3. Nautical Instruments
Prices in U.S. Dollars are in GREEN
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3.10 EARLY SEXTANT. Particularly well preserved 19th century English sextant made by the noted scientific instrument makers “Negretti & Zambra, London” as finely engraved in script on the large arc. This classic 3-circle sextant has an inlaid silver scale reading from -5 to 160 degrees, effectively making it a “quintant.” The scale is marked in 10’s of degrees and each degree is subdivided to 10 arc minutes. The silver vernier scale at the bottom of the index arm reads from 0 to 10 arc minutes right to left, subdivided in 10 arc second increments, theoretically allowing for an accuracy of 30 nautical miles. In use the index arm has a knurled thumbscrew stop and a fine adjust tangent stop. A pivoting magnifier and a frosted glass light diffuser are mounted on the index arm for viewing the reading. This all brass instrument is complete with both mirror boxes, height adjustable telescope holder, all 4 index filters and complete set of 3 horizon filters. It retains its original blackened finish throughout. The back has its original 3 “feet” for mounting in its box and its lovely sculpted solid rosewood handle. The index arm measures 8 ¼ inches long and the large arc is 9 inches wide making for a very diminutive instrument. The handsome solid mahogany box is of hand-dovetailed construction with brass furniture. It contains one long telescope with 2 interchangeable eye pieces, a separate peep site and screw-on sun filer. The box has two hook and eye closures, the original skeleton lock with escutcheon and folding brass drop handle. It is in remarkable condition with no major cracks in the large single panel lid. It measures 9 ¼ by 9 ½ inches by 4 ¾ inches thick. Fabulous cosmetic condition. 1285 For someone considering a single quality instrument of this type to fill out a nautical collection, this is it! The partnership of Enrico Negretti and Joseph Warren Zambra began at 11 Hatton Garden, London in 1850. Exhibiting at the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace London in 1851, they won a Prize Medal. Thereafter the business expanded rapidly and they were awarded the Royal appointment of instrument makers to the Queen and the Prince Consort. The firm was the most prolific manufacturer of scientific instruments in the second half of the 19th century in England. The partnership made all manner of quality scientific instruments, best noted for their barometers and telescopes. (Edwin Banfield, "Barometer Makers and Retailers 1660-1900," 1991, Baros Books, Wiltshire).
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3.14/5.46 U.S. NAVY CLINOMETER. Authentic World War II fighting ship's pilot house inclinometer made for the Navy by the John L. Chaney Instrument Company. The face of the Bakelite body is engraved: CLINOMETER
U.S. NAVY BU-SHIPS MK IV 1943 JOHN L. CHANEY INSTR. CO. LAKE GENEVA WISC., U.S.A. This precision device is calibrated in single degrees of heel port and starboard up to 70 marked by 10's. The reading is made by a small black ball within a curved glass tube containing fluid. The fluid acts to dampen (slow) the ball as the ship rolls. This is exactly the same principle used in an aircraft's turn and bank indicator. The instrument measures 12 ½ inches wide by 6 ¼ inches high. It is in excellent original condition. The action of the ball is perfect. 395 |
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3.11 BOXED COMPASS. Late 19th century American small craft boxed compass made by the “Coston Supply Co., New York” as stenciled on the bottom of the bowl. The composition card is marked in ½ points of the compass with the cardinal and intercardinal points identified. North is denoted by a classic fleur-de-lis and “Polaris.” It is mounted on a high quality jeweled pivot. This all brass compass retains its handsome original black e-enameled surface. The compass is slung in gimbals, mounted in the original mahogany box with lid, held by 2 pivoting hooks. The compass measures exactly 3 inches in diameter and the box is 4 ½ inches square by 3 ¼ inches high with lid. Excellent original condition throughout showing signs of use but no abuse. 329 The Coston Company was established in 1840 by Benjamin Franklin Coston, inventor and manufacturer of night signals and ship rockets. He continued as head of the business until his death in 1901, when the business was incorporated. In the early 1900’s the company expanded its product line to include life-saving appliances for ships as well as general steamship supplies. But it was always best known as an innovator and leader in ships’ distress signaling devices. |
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3.09 EXCEPTIONAL QUADRANT. Fourth quarter 18th century mariner’s navigational quadrant (octant) by the famed English makers W & S. Jones as engraved on the bottom of the index arm “W. & S. Jones 30 High Holborn, London.” This especially fine instrument is an excellent example of state-of-the art instrumentation produced by the world class London makers in the 1780’s. Certainly the Jones were members of that elite cadre, evidenced by the superior quality embodied in this instrument. Speaking to this, the frame is made of rich rosewood instead of the more common ebony of the time. The long index arm has a riveted brass index scale with ivory vernier. Of major concern to instrument makers of the era was the accuracy of their instruments, given conditions at sea which could affect expansion and contraction due to humidity and temperature. Prior to 1780 most instruments were made entirely of wood. But during this innovative era makers began incorporating brass into their instruments. Ultimately brass became the sole material used in sextants of the mid-1800’s and later. This instrument has both index and horizon mirrors AND backsight. A full