101 - KERN (1819–1991)
See original version (French)

Estimate €200 - €300

Description

KERN (1819–1991) An architect’s or mathematician’s kit comprising compasses (including one with an interchangeable point), styluses (including one with a bone handle), various accessories (points, ink point, pencil point, extensions, …), a ruler, two protractors (one large brass one and one made of horn), and a brass set square The set is housed in a leather box lined with purple velvet The top of the box bears the inscription ‘I.Kern in AARAU, Switzerland’ and the set square bears the inscription ‘Fernand TAVEL’ Switzerland – circa 1870–1890 3.5 x 27 x 15 cm Note: Jakob KERN (1790–1867) grew up in Aarau. Trained by Johann Meyer and Ludwig Esser, he became a journeyman in the manufacture of compasses and instruments. In 1819, he founded the Kern company, starting with a small mechanical workshop. In 1835, the Swiss government began placing orders with Kern for instruments (compasses, theodolites, etc.) to equip the army. At the national and subsequent world exhibitions of 1848 and 1851, Kern won several prizes, enabling him to expand the business and build factories. From 1857 onwards, Jakob’s sons—Adolf, Emil and Heinrich—joined the company, whilst he himself retired in 1863. The company’s signature changed from ‘Kern in Aarau’ to ‘I. Kern in Aarau, Switzerland’ around 1870. In 1885, the company became ‘Kern & Co.’ with the arrival of Jakob’s grandchildren. The mark stamped on the equipment became “Kern & Cie Aarau Switzerland”. Following various developments, the company continued to manufacture scientific and optical instruments until it was acquired in 1988 by Leitz, and subsequently by Leica. The company closed its doors in 1991. Note 2: Fernand TAVEL (1857–1923) was an engineer from Lausanne from 1880 onwards, specialising in large-scale construction projects. In 1884, he joined the Eiffel workshops as an employee. Until 1889, he worked on the company’s major projects, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and the Nice Observatory. From 1889, he became director of the Usines Françaises in Cannes, working for the Compagnie Genevoise de l’Industrie et du Gaz. In 1908, he returned to Switzerland, where he became general secretary for the same company. From 1908 onwards, he retired to Lausanne, where he devoted himself to philanthropy and scientific work until his death in 1923. The set of compasses shown appears to be Fernand Tavel’s personal set and dates from his time working with the Ateliers Eiffel.

See original version (French)

Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.

About the sale CABINET OF CURIOSITIES – SCIENCE & GEOLOGY – MEDICINE – RUDY MEMIN’S STEAM ENGINES – ANIMALIA – NATURALIA – TRAVEL – MARINE – GLOBES

Auction location

Auction time 09/29/2026 at 1:30 PM

Ref. : 3162 - 14

Pictures modified on 09/09/2026 at 9:56 AM

Lot description modified on 09/09/2026 at 9:56 AM

Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House

101 - KERN (1819–1991) See original version (French)

101 - KERN (1819–1991)
See original version (French)