This rare, unusual instrument, is made of glazed paper on card and is contained in its original marbled card
slip case. It is entirely covered, on both sides, including the edges, with tables, gauge points and an arc for
use as a clinometer. It was invented in 1852 by Maximilion Robert Pressler (1815-1886), the father of the
modern science of forestry.
It is signed PRESSLER’S INGENIEUR-MESSKNECHT Tharand. Dresden. The scales include
those titled ‘Reciproken’, ‘Bogen’, ‘Kreis’, ‘Qw’, ‘Cw’, ‘Centi’, ‘Tg’, etc. and many conversion factors.
To use this as a clinometer the flaps are folded over each other (they are not the same length to allow for
the thickness of the card) and it is placed on a post or held in the hand. The plummet (bob missing)
indicated the angled observed with the missing, loose sight.
A remarkable, perhaps even unique survival. Width, when laid flat, 8.6 inches (21.8cms). the condition
of the slip case is good but noting that there is some wear on one corner. The condition of the
instrument is is also good, but also noting that the hinges are slightly frail, the plummet and sight are missing
and there is slight discoloration of the paper. Very, very rare. Ticket price £750. Email me here
See: R. Max. Pressler, MathematischeBrieftasche mit Ingenieur-Messknecht, Dresden 1860.*
M.R. Pressler, Der Messknecht als Mastknecht, Braunsweig 1853.*
Zur Verwandlung der Messknechtstafel in das Visirinstrument. N.D. (1860?)*
