Named after the narrow pass in Lamia, Greece best known for the Battle of Thermopylae where 300 Spartans stood against the Persian army, the Thermopylae was a tea clipper ship built in 1868 by Walter Hood & Co of Aberdeen. Designed for the China tea trade, she set a speed record on her maiden voyage to Melbourne of 63 days, still the fastest trip under sail and raced and defeated the Cutty Sark, on a journey from Shanghai to London in 1872.
The ship is contained within a De Luxe old Scotch whisky bottle with 'The Antiquery' printed on the bottleneck metal label, and etched into the medal the name of the artist, 'Made by D. Macintosh Peterhead 10.7.75' indicating this model ship is almost 50 years old.
Measuring 250 mm in length (base to lid) and 70 mm in height and weighing just over 600 grams, the elongated hexagonal design sits level on any flat surface.
An impressive display item superbly crafted, the bottle is free of any chips or cracks.

Probably made during the second half of the 20th century, this unusual design sand timer measures just over 7¼ inches in height (186mm) and 4¾ inches square (120mm).
The single piece glass vial is housed in an oak stand with four turned spiral pillars and the sand flows quite freely, although oddly it takes approximately 32 minutes from one side and 38 minutes from the other.
Aside from a small chip on one of the wooden bases (see photos), the hourglass is otherwise in very good cosmetic condition and is not only functional, but also a great display piece with an attractive floral motif on both bases.
A nice decorative piece weighing just under 550 grams.

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Please note, due to size and fragility this item is only available for delivery to a UK address.

This bent clinical thermometer has the name Dr. Küchenmeister on a paper insert inside the glass tube, and I believe this to be Gottlieb Heinrich Friedrich Küchenmeister, an eminent German physician who conducted research and wrote several works in the field of parasites during the 19th century.
It comes in its original fitted leather covered wooden case and has a cylindrical bulb with a celsius scale graduated from 15 to 45 degrees.
In good condition including the case, the thermometer is in working order with an unbroken line and measures 7" in length.

Dating to the 1930's, this unusual instrument by Negretti & Zambra is designed to gap train rails allowing for expansion according to ambient temperature during installation.
Comprising of a fahrenheit thermometer encased in a copper block, it's a highly conductive device which measures expansion from 1/8 to 5/8 inches.
This particular example is quite rare as it has a dual scale for both 45 and 60 foot rail lengths, indicating it was made after 1929 when 60 foot rails were introduced, but still having to facilitate transition from the previous 45 foot standard.
Housed in an oak box measuring 6"x2"x1" it weighs just over 300 grams and in very good condition with the thermometer in good working order and no gaps in the mercury line.

This unusual hand crafted sand timer stands just under 8" tall by 4" wide, and is housed in a triangular wooden stand with three barley twist pillars.
A substantial item weighing just over 600 grams, it has two glass vials connected by a metal collar, and there is also a pewter base plate at each end with an ornate raised fleur de lis emblem.
The sand takes approximately 3¾ minutes to empty, give or take a few seconds.
Not only functional, but also a nice decorative piece probably dating to the mid 20th century.

This is a complete ROLLS 13 piece Beam compass set with trammel points, in a fitted mahogany case engraved 'ROLLS (TRADE MARK) STAINLESS STEEL (EXCEPT POINTS) MADE IN ENGLAND' on the lid.
Used for the purpose of making precise and controlled marks, measurements, or inscriptions on a surface and for drawing and dividing circles larger than those made by a regular pair of compasses.
All pieces slot into the original case which is lined with black velvet to hold each bit in place when not in use with the lid closing securely, fastened with two brass clasps.
The cosmetic condition is good as can be seen from the photos, all bits are free of any rust or stains with the mahogany case also in good condition.
Measuring 540mm by 200mm by 40mm in its box, this is a substantial instrument weighing just over 1.8kg.

This Indian Pattern clinometer was made by William Ford Stanley, and is signed 'STANLEY, LONDON, TRADE MARK, MADE IN ENGLAND.
Named for its use to survey India in the late 19th century, it was used by surveyors to measure the elevation or declination of geographical and topographical features.
The back sight is levelled using the screw on the reverse, while the aperture in the foresight can be raised or lowered with the thumb wheel, until the cross wire coincides with the top of the feature being measured.
Retaining virtually all of its blackened finish, the clinometer is in very good condition, both sight vanes fold away firmly and the spirit level is clear and functional.
The bespoke leather case is also in very good condition with all stitching intact, including its carry strap, additionally a spool of fine wire is stored on the interior of the lid for replacing the sight wire when required along with a small tool.
Weighing just under 1.3kgs in its case, the clinometer measures 240mm in length and securely fits in the case when closed.

