Antique Georgian Brass Pantograph By John Bleuler, London (C. 1790–1820)
SOUTHAMPTON, United Kingdom
Hassle-free returns
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Easy returns (14 days)
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Free return if the item isn't as described
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Buyer protection
Damage is rare, and you're fully protected if it happens.
Dimensions
Wear Condition
Good
Material
Brass, Mahogany
Style
Antique, Georgian
Product Details
Description
An antique precision instrument that joins the worlds of art and engineering, an exquisite pantograph by the esteemed London instrument maker, John Bleuler. A masterpiece of Georgian-era scientific craftsmanship, this instrument was designed for the meticulous enlargement and reduction of maps, architectural drawings, and fine art.
The set is remarkably well-preserved, featuring precision-machined brass arms and a deep-patinated mahogany case. Of particular note is the original handwritten copperplate instruction sheet affixed to the interior of the lid—a rare survivor that provides a window into the professional drafting practices of the early 19th century. This is not merely a tool, but a piece of history, perfect for the serious collector or museum collection of antique scientific instruments.
John Bleuler (1757–1829) was a Swiss-born instrument maker who established his business in London, operating primarily from the late 18th century until his death. Given his operational period and the style of the mahogany case and the handwritten copperplate instructions, this pantograph dates to the late 18th to early 19th century (c. 1790–1820).
This brass pantograph is a mechanical linkage system used to copy, enlarge, or reduce drawings, maps, and diagrams with high mathematical precision, it works on the principle of a parallelogram linkage, allowing a tracer (a stylus) to follow an original image while a pencil reproduces it at a different scale. The specific accessories shown here each serve a vital mechanical purpose in this process. The Heavy Circular Weight serves as the fixed fulcrum for the entire instrument. The pantograph pivots around this point, which is anchored to the drawing table, ensuring the linkage remains stable while you trace your figure. The brass cup with lead weight acts as a housing for either the pencil or the tracer stylus. It is weighted to ensure consistent pressure is applied to the paper, allowing for a steady line.
The Tracer (Stylus) was used by the operator to trace the contours of the original drawing or map.
The instruction sheet provides the logic for reconfiguring the arms to change the scale:
To Reduce a Drawing: Set the fulcrum as the weight, place the pencil at point D, and use the tracer at point C.
To Enlarge a Drawing: Set the fulcrum as the weight, place the tracer at point C, and the pencil at point D.
To Copy at the Same Size: Fix the sliding sockets at marks designated as 1/2.
By moving the sliding sockets along the graduated brass arms to different numeric proportions (such as 2/3, 3/4, or 1/12), the user can mathematically control exactly how much the drawing is enlarged or reduced.
The case measures 53.5 x 28.5/10.5 x 12.5cm (21" x 11.22/4.13" x 4.92").
Wear Condition
Good
Cancellations
We offer free cancellations and full refund for orders cancelled before dispatching. View full policy.
Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for all orders within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Additional Delivery Info from Seller
Free collection available
Yes
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Reviews
5.0
Based on 1 review
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
Clear, predictable protection for every pre-loved purchase.
Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
Applies to furniture with a final selling price of up to £5,000 (excluding delivery and service fees) and delivered from a UK mainland seller to mainland UK addresses. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
Buying vintage should feel inspiring, not uncertain.
Every order on Vinterior is backed by straightforward returns, free cancellations, and extra peace of mind for UK furniture purchases.
1. Free cancellations
Changed your mind before dispatch?
You can cancel any order before it's shipped for a full refund, including delivery.
To cancel an order, click Create cancellation on the order page.
Once an item has been dispatched, delivery costs are not refundable.
Bespoke, personalised or made-to-order pieces cannot be cancelled.
2. Returning an item
You have 14 days from delivery to request a return.
There are two return types:
A. The item isn't as described (free return)
If your piece arrives and it doesn't match the listing in any material way (incorrect description, undisclosed damage, inaccurate measurements, misleading photos), you are fully protected:
- Free return
- The seller or Vinterior arranges pickup
- Full refund, including outbound delivery costs once the seller receives the item
This applies to all purchases.
B. You changed your mind
UK-to-UK furniture deliveries:
To make UK furniture returns predictable and stress-free, we offer a simple flat return fee of £75.
- Applies to furniture delivered from a UK mainland seller to a mainland UK address. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
- Pickup arranged for you
- One clear fee, no surprises
We coordinate the return with either the seller's chosen courier or our trusted delivery partner.
All other items
Most smaller items are straightforward to return.
You can still return your item within 14 days.
- For smaller or parcel-sized items, you can choose to post the item back yourself using a tracked service, or the seller can suggest a preferred courier.
- For larger or more fragile pieces, the seller may recommend the safest return method.
- Return delivery costs vary depending on size and courier.
The seller will confirm the best option based on the item.
3. If your item arrives damaged
Damage on arrival is uncommon, especially for UK furniture deliveries.
But if something does go wrong, you're fully protected.
- Let us know as soon as possible (ideally within 72 hours of delivery) so we can resolve things quickly
- Share photos so we understand what happened
- We’ll help arrange a return and refund if needed
You’re always protected when something goes wrong in transit.
Your statutory rights apply for up to 30 days from delivery.
4. What can't be returned
Some items cannot be returned:
- Bespoke, personalised, or made-to-order pieces
- Items altered after delivery
5. How to start a return
- Log in to your Vinterior account
- Open your order
- Click Create a return
- Add notes + photos if relevant
We'll guide you through the rest.
6. What happens next
- We review your request, confirm the return and advise on next steps
- Pickup or return method is arranged
- The item is returned to the seller
- We issue your refund once the seller confirms the item's condition
Returns are completed smoothly once the pickup is arranged.
7. Refunds
Once the seller receives the piece back in the same condition it was sent, we'll issue your refund to your original payment method.
Once a refund is issued, it may take up to 5–10 working days for the funds to appear back on your original payment method, depending on your bank or card provider.
If the item is returned with new damage that wasn't present at delivery, the refund may be adjusted following review.
Need help?
If you have questions about a return or your order, our support team is here to help. Email us at [email protected] or find other ways to contact us here.
What your service fee covers
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14-day return guarantee
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Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
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Seller vetting
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Dedicated customer support
| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
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