complement of 3 interchangeable sun filters is present and the peep sight has the early form pivoting shade. The lovely solid ivory scale is calibrated in single degrees from -2o to 98o divided by 20 arc minutes. The index arm has the early form index arm stop with knurled thumbscrew. The ivory vernier is calibrated in single arc minutes from 0 to 20, thus rendering an accuracy of one arc minute. The center brace is fitted with an ivory pencil for recording readings. The reverse of the frame is complete with all 3 knurled brass “feet,” both mirror box adjusting apparatus and an inlaid ivory trapezoidal “note pad” for recoding sightings. It is also complete with brass arm stop on the right side. 16 inches tall by 13 inches wide. Absolutely outstanding state of original preservation for such an instrument 240 years old. Without question museum quality. Truly bargain-priced! Please compare comparable quality instruments offered by other sellers. This is the best! Value $1595 NOW! 1195 The highly esteemed firm of William and Samuel Jones was begun in 1791 or earlier. William Jones was listed as optician in 1787. The partnership was prolific in its output of high end scientific instruments which included, barometers, compasses, globes, orrereys, microscopes sundials, telescopes, quadrants, thermometers, and planetaria among others! (Gloria Clifton, “Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851,” 1995, Zwemmer Press The National maritime Museum, Greenwich). |
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3.06 BINNACLE INCLINOMETER. Authentic World War I era pilot house binnacle clinometer made by the noted American makers Kelvin and Wilfred O. White as boldly marked on the silvered brass dial "KELVIN-WHITE CO. BOSTON & NEW YORK." This precision nautical instrument features a blackened brass pendulum bob overriding an arched scale reading in 2 degree increments from 0 to 40 degrees port and starboard. It is housed in its solid brass case under glass. The back is curved to fit the front of the binnacle and there are mounting tabs on each side to accommodate screws. Functional original condition with a lovely age patina to the brass surfaces. The silver dial is perfect. 179 |
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3.67 ENGLISH SEXTANT. Early 1900's totally complete sextant with all of the bells and whistles, by the esteemed makers "Heath & Co., Ltd. New Eltham London," as engraved on the large arc. It is further marked "Made For Kelvin & Wilfred O. White Co Boston – New York" with the serial number "C752." This state-of-the art sextant has a solid brass frame of the classic "3 circle" construction. The large arc has the traditional inlaid silver scale calibrated in single degrees from -5 to 130. The innovative patented drum micrometer readout on the index arm provides a detailed reading down to a theoretical 10 arc seconds accuracy or about 30 nautical miles. The index arm is engraved "<HEZZANITH> Rapid Reader Patent" and bears the applied maker's tag reading "HEZZANTH" Endless Tangent Screw Automatic Clamp – Patent Semper Paratus." (Always Ready). This handsome sextant has its complete compliment of horizon and index mirrors, 4 index filters and 3 horizon filters. It is equipped with a height adjustable sight holder which accommodates both of the sighting telescopes and the peep tube. The back retains its large sculpted mahogany handles and 3 brass "feet" for mounting in its original box. The entire instrument is in its black finish to prevent glare while taking sun lines. The index arm measures 9 ½ inches long and the large arcis 9 ¼ inches wide. The solid oak box is of machine dove-tail construction measuring 10 ½ by 11 inches and 5 ¼ thick. The lid of the box bears the original label of examination from the "Hezzanith Instrument Works" signed and dated "1937." In addition it has the later card from the "New York Nautical Instrument & Service Corp." Remarkably this box is totally complete with two telescopes, peep tube, adjusting pin, adjusting wrench, eyepiece filter and bristle brush marked "TO CLEAN ARC RACK," and its original skeleton lock and key! The box has a brass folding drop handle and two large brass hooks for closure. Of special note, the box lid is totally intact without cracks. Virtually all sextant boxes of this vintage and earlier suffer from shrinkage. They absolutely DO NOT come any more complete and original than this! |
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3.05 EARLY PARALLEL RULES. Very rare set of navigator's parallel rules of American manufacture. This scarce hand-made 18th century plotting device has large limbs of fruitwood (pear or apple) consistent with the manufacture of American backstaves of the era. The connecting swing arms are made of brass, exhibiting slight irregularities typical of one-of-a-kind production. The 2 limbs measure 17 inches long each and are 1 ¾ inches wide. The fact that they are 17 inches in length differentiate them from the standard 18 inch English versions. Also the fact that they are of an indigenous American hardwood and not ebony is telling. International trade in America was in its infancy in the early 1700's. Importation of exotic materials was very limited requiring "home grown" alternatives. Excellent original condition showing a wonderful working age patina acquired after more than 250 years. 295 |