Measuring an impressive 9¼" (235mm) in height and 4¾" (125mm) in diameter, this hourglass has a single piece glass vial housed in a circular polished hardwood stand with three turned pillars.
The sand flows quite freely and takes approximately 60 minutes to empty, give or take a minute or so.
Probably a mid 20th century example, it's not only functional, but also a great display piece with a stylish concentric circle design on both the interior and exterior bases.
It's in excellent cosmetic condition and weighs just over 600 grams.

Named after the eponymous Naval Officer and Antarctic explorer, this ship in a bottle is of the three-masted topsail adventure schooner "Captain Scott", which sailed from 1971 - 1977 and was used as a training vessel for young mariners.
Built by Herd and McKenzie in Buckie, Scotland, the "Captain Scott" ran up to 9 courses a year, taking young adults on a four week voyage around the western coast of Scotland, during which time they crewed the ship.
Contained in a 1970's Haig Dimple whisky bottle, the level of detail and accuracy of the model suggests it may have been created by one of the trainee mariners who attended these courses, or a regular crew member.
In 1977 the vessel was sold to Sultan Qābūs bin Sa‘īd of Oman where her name was changed to Shabab Oman, and went on to be used as a sail training ship for the Omani Navy.
Measuring 8" (210mm) in length and 4½" (120mm) at its widest point and weighing just under 750 grams, this is a skilfully constructed display piece with great decorative appeal and a nostalgic reminder for any former mariners of the ship.

This is a Reaumur and Fahrenheit scale brass thermometer and compass combination mounted onto a mahogany surround.
Reaumer thermometers were introduced in the early 18th century by French scientist René Antoine Ferchault de Réaumur, where it was used - particularly in Europe - for over 150 years, before being supplanted by traditional scales of Fahrenheit and Celsius at the turn of the century.
The frame measures 215mm x 184mm x 30mm with the thermometer dial 85mm in diameter and the compass 35mm diameter.
The blued steel needle sits under a clean bevelled glass and pivots on a gemstone bearing, surrounded by a clean etched aluminium thermometer dial under a curved ¾ glass thermometer with a solid mercury line.
The combination is set within a clean brass bezel against a polished brass plate, screwed to the mahogany backboard.
A quirky item and weighing just under 800 grams, this appears to be a custom piece made for both wall and desktop use.

Starting out as separate companies in the late 18th century, the partnership of Bass, Ratcliff and Gretton Ltd, quickly became one of the more prominent wine and spirit merchants in the early 19th century until 1967 when the company became Bass Charrington and still trades today as Bass Brewers.
This brewer's thermometer is signed '39115 Bass Ratcliff & Gretton Ltd N2 Filled B' and probably dates to the first half of the 20th century before 1961 when the name Bass, Mitchells & Butlers was formed.
The scale measures 30 -100 Fahrenheit, and aside from some minor rubbing of the lettering (see photos) the condition of the thermometer is in good condition with no chips to the glass and and an unbroken line.
The glass tube has a brass screw on fitting at the top end to secure into the brass tube case for protection, and also acts as an extension when in use.
Both the brass tube and thermometer measure approximately 120mm in length and together weigh just 17 grams.

Made by Casella London and dating to the 1950's this is a Psychrometer Whirling Hygrometer, with wet and dry bulb Thermometers and is used to measure the amount of water vapour in the air.
The unit incorporates a reservoir linked to the wet bulb by the means of a cotton sleeve which is filled by unscrewing the cap at the base.
Humidity is calculated using the sleeve at the bulb of the wet thermometer and measures the speed of evaporation and how it alters the temperature of the wet-bulb thermometer, the dry thermometer has the Serial No. 67067 and the wet bulb Serial No. 62961.
The unit is accompanied by a plastic temperature scale rule in clear sleeve for making additional calculations.
Complete and in working order, the hygrometer spins freely with little resistance, both thermometers have unbroken lines with no chips or cracks. Measuring 8½" wide, 5½" tall and weighing just over 350 grams in its original leather case with carry strap, both the hygrometer and case are in very good condition.

Contained in a vintage flagon style bottle with a finger loop handle, this hand crafted model ship was known as a Brigantine, a large multi-sailed vessel that roamed the Mediterranean seas in the 16th and 17th century and often used - aside from piracy - as escorts for merchant ships.
The bottle measures 250mm x 160mm x 155mm, is embossed "Reg No. 900986 (UK) 5627", "Reg no 2125 (IR)" on the base, and has a cork stopper bound with a string decoration.
An impressive display piece, it sits on a dark oak display stand measuring 240mm x 215mm x 128mm, giving a total height of 205mm.
A substantial item it weighs just over 2.2 kilos with its stand, hence the high international shipping charge as the packed weight will be over 3kgs.

