Ja This unusual brass diamond sieve is a testament of the central role Amsterdam had in the diamond industry of the 19th Century.
Diamond workers used various models of the diamond sieve. Most serve to grade diamonds or to collect grit in an underlying receptacle for further use in grinding and sawing.
This particular example consists of a tube with a matching series of twenty brass calibers, with holes ranging from 1 to 20 millimeters, with which different stone sizes of gemstones could be sorted. The calibers all fit neatly inside the tube, making it easy to to use and carry around.
The top of the lid is engraved 'Wm Linderman & Co.' and 'Amsterdam'. This company specialized in making instruments that were used in the diamond trade from 1856 to 1898.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 7 cm high, 8.5 cm in diameter.
Weight: 974 grams.
Age: 19th Century, circa 1880s.
Condition: This set is in great antique condition with some wear, consistent with its age. The brass has developed patina over time, which I have decided not to clean off. All twenty calibers are still complete and without damages.