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3.04 NAVIGATOR's PROTRACTOR. Patented 19th century American navigational device which consists of a T-square mounted on a long brass arm over which a brass circle with compass rose is mounted. The circular rose is divided to ¼ points of the compass with the cardinal and intercardinal points identified. North is designated by a classic flue-de-lis. The rose is mounted in such a way that it slides the full length of the supporting arm while being able to rotate a full 360 degrees. The pivot point is off center allowing for cross hairs to pinpoint the precise point on a chart. This ingenious device is of all brass construction. It is stamped with maker's mark "J. W. STRANGE Manufacturer, BANGOR, ME." It is additionally marked"Pat'd June 13. 1876." The long arm measures 16 inches in length and the cross bar 4 ½ inches. The disc is 4 inches in diameter. Outstanding original condition with nice golden lacquer surfaces, virtually the same as it was when made 140+ years ago! A very rare American navigational relic. 389 |
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3.60 RARE SEXTANT. "Hoppe's Improved Sextant, LONDON, No. 271." Very, very early 1800's lattice frame sextant by Ebenezer Hoppe who was a mathematical and optical instrument maker at Edward Street, Limehouse Fields, London, beginning in 1801. Hoppe's idea was to brace the sextant frame much like the crossed trusses of a bridge, to maintain its rigidity and thus its accuracy. The beautiful inlaid sterling silver scale on the large arc is marked from -5 – 145 degrees subdivided divided by 15 arc minutes. The braced brass index arm carries the silver vernier scale calibrated from 0 – 15 arc minutes subdivided to 15 arc seconds. The attached pivoting magnifier aids in taking a precise reading. The back of the arm has a positive thumbscrew stop and the vernier has a tangential fine adjustment thumbscrew. This instrument is complete with both mirror boxes and a full set of 4 index filters and 3 horizon filters. The backside is equipped with an elegant sculpted rosewood handle and three brass "feet" for positioning in the box. The index arm is 11 inches long and the large arc is 12 inches wide. The early style keystone box is constructed of rich African mahogany with telltale very thin dovetail joints. It contains one functional telescope, 2 partial telescopes and a screw-on sun filter. Condition of the instrument is remarkable considering it is approximately 220 years old. The brass surfaces have acquired a deep age patina. The box is sound, with a few expected age cracks but no damage. It measures 12 inches high by 13 ½ inches wide and 5 inches thick. The box lock is missing. The lid bears the partial label of the famous Pacific Northwest chandler, Max Kuner of Seattle. 2149 |
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3.00 EARLY AMERICAN WOODEN SEXTANT. Rare, American-made wooden sextant with the ivory maker's label reading "B: K: HAGGER & SON, BALTIMORE." This high quality navigational instrument has limbs of rich ebony with inlaid ivory scales and brass furniture. The large arc is calibrated from -7 to 134 degrees marked by 5's. Each degree is subdivided to 20 arc minutes. The ivory vernier scale mounted on the braced brass index arm is calibrated in single arc minutes from 0 on the right to 20 on the left, providing the navigator with a theoretical accuracy of one nautical mile. To aid in reading, a pivoting magnifier is attached to the index arm. A thumbscrew on the rear provides a positive stop while the tangential fine adjustment knob allows an accurate reading. This superior instrument has both index and horizon mirrors, all 4 index filters and all 3 horizon filers. The adjustable height sighting tube holder contains a long telescope. The back is equipped with an early form sculpted rosewood handle, 3 brass "feet," and the apparatus for adjusting the horizon mirror box. The instrument is double braced both vertically and horizontally for assured accuracy. The index arm measures 11 inches long and the large arc is 10 ¾ inches wide. Wooden sextants are very scarce, especially those made by American instrument makers. Circa1820. Fine condition. Make no mistake, this is a "sextant" made from rare ebony wood, predating those in the latter half of the century that were made of brass. Truly a bargain price for such a museum-quality example. The appraised value is double or more. 895 |
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3.45 OCTANT. Genuine 19th century octant frame constructed entirely of rare solid ebony. This frame is complete with all of its wooden parts and a brass insert at the apex for the pivoting index arm. The reverse side has a receptacle for a trapezoidal inlay of ivory for the navigator to record his observations. This type of feature is commensurate with earlier instruments. The frame measures 11 inches tall and 9 ½ inches wide on the large arc. Circa 1850 or earlier. A perfect project for the do it your selfer on a minimal budget. SOLD |
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3.98 FINE AMERICAN OCTANT. Particularly nice, very desireable early American octant with a brass frame made by the earliest makers of such instruments "E. & G. W. Blunt, New York." as hand-engraved on the brass arc. Circa 1840 or earlier. This precision navigational instrument has an inlaid silver scale calibrated in degrees from - 4 to 114 divided by 20 arc minutes marked by 5's. The silver vernier scale reads from 0 to 20, right to left, calibrated down to ½ arc minutes, or 30 seconds. With the pivoting magnifier this allowed a sighting with an accuracy of approximately 3 nautical miles. Compare that with modern GPS sightings which are accurate within 3 feet! This handsome instrument has a braced index arm supporting the magnifier and a fine adjust tangent screw. It is complete with both mirror boxes and a full set of 4 index filters and 3 horizon filters. The back has its sculpted mahogany handle, mirror adjustment components and 3 brass "feet" for positioning in it box. This rare octant comes complete in its original classic keystone box made of rich mahogany with age telling slender hand dovetail construction. It bears the partial label of America's preeminent nautical instrument makers, "THAXTER & SON." The box is complete with all accessories including 2 sighting tubes and 2 eyepiece filters. The box retains it original brass box lock and one hook and eye closure. The instrument measures 9 ¾ inches long on the index arm and 8 ½ inches wide on the large arc. The box measures 10 1/4 inches long by 10 ¾ inches wide and 5 inches thick. The entire presentation must be rated as "excellent" in original condition in all respects. Amazing after more than 180 years! 1495 |
