![]() ![]() This rivalry is evidenced by Adam’s release of a publication of his “Description and Use of a New Sea Quadrant” in September of 1748. These latter accolades were reserved for his rival George Adams (Senior) who was evidently better at both advertising and self publicity. Neither did he manage to achieve the patronage of such institutions as The Royal Mathematical School or The Office of Ordnance. Cole Senior was a maker of high repute during his lifetime although his training and subsequent take over of Wright’s business did not achieve him the transfer of the Royal Appointment to George II, this was supposedly retained by Thomas Wright even after retirement. With a new premises at the sign of the Orrery in Fleet Street, the business became Benjamin Cole & Son and remained so until the death of Cole senior in 1766. He was certainly independent by 1739 as he took his son, Benjamin Cole junior as an apprentice and shortly after the completion of his training in 1748, the business of Cole senior’s former master Thomas Wright was purchased. At some point during the 1730’s, Cole left Wright’s employment and began business on his own account, trading from an address at Bull Alley in Lombard Street. It is however certain that Cole worked for Wright during his formative years. Cole was born in 1695 and although there is some uncertainty about his early apprenticeship, it is likely that he was taken in by the renowned London instrument maker, Thomas Wright who traded from The Orrery & Globe in Fleet Street and who held a Royal Appointment for King George II. The Cole business began with Benjamin Cole senior, the son of an Oxford bookbinder and engraver. The protractor is further engraved with the name, B. The centre is further fitted with a swing arm which rotates around the full 360 degrees and contains a Vernier which is placed over the outer scale to allow detailed measurements to the nearest minute of arc. Four strut arms at 90 degree intervals terminate to the centre with a semi-circular opening with centre mark for accurate positioning of the instrument. Comprised of a circular brass frame measuring 7 ¾” in diameter, it is divided into 360 degrees with degree numbers running both clockwise and anti-clockwise around the circumference.
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