and made of wood covered with black shagreen. It contains a brass and steel "compass" or divider with one leg to accommodate various brass and steel points for drawing with ink, graphite or crayon, also housed within, as well as a smaller compass, a wooden sector with brass hinge and a small, scaled wooden rule. The larger case measures 9 5/16 x 3 13/16 x 1 inch when closed and is made of wood and covered with calf. The wood sides are carved out to fit the various individual tools and lined with a coarse, orange-colored baize. This set includes four dividers or compasses, three of brass and steel and one with an ivory handle. There are two wooden drawing edges, one triangular, a scaled ruler, a brass square, and three small cups of porcelain for watercolor or ink. Its components suggest that the primary use was for drawing in the field. PROVENANCE: ex. collection, William Guthman and acquired at the Bonhams (Portsmouth NH) 12 OCT 2006 sale of his collection as lots 351-352. CONDITION: very good; the small case with some light edge wear; the larger case with scuffing and edge wear and inside, missing a cross piece of baize lined with card that held the two rulers in place.