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3.99 EARLY NOCTURNAL. 18th century seaman's navigational timepiece designed to tell time at night. This scientific instrument measured the position of the North Star and its relative angle to the Big Dipper to determine time. That angle changes as the celestial sphere appears to revolve around the North Star with the earth's rotation. This clever brass device with an iron backing computes the angle as a function of time. It is obviously hand-made and is of relatively crude construction. No doubt it was made by a seaman aboard an early sailing vessel. It is etched with a degree scale on the outer periphery and marked in 20 degree increments on the next scale inward. Then there's a scale marked with the signs of the Zodiac. These are followed by a scale with letters denoting months. Within that scale rotates the inner disc which is marked from 4 P.M. to 12 midnight, then to 8 A.M. The hour indications are noted by arrows. Half hours are delineated by shorter lines with dots. The quarter hours are marked by short lines. Albeit crude, it was surprisingly accurate given its margin of error of 15 minutes. The main disc measures 3 7/8 inches in diameter. The long arm extends 3 inches from center. Condition is fair. The top point which extended above the 0 degree mark is worn to a nub. The finer engraving, such as the outer degree scale is significantly worn in some areas. Still, such wear is a good indicator of actual use at sea over a long period of time – certainly many decades, if not centuries. SOLD |
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3.89 PROTRACTOR & RULE. Genuine mid 19th century American ship's navigator's chart rule with directional protractor. This ingenious device was made by "L. MORGAN & SON 650 E. 12. ST. N.Y." as stamped on the silvered brass back plate. It consists of a heavy rosewood rule with silvered brass edges. Inset into the middle is a semicircular protractor marked in segments of the compass rose with north at the top, divided east to west in one quarter points . The protractor rotates to the appropriate course or line of bearing and is locked into placed by the knurled brass knob at the top. Just above the pivot point the protractor is marked "PAT. JAN. 19 69. This high quality precision navigational instrument measures 17 inches long by 2 ¼ inches wide on the rule itself. With the silvered protractor it stands 4 ¼ inches high. This is a very rare American navigational instrument of exceptional quality circa 1870 in beautiful original condition. 669 |
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3.88/ 5.04 PATENT NAVY PARALLEL RULES. Rare 4th quarter of the 19th century navigator's parallel rulers made by John Bliss and Co., in accordance with LCDR Sigsbee's patent. This beautifully preserved set is made of ebony with brass fittings. It is uniquely constructed in such a manner so as to allow the limbs of the instrument to fold over the chart and align at a distance from the indicated course. This allowed the navigator to "hop scotch" across the chart without sliding the rules over the map's surface. The upper rule is stamped "PAT. FEB.24' 80." Remarkably, it is preserved within its original cardboard box with label reading "PATENT PARALLEL RULE U.S. NAVY PATTERN JOHN BLISS & CO., Under Patent granted Feb. 24 to Liuet-Comdr, C. D. Sigsbee U.S. NAVY." The rules are in absolutely perfect original condition measuring 15 inches long by 2 5/8 inches wide. The original box is 15 ¼ inches long by 3 inches wide and ½ inches thick. As expected the box shows considerable wear after 140 years. But the label with minor losses is still legible. 595 An identical item "Sigsbee's Patent Parallel Rules No. 272" is held in the collection of the Peabody Museum, Salem, Massachusetts. |
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3.79 VERY EARLY AMERICAN BINNACLE. First quarter 1800's boat binnacle by the esteemed American makers Samuel Thaxter and his son as indicated around the pivot point of the drycard compass "S. THAXTER & SON. Boston." This very rare navigational instrument has a heavy solid brass housing. Within is contained the high grade drycard compass marked in points of the compass rose down to ½ points, with the cardinal and intercardinal points identified. Speaking to its quality it has an agate bearing in the brass pivot and the card is backed by mica. Two other significant attributes are its decorated east point, and the fact that the innovative compass bowl is brass and not wood, as used up until about 1820. We were told by the original owners this compass is dated "1818," but we have not opened the body to confirm. The compass bowl and its gimbal are supported within the very substantial binnacle housing with glazed viewing port. The top is fitted with a heavy duty suspension ring for portability. The side bears an auxiliary lamp for night viewing. It contains a small font with whale oil burners – again, a testament to its early origins. The compass measures 5 ½ inches in diameter. The cast brass binnacle base is 9 ½ inches in diameter and the binnacle stands 11 ½ inches tall exclusive of the ring. Totally complete and in excellent original condition in all respects, showing its great age. 1179 |
