W. Harris & Co Drawing Instruments In Fish Skin Case 1816-39 ANTIQUE
A fine set of 4.5" drawing instruments in brass by William Harris & Co, 50 High Holborn, London. Supplied in its original pocket magazine case, beautifully tapered to fit a jacket pocket, with fitted wooden interior. Its exterior is covered with shark skin and a blank cartouche is fitted on the flip-top lid. A trade label for Harris & Co. is fitted inside the lid.
William Harris (1781–1841) was a prominent Georgian optician. He learnt his trade from his father Thomas, who become optician to the Royal Family. When his son William joined in 1813, the company become known as William Harris & Co. The firm become well known as manufacturers of Optical, Mathematical and Philosophical instruments. They ceased trading by 1855.
This high quality set was made in brass with steel elements. The turned parts are extremely decorative, it appears that the aesthetics were just as important! Instrument sets like this were made in two sizes, 6 inches and 4.5 inches. The 6 inch version were best suited and mainly used by mechanical engineers. The 4.5 inch set that we have currently available was used almost entirely by architects and civil engineers. Famous designers like John Nash, Sir John Soane and Sir Charles Barry will have been very familiar with these tools of the trade. It is tantalising to think who might have been the original owner and user of this magnificent set of drawing instruments.
Drawing instrument sets from the Georgian era are seldom complete, as seen from the various versions in the collection of the Science Museum. Unfortunately some parts of this set are no longer present, such as the ivory ruler. However, other important tools such as the compass with its interchangeable heads are still in the case. The parts are all in good and working condition. The steel is a little tarnished in places and a fastener is missing from one of the heads. The case is in excellent condition for its age, with a few signs of wear.
Product summary
- Origin: London, England
- Manufacturer: William Harris & Co
- Period: 1815 - 1841
- Materials: Brass, steel, metal, wood, fish skin
- Size: Height 13.5cm (5.25 inches) x Width (Widest Point) 7.5cm (3 inches) x Thickness 2.5cm (1 inch) approx.
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