AN EXCEPTIONAL, POSSIBLY UNIQUE, COMPLETE DRAWING INSTRUMENT MAGAZINE BY GEORGE ADAMS (II), LONDON, C.1783
the inner lid with plush green hinged recess containing a trio of lacquered-brass scale rules comprising a sector, rectangular protractor and scissor-type parallel rule, two signed G. Adams, London; the upper tray with full set of brass and steel instruments including an ellipsograph, T-Square, pricking stylus, ink pen, micrometer calliper compass, a steel-handled pen, proportional dividers and a tri-form hinged compass; the lower tray with signed boxwood and brass sliding Haywood-type 'L' square, a full set of 24 unused crested watercolour cakes by Reeves contained in labelled recesses, the brush recess with dedication for 1781, and removable porcelain mixing tray, contained in a mahogany case with satinwood banding, lock and key -- 12½in. (32cm.) diameter; together with a copy of Adams of Fleet Street by John Millburn
(2)

Made by the Scientific Instrument-maker to King George III, this compendium appears to have had little, if any, actual usage.

Literature: Millburn, J: Adams of Fleet Street, Ashgate, 2000, p.194-5
Dawes, H: Instruments of the Imagination, Dawes Trust Ltd, 2009,
p.80-81

Condition Report
In excellent overall condition, only wear being to the velvet pull-out flap in lid where clasp rubs on opening and closing. Instruments appear to have very little sign of use and, apart from typical time staining to the steel parts, commensurate with age, are as good as the day they were made.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.