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3.80 FIRST of HARPOON LOGs. Rare, 2nd quarter of the 19th century ship's taffrail log aka "harpoon log" as coined by its inventor, Edward Massey in 1802. This very early example dates near to the time Masseys' patent expired in 1836. It is a rare specimen, made of solid brass with a perfect porcelain dial having 3 registers indicating quarter miles, whole miles and 10's of miles travelled by the ship. A rotating brass cover protects the dial. Of note, the original sisal attachment with seizing is still present! 23 inches long overall, inclusive of the line attachment. The instrument itself measures 18 inches long and 5 inches wide at the fins. The body is in outstanding original condition in all respects showing good use in a sea environment with nice verdigris but no damage. The indicators register properly and the fins rotate smoothly. Bargain priced, as similar logs made 50 years later are selling for this price. 695 |
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3.78 1700's QUADRANT. Large 3rd quarter of the 18 century English navigational instrument known as a "Hadley's Quadrant," later referred to as an "octant." This imposing device has limbs of rich, almost ebony-like rosewood, with brass furniture and ivory inlays. The large arc is calibrated in degrees from -4 to 94 in 20 arc minute increments marked by 5's. The early form "A" type vernier (zero centered) allows a reading to an accuracy of up to one arc minute, equating to about one nautical mile. The flat brass index arm is the early unbraced form and measures 16 inches in length. This instrument is complete with both peep sights, 3 mirror boxes and a full set of interchangeable sun filters, all in excellent condition. Telling of its early age, this quadrant has a back sight feature. The back sight was obsolete by the 1820's. It is complete with its rarely-found ivory pencil for recording readings on the trapezoidal ivory note pad on the back. Remarkably, it comes complete with its stepped pinewood keystone box. The lid of the box contains the partial label "H. GATTEY, NEW YORK Mathematical, Optical, and Philofophical (sic) Instrument Maker. (from London)" The box measures 17 inches long by 15 inches wide and 4 inches thick. Interestingly, many original sighting notations are written on the interior of the box in chalk and in pencil. Unusually fine condition for an instrument of this age. Over 240 years old! There is some wear and minor losses to the box, but overall it is very sound. The instrument itself is especially nice, totally complete, unmodified original condition. Circa 1770. Price Request Henry Gattey was listed as a Mathematical Instrument maker working at 5 Windsor St., Bishopsgate, London in 1790. (Gloria Clifton, Dictionary of British Scientific instrument Makers 1550-1851,"1993, Philip Wilson Publishers, London). Note that this instrument clearly dates before 1790. |
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3.76 LOG TIMER. Scarce, highly sought after authentic mid-19th century ship's sand glass timer used in conjunction with a chip log to determine the ship's speed underway. This charming example is of 14 seconds duration and has round ends of turned oak with 4 painted pine support columns. Its simplicity shouts "American," since French and English examples from the era were more ornate and made of exotic woods. The glass is of one piece, hand-blown construction with a cloth plug in one end. It contains iron filings, the standard as used in the 1850's. It measures exactly 3 inches in diameter and 4 ¾ inches tall. Excellent original condition, fully functional and showing great age but no abuse. |
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3.75/5.88 U.S. NAVY INCLINOMETER. Scarce World War II ship's pilot house clinometer from a U.S. Naval fighting ship. This "pendulum" heel and list indicator is not nearly as common as the liquid-filled tube and ball type. The Bakelite body is incised:
It features a blackened solid brass pendulum bob with indicator tip sweeping over a scale divided by single degrees marked by 10's up to 70 degrees port and starboard. 12 inches wide by 7 inches high. Excellent original condition showing good age but no damage. The pendulum swings freely and is very accurate. 395 |
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3.74 BOXED COMPASS by the INVENTOR. Extra nice 19th century American boxed compass by the inventor of the liquid-filled compass Edward S. Ritchie. The rim of this high quality compass is marked "E. S. RITCHIE BOSTON," with serial number "29824." This early liquid compass has a domed float in the center surrounded by an impregnated composition cloth card marked with the cardinal and intercardinal points of the compass rose. The periphery of the card is also marked in 5 degree increments by 10's, 0 – 35. The North point is designated by a classic fleur-de-lis. The body of the compass is solid brass, heavily weighted at the bottom to remain upright within its gimbal. All serial numbers match. The entire unit is mounted in its original sturdy mahogany box with all brass furniture. The lid is secured by two brass hooks. The compass measures 5 ¼ inches in diameter. The box is 7 ¼ inches square and 6 inches high inclusive of the lid. Excellent original condition. The card is very lively and accurate. The compass and gimbal ring are high luster brass. The box, in its original finish, shows alligatored surfaces with some disruption to the finish of the lid, but no damage. An impressive early American boxed compass of unexcelled quality. SOLD |
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3.68 MINIATURE COMPASS. Authentic mid-19th century navigational compass made for the English speaking market. This diminutive nautical compass has an engraved paper card overlaid on mica with a central brass/agate pivot. The compass rose is marked in points of the compass down to ½ points, with the cardinal and intercardinal points identified. North is marked by a classic fleur-de-lis. It rests in its heavily weighted brass bowl with wavy glass cover housed within the knurled bezel. The inside of the bowl is marked with a vertical lubber's line. The compass is complete with its original brass gimbal ring, swinging freely and accurately. The card itself measures 3 inches in diameter. The compass bezel is 3 ½ inches across and the gimbal is 4 ½ inches wide. Excellent original condition throughout noting toning at the north and south points where the internal bar magnet is attached. This compass, without a box, is ideal for mounting in a project in need of such a component like an empty binnacle or display. Circa 1870. 149 |
