Large Graphometer By Le Gendre, C. 1770

Large brass pinnule graphometer signed on the movable alidade with the rare signature: "Le Gendre, quai de l'Horloge du Palais, à Paris". The graphometer is complete with its compass with original needle, its socket foot and ball joint. The circular arc is divided from 0 to 180 degrees and vice versa. The thick plate is pierced with a rather original decoration of foliage but also geometric patterns embellished with small circles; all underlined with red wax. The large and elegant signature is engraved on the mobile alidade, also underlined with red wax. The four pinnules are vintage. Le Gendre is little known, only by a table sundial where he signs "with the pantograph". The instrument is datable to around 1760-1780. His address is the same or very close to that of Baradelle, Jacques and Jacques-Nicolas. He could have been one of their apprentices."