Butterfield Graphometer With Strawberry Decor, C. 1680

Brass graphometer signed “Butterfield in Paris” decorated with a surprising decoration of four strawberries and plants and the usual acanthus. The graphometer dates back to the start of Butterfield production, around 1680. In the center of the graphometer a large finely engraved compass complete with its original magnetic needle. The semicircle is divided from 0° to 180° and from 180° to 0° degrees. The back of the instrument is also quite unusual, with no room for a ball head or other support. Additionally, the case does not feature an additional slot for a ball head or foot. The graphometer is kept in its shaped case, one side of which is entirely fleurdelysé and the other guilloché. Small lack of leather on the box, otherwise excellent original condition. The size is 20.7x11cm (height 14.3cm with ring) and the case measures 22.5×13.5cm.