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3.81 MARINER's QUADRANT. Very rare, highly desirable 18th century navigational device known as a quadrant, or alternatively "octant." This early example is patterned after John Hadley's double reflecting quadrant first introduced in 1731. It is an extraordinary instrument which has limbs of mahogany with brass furniture and a finely engraved boxwood scale inlaid into the large arc. The scale is divided from 0 to 90 degrees, or one quarter of a circle, hence the designation "quad"rant. The degrees are marked by 5's. Each degree is sub-divided into 20 arc minute segments, with diagonal lines cutting across 10 concentric circles. With this arrangement the index arm and its ivory "line of faith" can provide a reading to an accuracy of 2 arc minutes, interpolated to 1 arc minute. Below the diagonal scale is a second linear scale divided into single degrees and subdivided to 20 arc minutes. These precise divisions are quite remarkable considering they were hand-done, before the advent of the mechanical dividing engine! To attain such accuracy the instrument was necessarily large. The index arm is slightly over 18 1/2 inches in length and the scale is 15 inches wide. The quadrant is equipped with an index mirror and horizon mirror, a set of three pivoting filters, and a peep sight with pivoting shade. It has a blank ivory nameplate in the cross brace. On the reverse are three brass "feet" and the horizon mirror box adjusting assembly. The index arm stop is a single brass thumb screw. There is no fine adjustment feature on these early instruments. Condition is remarkably excellent for a working device which saw sea service over 260 years ago! A true museum piece! Price Request The search for "The longitude" in early 18th century England was encouraged by the Board of Longitude which offered a massive prize of £30,000 for the solution. It spurred much innovative interest in celestial navigation. In May 1731 John Hadley, an English mathematician, presented a paper to his fellow members of the Royal Society in London describing the use of a double reflecting quadrant or "octant." His quadrant was based on the principle of light reflection and angles of incidence that were described by Robert Hooke, Isaac Newton, and Edmund Halley in the previous century. The principle is that when the angle described by an observed celestial object is seen through a double reflection, that angle is condensed in half between the two reflecting surfaces. Thus Hadley's quadrant, reading to 90°, had an arc of only 45°, or one eighth of a circle, making it an "octant." Basically the instrument consisted of a triangular wooden frame with a swinging index arm pivoted at the apex. A mirror was fixed at that point which would move with the arm. A second mirror, half of which was transparent so that the user could view the horizon, was fixed to one limb and a sight was attached to the opposite limb. A precise scale, calibrated in degrees, was scribed on the arc of the bottom limb of the triangle, across which the index arm moved. This continued to be the basic form of angle measuring navigational instruments for the next 250 years, and still remains, even with the advent of GPS! |
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3.66 DAVIS QUADRANT. Very rare, highly sought after authentic late 17th century or very early 18th century mariner's navigational device known as a Davis Quadrant or alternatively "Backstaff." The backstaff name was given to the instrument which measured the altitude of the sun as projected by its shadow on a scale held by the observer with his back to the sun. The idea for measuring the sun's altitude using back observations originated with Thomas Harriot. Many such instruments evolved from the earlier crosstaff, but only the Davis quadrant (1594) remained dominant in the evolution of navigational instruments. As such, the Davis quadrant is synonymous with the backstaff. This ancient maritime instrument is made of two hardwoods, one being rare boxwood (prized for its homogeneous grain) for the scales and the other a fruitwood such as pear or apple for the sturdy limbs. It bears two engraved arc scales. The large arc is calibrated with the early form diagonal scale reading in degrees left to right 0 - 25 calibrated in 20 arc minute segments, marked by 5's and further divided to 2 arc minutes on the diagonal scale. The small arc reads from 0 degrees at the top down to 62 degrees divided by single degrees and marked by 5's. The back edge of the arc is also calibrated in degrees from 0 - 60 marked by 5's. The observed altitude comprised the sum of the readings of the two scales. This instrument is unusually well-decorated with inlaid brass diamonds at the joints and a myriad of stars, fleur-de-lis and herringbone designs. These all harken back to the time when such an instrument was considered a work of art in addition to being utilitarian. This example retains its rarely-found horizon vane. The scales and the vane show evidence of worming that was prevalent in 18th century Europe. This is actually a good sign of its age. The limbs of this instrument are free of such worming, indicating the construction of two different woods. There is a large blank ivory maker's plate inlaid near the brace. 25 inches long on the longest limb. 14 ¼ inches wide on the large arc by ¾ inches thick. The horizon vane is exactly 5 inches wide and 2 inches high. Definitely a museum piece! Price Request |
