Scientific & Musical Instrument Sale Results

A fine binocular/monocular microscope, made by J B Dancer of Manchester around 1850-1880 was the star lot of the Scientific and Musical Instruments, Cameras and Tools Sale on 24^th October. John Benjamin Dancer was a well-regarded scientific instrument maker, who made significant contributions to the advancement of microscopy and science. Indeed, he was the inventor of microphotography. The microscope was sold with fitted mahogany case, various eyepieces, lenses and prepared glass slides, and reached a hammer price of £3,800 (plus buyer’s premium). A further highlight from the Scientific Instruments section of the sale was a Bardou 6” refracting telescope which sold for £1,300 plus b.p.

Strong results were also seen for musical instruments, with an Oboe d’Amore by Parisian maker Marigaux selling for £1,700 (plus b.p.). Of local interest was a Violin made by William Heaton of Hill Top, Gomersal, near Leeds in 1884, which sold for £850 (plus b.p.).

Also of note in the sale was a large private collection of Woodworking tools, which realised a total hammer price of £5,630 for the 68 lots. Comprising hundreds of planes, wooden tool chests, chisels, saws and marking gauges.

The sale resulted in a total Hammer Price of £41,420 for 277 lots, with an 86% sold rate.

We are currently accepting lots for the next sale of Scientific & Musical Instruments, Cameras & Tools in early 2019, please contact us on 01969 623780 or enquiry@tennants-ltd.co.uk for details.

View all the Sale Results here.