VERY EARLY FRENCH BRASS FOLDING ARTILLERY “SECTOR” BY CHAPOTOT

VERY EARLY FRENCH BRASS FOLDING ARTILLERY “SECTOR” BY CHAPOTOT

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$975.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1329-28

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Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

Offered here is an antique French folding sector rule. This brass sector (aka sector rule, proportional compass, or military compass) is a very early analog mathematical calculating device, dating from the late 17th to the early 18th century.

It consists of two rulers of equal length joined by a hinge. A number of scales are inscribed upon the instrument which facilitate various mathematical calculations. It was used for solving problems in proportion, multiplication and division, geometry, and trigonometry, and for computing various mathematical functions, such as square roots and cube roots. Its several scales permitted easy and direct solutions of problems in gunnery, surveying and navigation.

It is hand-engraved on brass and signed near the circular hinge by noted French instrument maker Louis or Jean Chapotot.

Louis Chapotot made optical and mathematical instruments in Paris, 1670–1700. He produced many types of instruments, including sundials, surveying instruments, mathematical instruments, and simple microscopes. His son Jean continued the business until about 1721.

Sectors like this were used alongside a pair of handheld dividers to perform complex calculations involving proportions, scaling, and trigonometry. Of the labels visible on the scales is “Les Cordes” (Line of Chords) used for measuring and plotting angles based on chord lengths, and “Calibres des pieces” (Calibers of the pieces, or Gun Calibers).

Closed this heavy brass ruler measures approximately 6.75” x 1.25” and 0.17” thick. [jet][ph:L]

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