silver and ivory drawing instruments in shagreen etui
Date: circa 1830
Inventory Number: DW0288
Classification: Etui
Subject:
Maker: Charles W. Dixey (1798 - 1880)
Maker: G. & C. Dixey (fl. 1821 - 1838)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
17.6 x 3.3 x 7.5 cm (6 15/16 x 1 5/16 x 2 15/16 in.)
Accessories: silver framed green shagreen case
original curatorial cards and photos
DescriptionThe instruments are stored in a rectangular, slightly telescoping, wooden case with silver framing and green shagreen exterior lining. The case opens with a single silver hinge along one of the short edges. On the opposite shorter edge, there is a small silver button just beneath the opening. The inside of the lid of the case is lined with red velvet. The bottom of the case is partitioned into 13 specially shaped compartments -- one for each of the 12 instruments and a final small hole that is part of the button-operated latch mechanism for opening and closing the case.
There are two rules, a sector or military compass, five drawing tools, and four accessories in the case, totaling twelve instruments.
A protractor rule is made of ivory with black engraved markings. The measurements consist of two sets of 180 degree markings. The outermost set increases from 0 to 180 going left to right. Every tenth degree (starting with 10 and ending with 170) is also marked with the appropriate numeral. The innermost set decreases from 180 to 0 going left to right. Every tenth degree (starting with 170 and ending with 10) is also marked with the appropriate numeral. The ruler also has various sets of plane measurements on both sides, including centimeter and inch measurements.
Second, there is a parallel rule consisting of two identically shaped ivory rules with a third, smaller ivory rule between them. The three ivory pieces are connected with two sets of triangular hinges. Each hinge has three nodes: one on each of the larger outer rules and a third in the center attached to the smaller rule. The distance between the three rules can be increased and decreased but, given the placement of the hinges' pivot points, the three rules will remain parallel. There are no measurements given on the parallel rule.
The Sector, or military compass consists of two equally sized rectangular ivory pieces attached with a silver pivot disc. There are several sets of plane and angled measurements on both sides of the sector in black engraved lettering.
The set includes three silver rule pens, each with a slightly different configured set of tips. One is long with a slim ornate handle. The other two are shorter but can be attached to an elongating bar. There is a small screw between the handle and points of each pen used to adjust the distance between points and with them, the width of the ruled line drawn.
The set contains two silver dividers of slightly different lengths. Both dividers have a polished silver handle and slightly rusted points. Both are connected by a rounded pivot at the top and there is a screw where the points attach to the handle for adjustment.
The accessories include a silver lengthening bar for elongating the handle of some instruments, a file and knife for keeping the instrument parts sharp, a second instrument that can be attached to elongate and alter certain instruments, and a small screw driver with leaf shaped handle.
There are two rules, a sector or military compass, five drawing tools, and four accessories in the case, totaling twelve instruments.
A protractor rule is made of ivory with black engraved markings. The measurements consist of two sets of 180 degree markings. The outermost set increases from 0 to 180 going left to right. Every tenth degree (starting with 10 and ending with 170) is also marked with the appropriate numeral. The innermost set decreases from 180 to 0 going left to right. Every tenth degree (starting with 170 and ending with 10) is also marked with the appropriate numeral. The ruler also has various sets of plane measurements on both sides, including centimeter and inch measurements.
Second, there is a parallel rule consisting of two identically shaped ivory rules with a third, smaller ivory rule between them. The three ivory pieces are connected with two sets of triangular hinges. Each hinge has three nodes: one on each of the larger outer rules and a third in the center attached to the smaller rule. The distance between the three rules can be increased and decreased but, given the placement of the hinges' pivot points, the three rules will remain parallel. There are no measurements given on the parallel rule.
The Sector, or military compass consists of two equally sized rectangular ivory pieces attached with a silver pivot disc. There are several sets of plane and angled measurements on both sides of the sector in black engraved lettering.
The set includes three silver rule pens, each with a slightly different configured set of tips. One is long with a slim ornate handle. The other two are shorter but can be attached to an elongating bar. There is a small screw between the handle and points of each pen used to adjust the distance between points and with them, the width of the ruled line drawn.
The set contains two silver dividers of slightly different lengths. Both dividers have a polished silver handle and slightly rusted points. Both are connected by a rounded pivot at the top and there is a screw where the points attach to the handle for adjustment.
The accessories include a silver lengthening bar for elongating the handle of some instruments, a file and knife for keeping the instrument parts sharp, a second instrument that can be attached to elongate and alter certain instruments, and a small screw driver with leaf shaped handle.
Signedengraved on front of ivory rule in black lettering: C. W. DIXEY. / MATHL INST MAKER TO HER MAJESTY. 3 NEW BOND ST LONDON.
engraved on front of ivory military compass in black lettering: C. W. DIXEY. / MATHL INST MAKER / TO HER MAJESTY. / NEW BOND ST LONDON.
engraved on front of parallel rule: G & C. DIXEY / OPTICIANS TO THE KING / 3 NEW BOND STRT LONDON
engraved on front of ivory military compass in black lettering: C. W. DIXEY. / MATHL INST MAKER / TO HER MAJESTY. / NEW BOND ST LONDON.
engraved on front of parallel rule: G & C. DIXEY
FunctionThe ivory protractor rule is used for measuring plane figures in centimeters and inches or measuring curved figures in degrees. The ivory sector and its many sets of measurements is used to facilitate various mathematical calculations from trigonometry to square roots. The sector is also called a military compass because of its immense utility for navigation and gunnery calculations. The parallel rule is used to construct parallel sets of lines with varying distances. The silver dividers are used to translate proportionate figures. The ruling pens are used in conjunction with ink or another drawing fluid to produce lines of consistent and adjustable width. Users can twist the screw to adjust the distance between the points. The points are then dipped in drawing liquid. The liquid is stored in between the points using principles of surface tension and released consistently onto a writing surface below. Lengthening bar, screw driver, filing bar and knife, and handle accessory are used to adjust length, maintain sharpness and alter performance of the instruments. This drawing set would be useful for mathematicians, draftsmen, engineers, and even artists.
Curatorial RemarksE.G.R. Taylor gives a brief summary of Charles Dixey's familial and corporate lineage including their addresses, positions, and notable accomplishments in entries 1536 and 1537 of THE MATHEMATICAL PRACTITIONERS OF HANOVERIAN ENGLAND, p. 419. (see related works field)