Discover this exceptional George II brass circumferentor (theodolite) crafted by Ihon (John) Coggs of Fleet Street, London, circa 1730. This remarkable piece features a cylindrical glazed compass with a steel indicating hand, adorned with an engraved eight-point compass rose at its centre. The outer track is meticulously divided into two-degree intervals, complemented by a subsidiary Arabic numeral chapter ring divided into ten-minute intervals.
Mounted on a 12" cast brass four-spoke circular table, this circumferentor is a true masterpiece. The table is intricately engraved with one-degree increments from 0 to 360 degrees, showcasing the maker's name and mounting points for vertical sights. John Coggs, a renowned mathematical instrument maker and engraver, plied his trade on Fleet Street from 1710 to 1740, leaving behind a legacy of precision craftsmanship.
The advent of sophisticated surveying instruments like this circumferentor revolutionized the field of land surveying. Surveyors could now conduct their work with unparalleled accuracy, resulting in more precise maps and a deeper understanding of geographical features. Own a piece of history and craftsmanship with this exquisite George II brass circumferentor, available at Duggleby Auctioneers.