- 153
Harrison, John
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 GBP
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Description
- Harrison, John
- The principles of Mr Harrison's time-keeper, with plates of the same. Published by order of the Commissioners of Longitude. London: W. Richardson and S. Clark, and sold by John Nourse, and Mess. Mount and Page, 1767, half-title, 10 folding engraved plates, slight soiling to head of half-title, slight offsetting from plates
- Paper
Bird, John. The method of constructing mural quadrants. Exemplified by a description of the brass mural quadrant in the Royal Observatory at Greenwich. Ibid., 1768, half-title, 3 folding engraved plates (numbered I-III); The method of dividing astronomical instruments. Ibid.: John Nourse and Mess. Mount and Page, 1767, 1 folding plate (numbered IV)
Ludlam, William. An introduction and notes, on Mr Bird's method of dividing astronomical instruments. To which is added, a vocabulary of English and French technical terms. London: John Sewell, 1786
all first editions, 4 works in one volume, 4to (260 x 200mm.), contemporary calf-backed marbled boards, black morocco lettering-pieces
Ludlam, William. An introduction and notes, on Mr Bird's method of dividing astronomical instruments. To which is added, a vocabulary of English and French technical terms. London: John Sewell, 1786
all first editions, 4 works in one volume, 4to (260 x 200mm.), contemporary calf-backed marbled boards, black morocco lettering-pieces
Provenance
Sledmere House, emblem at foot of spine
Literature
Horblit 42b; Norman 995
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
First edition of the description of John Harrison's chronometer which revolutionised the science of navigation, and for which he eventually received prize money of £20,000 from the Board of Longitude. Both John Bird and William Ludlam were on the committee appointed by the Board to assess Harrison's disclosure of his time-piece in 1765.
The work was also published in French with the French and English text interleaved; this copy contains just the English text.
The work was also published in French with the French and English text interleaved; this copy contains just the English text.