Large Quality Mahogany Cased Rolling Parallel Rule By Elliott Bros C1875
County Durham, United Kingdom
£265 per item
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Item details
Height
5.75 cm
Width
64.0 cm
Depth
13.0 cm
Wear conditions
Good
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Description
A large and good quality mahogany cased nickel-silver rolling parallel rule by Elliot Bros c1875. Period instrument of nickel-silver construction with brass handles. In original fitted mahogany case with breadboard ends and pinned dovetailed corners - an indicator of the quality of construction. These were supplied for technical drawing or navigational purposes. Upper side to baseplate engraved in script "Elliott Bros 449, Strand, London." The rule is 61 cm in length and 10 cm in depth. Case measures 64 cm by 13 cm and 5.75 cm in height.
William Elliott (born c1800) completed his apprenticeship (under William Backwell, a compass and drawing instrument maker) in 1804 – marrying in the same year. It is thought that he established his own company as a drawing instrument maker around this time, also taking on his first apprentice. In 1817, trading as William Elliott, he moved from 26 Wilderness Row, Goswell Street to Great Newport Street, London where he also became known as an optician in addition to the manufacture of drawing instruments and mathematical scales. In 1827 the company moved to 227 High Holborn, moving again to 268 High Holborn in 1833. In 1850 the company moved to 56 Strand and William brought his two sons, Frederick Henry and Charles Alfred, as partners into the business – trading as William Elliott and Sons. William died in 1853, passing the business to his sons who began trading as Elliott Brothers. They continued developing the range of instruments manufactured, producing most of the standard mathematical, optical, surveying and navigational instruments for British and overseas customers. In 1857 they took over the business of Watkins and Hill, Instrument Makers and the company began advertising electrical apparatus. Instruments for the new applications of electricity were produced, which became an increasingly important part of the company’s activity. In 1867 they exhibited at the 1867 Paris Exhibition, by now trading from 449 Strand, London – describing themselves as manufacturers of mathematical, optical, and philosophical instruments. Charles Alfred retired, and the partnership was dissolved in 1870 – although the company continued trading as Elliott Brothers. Frederick continued to run the business as sole proprietor, leaving the business to his wife Susan on his death (which different sources have as 1873 or 1877). Susan died in 1880 – this being the end of the Elliott family connection with the business. In 1893 the company amalgamated with Theiler & Co, telegraph and instrument makers – and with a move to new premises in 1900, they began making speedometers and instruments for ships and aircraft. In 1947 the company merged with the weighing machine manufacturers B and P Swift. A research laboratory as set up at Boreham Wood and the company began the earlier manufacture of computers and flight automation equipment (made at Rochester). Various takeovers followed with operations being moved to alternative sites.
Condition report:
This rolling rule is in excellent condition commensurate with age. Nickel-silver surface in aged condition but without any significant marks. Rolling mechanism functions perfectly. Extremely minor knocks and marks external to case. A few age cracks to the mahogany case which remains in very good and solid condition. Please see images as these form an important part of the description.
Additional dimensions information:
The rule is 61 cm in length and 10 cm in depth.
Cancellations
We offer free cancellations and full refund for orders cancelled before dispatching. View full policy.
Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Free standard delivery to all UK addresses is included within the listed price for items that are suitable for posting. Free standard UK delivery is by Royal Mail 2nd Class or Parcelforce 48 (or equivalent service) depending on the size and weight of the packaged item. Posted items will usually be delivered to you within one week from placing your order. Expedited delivery options are available - please contact us if this is required.
For other items to mainland UK addresses (such as table clocks, furniture and other items that are too fragile, heavy or bulky to be sent via standard parcel services) we use trusted carriers who are experienced in delivering fragile or antique items. Delivery to mainland UK addresses is usually within two weeks. Please contact us for a delivery quote and delivery time.
For all other delivery destinations, please contact us for a delivery quote and delivery time.
Estimated delivery time
Less than one week
Free collection available
Yes
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- Selling at Vinterior since 2021
- 26 sales
- Ships from County Durham, United Kingdom
Seller Reviews
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 24th March 2025
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