17th century Italian (Medici?) sector
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A richly decorated graduated sector with foot sizes of different European cities and calculating. On top rich decorations of a harp varying in lines and lilies and in the centre heraldic Florentine (Medici?) lily.
The historical foot and palm measurements (Pes and Pal) on one side of the sector were practical tools for precise measurement in various cities, essential for trade, construction, and administration. The abstract metrics on the other side likely represent a more analytical framework These two sets of scales could be used together: the historical measurements providing the necessary precision for practical applications, while the abstract metrics offer a means to analyse, compare, and manage those applications effectively. However the precise use remains a mystery.
On the front side of the sector different foot sizes of cities are grouped under Pes and Pal. Pes {which means foot scale] (Venet, Ro:et, Nor, Col and Ant. Pal [ for palm scale]: (Neap: Gen. Separately Pes: Geom:
The cities represented are Venice, Rome, Norcia, Cologne, Antwerp, Naples, Genova and Pes: Geom (Geometric Foot), used in surveying and geometric calculations, not tied to a specific city. Easy to recognize are the Venetian and Antwerp foot scales. The Venetian foot is 0,3480 m and the Antwerp foot is 0,2868 meter, separated in 11 Antwerp thumbs.
The Reverse notes 10 different sizes: Aril, Geo, St, Zu, Mi, Po, Se: CB, Infc, AEg, Adj.
The first scale is labeled Aril and runs from 0 to 260. The second scale is labeled Geo and runs from 5 to 100. The third scale is labeled st and runs from 5 to 215. The fourth scale is labeled ZU and runs from 20 to 14 to 7 and ends with a dot in a circle. The fifth scale is labeled Mi and is marked with Au:, H, P, Ar:, Aes, F, S, M and L. The sixth scale is labeled Po and runs from 3 to 20. The seventh scale is labeled Se: CB and runs from 0 to 180. The eight scale is labeled Insc and marked with the letters D, D, I, C, O, d, d.
The ninth scale is labeled AEg and is marked with the letters : D, I, C, S, O. The tenth scales is labeled Adj and scaled from 0 to 39 and a half circle and from Z to 39 and a raster.
Aril (0 to 260):
Geo (0 to 100):
St (5 to 215):
ZU (20 to 14 to 7):
Mi (Au:, H, P, Ar:, Aes, F, S, M, L):
Po (3 to 20):
Se: CB (0 to 180):
Insc (D, D, I, C, O, d, d):
AEg (D, I, C, S, O):
Adj (0 to 39 and a half circle, Z to 39):
Length: 54 cm.
Sold to a German museum