All buyers please note: due to weight, delivery will be by courier and therefore it is very important that a contact telephone number be entered through the shopping cart at checkout stage.

This is a stylish Hourglass which measures 8.5" (220mm) in height and just over 4.75" (120 mm) in diameter.
Housed in a circular dark hardwood stand with three turned pillars, the sand flows quite freely and it takes approximately 60 minutes to empty, give or take a few seconds.
Probably a mid 20th century example, it's not only very functional, but also a great display piece with a triple concentric circle design on both bases.
In excellent cosmetic condition it weighs just under 600 grams.

This unique and eye-catching hand crafted sand timer stands at 11½"(293mm) tall by 7"(178mm) at its widest point and is housed in a hexagonal wooden stand surrounded by six barley twist pillars.
A substantial item weighing just under 1.2kgs, the sand flows through a single piece glass vial, taking approximately 30 minutes to empty give or take a few seconds.
Made from what I believe is olive wood, there is a small split on the top and some minor gaps where a couple of the pillars meet the base, but is in otherwise very good condition.
Probably mid 20th century, a stylish decorative piece which displays very well.

This is a fine example of a celestial Star Globe made in 1975 by Kelvin & Hughes for the Admiralty.
Used for night time navigation by the Royal Navy, its not only functional, but a beautifully crafted display piece which would grace any nautical collection.
The globe itself was made by British globe makers George Philip & Sons and assembled in a mahogany case with its brass fittings by Kelvin & Hughes.
In very good condition overall, the 7" globe is mounted in a brass meridian circle on steel pins allowing it to spin on the polar axis, and although there is a small piece of paper covering missing, it's in a plain unprinted section so does not affect the use of the globe or its general appearance, (see photo).
There are printed instructions on the inside of the lid with two brass cursors on the back rail, and the mahogany case is carried by an inset brass handle.
The circular brass band around the globe aperture is stamped H.H. &. S.Ltd No 4343.
Measuring 11" high x 10.5"x 10.5" it weighs just over 5kgs unpacked and 7kgs packed, so overseas shipping will vary significantly, therefore please contact me to establish shipping costs to your country.

Probably made during the first half of the 20th century, this unusual design sandtimer measures just over 10¾ inches in height (270mm) and 5 inches wide (125mm).
The single piece glass vial is housed in a mahogany stand with four square pillars and the sand flows quite freely, taking approximately 60 minutes to empty give or take a few seconds.
It also includes a brass hanging ring, suggesting it might have been hung up for display, and the feet are covered with green felt.
In excellent cosmetic condition, a substantial piece weighing just over 900 grams.

A quite unusual item, this is a Daylight Factor Meter made by a company called Evans Electroselenium Ltd in the 1960's.
Architects & engineeers use daylight factors in building design to assess the internal natural lighting levels to determine whether it is sufficient for occupants to carry out normal activities.
A well made robust instrument, it has a base diameter of 80mm and stands just 75mm high, with a weight of just over 600 grams.
It fits in a purpose made leather box with a roof shaped lid and lined inside with a red velvet like material.
In full working order, it also has a manufacturers paper inspection tag for 1964, albeit with the serial number 33/1143, and not 33/1132 as is stamped on the baseplate.

This ship in a bottle is quite unique, having been made in an early J. Wray & Nephew rum bottle. Wray & Nephew are the famous Jamaican rum distillers first established in 1860 whose products are still very much in demand today, with some of their earlier vintages fetching many thousands of pounds at auction.
The decorative appeal of the earlier glass bottles have made them very collectable and this particular example which dates to the 1920's or 30's has the added interest of a ship cleverly constructed within.
The exterior of the bottle carries an embossed image of Britannia in a circle, and reads ‘THE CONTENTS OF THIS BOTTLE IS THE PRODUCT OF J. WRAY & NEPHEW LTD’ and the base reads ‘J. WRAY & NEPHEW LTD, KINGSTON, JAMAICA, B.W.I.’, there is also a turks head knot around the bottle stem.
Measuring 200mm long, 95mm wide & weighing just over 0.5kg, this is not only a rare item but a great display piece which will appeal to both bottle and nautical model collectors.

This is an Abney level & clinometer, made by Francis Barker & Son Ltd of Edenbridge.
Used by surveyors for measuring angles of incline, it has a vernier style scale and incorporates a spirit bubble level fixed to the moving scale pointer. There is also a moveable magnifying lens arm for reading the fine scale, and it comes with an instruction leaflet.
Viewing through the telescopic eyepiece shows a fine wire alongside the image of the moving spirit bubble which is central when the object being measured is correctly sighted.
In working order and good condition, it measures 7” long with the telescopic eyepiece extended, 2 1/4" wide and fits in its original fabric lined leather case which is also in good sound condition, no broken stitching.