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Early 19th century mahogany "waywiser," a surveyor's measuring device |
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| Artist: |
Not Available |
| Category: |
Miscellaneous |
| Date: |
circa 1820-1825
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| Signature(s): |
Bate, London |
| Origin: |
England-UK |
| Era: |
19th Century |
| Width: |
56.25 inches |
| Width Note: |
56.25 inches length |
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| Surveyors today use a waywiser (also known as an odometer or a perambulator) to measure linear distances on the ground. This elegant English example in mahogany dates from the early 19th century, and the dial measures in yards (the longer of the two hands), poles (an antiquated term interchangeable with rods, 16.5 feet, 320 poles per mile), furlongs (220 yards), and miles. The iron-rimmed wheel is 31.5 inches in diameter, covering 99 inches with each revolution, or one pole in each two turns, and can be removed for transporting the instrument. The engraved, silvered dial and steel hands are connected to a clock-like movement, which in turn is driven by an iron shaft running up the inside of one of the wheel supports. The instrument is in good working order, and the display stand is later.
The dial is signed by Robert Bate (1782-1847) of London, MIM and OIM, a prolific maker of instruments in the first half of the 19th century. His workshops produced globes, sundials, drafting tools, barometers, and a wide range of instruments for the Board of Excise and Customs and the Admiralty. He took two of his sons into business with him, renaming the firm Bate and Son sometime before 1840.
For details see our website, charlesedwin.com
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