1893 J H STEWARD MILITARY INSTRUMENTS CATALOGUE VERNERS COMPASS BRITISH ARMY WW1

Description: J. H. STEWARD'SILLUSTRATED CATALOGUEOF MILITARY INSTRUMENTS FOR RECONNAISSANCE, SKETCHINGAND MAP READING J. H. STEWARD, London, 1893 A very rare edition of the J. H. Steward Military Instruments Catalogue, published c.1893 (The latest date mentioned in the catalogue is 1891, and one of the the addresses on the cover has been amended to Gracechurch Street, to which Steward moved in 1893). This is a comprehensive catalogue of the military instruments and related items and accesssories made and sold by J. H. Steward, illustrated throughout with numerous black and white illustrations and drawings. The catalogue features many of the well-known inventions of Major Willoughby Verner, including his Patent Service Compass, Cavalry Sketching Board, Complete Sketching Instrument, etc. J. H. Steward's military instruments saw service in the colonial wars of the 19th century, the Boer War and during WW1, as both official government issue and officers private purchase items.The catalogue also features details of other less well known instruments and inventions, including the Weldon Rangefinder, The Telemeter, Major Sawyer’s compass, and Captain Treeby's Night Marching Compass.An invaluable reference work for anyone collecting J. H. Steward compasses, Verner’s compasses, and other military scientific instruments. The catalogue is very well illustrated throughout. One illustration has been cut out and removed from pages 5. J. H. Steward: J. H. Steward was one of the most important London scientific instrument makers and retailers of the 19th and early 20th century. James Henry Steward established his business in London in 1852. As a maker and retailer of optical, scientific, military and surveying instruments. J. H. Steward was the head optician of the company and had businesses at 406 Strand, 457 West Strand, 7 Gracechurch St, and 54 Cornhill in London. In the mid 1800s he became the optician to Her Majesty's Government and the National Rifle, and National Artillery Associations. James Henry Steward died in 1896. J. H. Steward Ltd was incorporated in 1912 and continued in business in London until 1973. The main London office was sold in 1971, and from 1971-1973 the company rented premises in Catherine Street. All the remaining stock and long serving staff member George Goble (c.1916-1975) were moved to Catherine Street. Mr Goble was now the only member of staff, running the shop but mainly retained to provide a service to long-standing customers and to sell the remaining stock. The business finally moved to 154a Church Road, Hove, Sussex in 1973, before finally ceasing trading in 1975. Lt-Colonel William Willoughby Cole Verner (1852-1922) served on the staff in the Egyptian campaign of 1884-85 and during the Boer War. He retired as a Lt-Colonel in May 1904. The earliest Verner designs were simple pocket compasses, with the various models of the Service Pattern, MK III to MK VII, appearing between c.1891-1918. His prismatic service compasses were essentially a development of the Schmalcalder patent design of the early 19th century, but they remained the standard service compass of the British Army until the start of WW2. As well as designing compasses and other military instruments, Verner was a prolific author, military historian, and chronicler of the Rifle Brigade. Condition: In good condition. The paper cover is in fair to good condition, with wear and chips to the edges and spine, and some small archival tape repairs. The binding is good and secure. The rear hinge has been carefully reinforced with archival paper tape. The text and illustrations are in very good condition, with one illustration cut out and removed from page 5.Published: c.1893 Light blue illustrated paper cover with black titling Illustrated throughout with line drawings Dimensions: 140mm x 210mm Pages: 40 ***I have several other rare books and compasses listed at the moment. Combined postage is available*** Please email if you require any further information _gsrx_vers_1677 (GS 9.8.1 (1677))

Price: 135 GBP

Location: Lancashire

End Time: 2024-12-04T20:21:26.000Z

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