These are eleven stamps depicting line images of astronomical instruments, graphs and explanatory diagrams. They are stored in a cardboard box with 2019.ast.136. These include (among others), a diagram of the DDO 74″ telescope, two diagrams of a spectrograph, and images apparently associated with stellar navigation. Each is formed out of a metal block which is affixed to a wooden block. Each block has a sheet of paper stuck to the back; many are labeled with the word “astro” and a page number.
Accession Number: 2019.ast.137.1-11
Alternative Name:
Wood, Metal: Iron Alloy?, Metal: Copper Alloy?
Written on the wood or paper of the blocks in pencil: “astro”
Dimensions (cm): Box: 41, Width = 28, Height = 28
These stamps enable the multiple replication of diagrams an images, probably for teaching purposes.
Excellent: All the blocks show signs of use in the form of ink stains particularly where the metal plate meets the wood block. However, their surfaces are in good condition. One block, showing two graphs, has a white substance (perhaps associated with corrosion) across the surface.
Associated Instruments:
Manufacturer:
Date of Manufacture: c. 1935
These appear to have been had made by Department of Astronomy professor Clarence Chant, probably for teaching. They were likely kept at the David Dunlap Observatory. They were moved from the David Dunlap Observatory in Richmond Hill in 2009, upon the sale of the observatory. It was stored at the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics until 2017, when they were moved to a new storage location in McLennan Physical Laboratories.
Additional Information and References:
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