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3.57 EARLY SEXTANT. Particularly nice mariner’s sextant of English manufacture dating from the second quarter of the 19th century. The large arc is engraved “Youle 83 Leadenhall St. London.” This all brass navigational instrument is of early form with an inlaid silver scale calibrated from -5 to 150 degrees subdivided in 15 arc minute increments, marked by 10’s. The silver vernier inset into the braced index arm allows a reading with an accuracy of arc seconds. To aid in taking the reading a pivoting magnified is provided. The classic “T” frame is cast brass in its original blackened finish (to prevent glare during sun shots). This instrument retains both index and horizon mirrors and a full set of 4 index filters and 3 horizon filters, all in excellent condition. The back is equipped with its sculpted mahogany handle and 2 brass “feet” for alignment in the box. The sight tube holder has an adjustable height feature and accommodates all 5 sight tubes. These consist of the long telescope with cross hairs, short telescope, night telescope, peep sight and interchangeable tube for varying the power of the long telescope. The screw-on eyepiece sun filer is present as is the rarely-found adjusting screw driver. Its presence indicates the care lavished on it by its owner Captain. All components are housed in the especially lovely keystone mahogany case with fine dovetailed construction. Amazingly, there are no cracks in the lid and it bears the trade label of the famous American instrument makers and ships’ chandlers “T. S. & J.D. Negus, New York.” The case has all brass hardware including 2 hook and eye closures, the original lock and the brass escutcheon! The instrument itself measures 11 inches wide on the large arc and the index arm is 10 inches long. The box measures 13 inches wide by 11 inches long and is 4 ½ inches thick. This offering is totally complete and in exceptionally fine, untouched, original condition. Truly museum quality. SOLD |
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3.42 NAVIGATOR’s RULES. A very nice example of late 19th century rolling parallel rules made by the well-known English maker “J.A. Nicholl & Co.” as impressed in the top of the rule. This substantial, highly accurate navigational instrument is made of brass with a boxwood body. It consists of a heavy brass axel connected to knurled rollers on each end. These move freely allowing the rules to run over the face of a chart parallel to the course line. To assist the navigator in plotting, knurled brass knobs are provided on each end of the rules. This precision device is housed in its high quality mahogany box with machine dovetailing and interior felt supports. Two brass hook and eye closures insure the contents are secure. The rules measure 18 inches long by 2 ½ inches wide. Unlike trapezoidal parallel rulers, the extent of this ruler’s travel is endless. The box measures 19 inches long by 3 ¼ inches wide and 1 7/8 inches thick. Outstanding original condition in all respects. 249 |
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3.38 RARE SURVEYING SEXTANT. Most important, very high quality marine navigational sextant which also served as an astronomical and hydrographic survey instrument. This magnificent all brass precision instrument is signed on the large arc “Cary, London 2842 Gold & Platina.” The large arc is calibrated in single degrees from -5 to 150 degrees divided by 10 arc minutes, effectively making it a quintant. The scale is beautifully engraved on solid gold overridden by a platinum vernier scale. The division of the vernier from 0 -10 allows for a reading to an accuracy of 10 arc seconds. Interestingly the sheet brass frame is very similar to the one invented by Edward Troughton in the 1780’s, in that it is secured to a second frame by screws for rigidity and accuracy. This amazing instrument has many unusual cutting edge features. The index arm stop and the fine adjust tangent screw are spring loaded, allowing a much smoother reading. To take the reading there is a small adjustable magnifier built into the index arm, as well as a small frosted glass window mounted just above the magnifier to provide maximum lighting for the reading. Above the magnifier, mounted to the index arm, is a bubble level which can be locked into place or allowed to swing free indicating the plane of the earth, also known as an artificial horizon. This sextant is equipped with its full set of 4 colored glass index filers and 3 horizon filters for viewing in different atmospheric conditions. Both the index and horizon mirrors are in place and functional. Attesting to Cary’s attention to minute detail, both are equipped with pin-adjusted screws which are covered by threaded knurled caps! This sextant has an adjustable height eyepiece operated by a knurled knob on the reverse. The eyepiece supports a long telescopic sighting tube which fits nicely into the holder with a bayonet twist. The back side of the sextant frame has 3 brass “feet” and a rosewood handle reinforced with brass. But there its commonality with other fine sextants is surpassed. It is mounted, through its handle to an exceptionally heavy and well-machined tripodal stand. The stand is signed “G. LEE & SON, THE HARD, PORTSMOUTH.” It is equipped with 3 knurled leveling screws on a folding base mounted with a support much like a library telescope. At the top is a revolving platform with a tangent locking screw and fine adjust stop. These are for precisely orientating the instrument to the heavens. The tilt of the sextant fore and aft is accomplished by 2 pivoting levers attached to the stand. Each is attached to a brass-encased lead counterweight. The action is flawless! The sextant itself measures 10 ¾ inches wide on the large arc and 10 ½ inches on the index arm. It stands 18 inches high and 10 ¼ inches wide on the base. Circa 1820. Absolutely outstanding condition. As rare as it gets. Museum quality. Price Request |
