Offered for sale is a genuine antique mechanical planimeter, used historically by surveyors, engineers, and draughtsmen to calculate the area of irregular shapes on maps and technical drawings.

This example is engraved A. J. Littlejohn & Son, Wellington, a highly respected New Zealand maker and supplier of scientific and surveying instruments in the late 19th and early–mid 20th century. Instruments bearing this name are increasingly scarce, especially with original fitted cases.

Key Features

? Authentic mechanical polar planimeter ? Precision measuring wheel and dial ? Original engraved arm and components ? Complete with original purple velvet-lined fitted case ? New Zealand provenance ? Circa 1920s–1950s

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Condition * Instrument presents in very good vintage condition * Dial, wheel, and arms intact * Expected age-related patina consistent with originality * Case shows honest wear but remains solid and presentable * Not recently calibrated – sold as a collectible or functional historical instrument

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Why This Is Special * NZ-made / NZ-supplied scientific instrument * Pre-digital surveying technology * Highly displayable and mechanically fascinating * Ideal for: * Surveying & engineering collectors * Museum or heritage displays * Architectural or design studios * Serious antique scientific instrument collections

This is not a reproduction — it is a real working artefact from New Zealand’s surveying and engineering history.