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3.30 MINIATURE SEXTANT. Truly extraordinary, if not completely unique, 2nd quarter 1800’s midshipman’s sextant (aka lifeboat sextant) made by the highly revered early English maker William Cary as beautifully hand-engraved on the large silver arc “Cary, London 968.” This amazing instrument is actually a semi circumferentor having a scale divided to a full 180 degrees of arc, sub-divided to 20 arc minutes! This was a spectacular feat of precision engineering at the time, attesting to Cary’s genius. It was not attempted by any of his contemporaries even on larger more easily calibrated instruments. This pristine all brass instrument is in its original blackened finish. The tangent fine adjust knob works in consort with the knurled index arm stop. The large scale is overridden by the index arm vernier scale calibrated to provide a reading down to an accuracy of an amazing 20 arc seconds! This was virtually unheard of for an instrument of its size at the time. It is a cutting age accomplishment literally akin to the moon exploration more than 125 years later! The index arm is equipped with an adjustable magnifier to view the reading. This compact navigational instrument has both index and horizon mirrors and a height adjustable sight holder which accommodates 3 telescopes housed in its box. Incredibly, 2 index filters and 2 horizon filers are also provided. On the reverse it has a sculpted solid ebony handle and 3 positioning “feet.” This diminutive instrument measures a mere 5 ¼ inches wide on the broad arc and 4 ½ inches long on the index arm. It is housed in its original rich African mahogany box with very fine hand-dove tailed construction measuring 5 ½ inches square by 3 ¼ inches thick. It is complete with all three sighting tubes and 2 eye piece filters. Incredibly the box lock is complete with its original skeleton key! Within the lid are two original labels. The first is by “HENRY PORTER Successor to the Late W. CARY.” The second is a hand-inked label dated 1888 indicating the correction of the index error in June 1888. This extraordinary presentation is worthy of the finest world class museum. In fact it must ultimately go to a museum as the trail of its past dictates. We are all caretakers of our prized possessions, but not owners in perpetuity. 3900 |
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3.18 AZIMUTH INSTRUMENT. Genuine, highest quality ship’s navigational instrument made by the esteemed American makers, “NEGUS NEW YORK” as stamped on the bed plate and again on the maker’s tag on the box. This precision instrument is all brass with a blackened finish. It has an optical quality glass prism which rotates via two knurled brass knobs. Designed to be set atop the ship’s main steering compass in a binnacle, it has a magnifier set in a tube below the prism to enhance the current compass reading while at the same time providing an image of the sun or celestial body. Two pivoting sun shades are provided for looking at the former. A removable “line-of-sight” pole is provided, as is a bubble level for assuring totally accurate level readings. This instrument fits the top of a standard size 8 inch Navy magnetic compass. It measures 9 ¼ inches long by 3 3/8 inches wide and 8 ¾ inches high with the removable vertical post. Absolutely mint, untouched, original factory condition in its original dove-tailed wooden box with brass hardware measuring 10 1/4 by 7 ½ inches by 5 ½ inches thick. 199 |
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3.03 EARLY AMERICAN NAUTICAL COMPASS. Really exceptional maritime compass of unusally small size produced by the short-lived American scientific and nautical instrument making firm of “FRYE & SHAW * NEW YORK*” as hand-engraved around the pivot of the compass card. This high quality functional ship’s compass has a paper over mica drycard compass rose marked in single points of the compass with the cardinal and sub-cardinal pointes identified. North is designated by a classic fleur-de-lis. The brass pivot is of conical form reminiscent of compasses dating back to the 17th century! Also in keeping with tradition, the East point is embellished with yet another fleur-de-lis. The card is housed in the weighted brass bowl slung in gimbals mounted in its heavy brass cylindrical housing complete with the original press-fit knurled brass lid. The compass is very lively, accurate, and gimbals properly. The presentation measures 3 5/8 inches in diameter and 2 inches thick with the lid. Condition is absolutely outstanding and original, in all respects. Totally original. This is a sweetheart of an offering, worthy of any museum. Not esspcially cheap, but offered here before inflation. Worth every penny. Try to find another! 888 |
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3.92 RARE HISTORIC MINIATURE SEXTANT. Truly extraordinary, mid-1800s presentation sextant made by one of England’s most elite makers! This delightful little instrument is signed on the large arc in perfect hand-engraved script, “Troughton & Simms, London.” Of all brass construction with a V-shaped frame, the sextant has an inlaid silver arc reading from -5 to 160 degrees, effectively making it a quintant. Incredibly, these divisions along with the vernier scale on the index arm, allow this sextant to match the accuracy of it larger cousins, down to 20 arc seconds! A pivoting magnifier is provided for taking the reading. The index arm has a miniaturized version of a thumb screw stop and tangential fine adjust. The sextant is complete with its 2 horizon filters and 2 index filters in perfect condition. The index mirror and horizon mirror are in beautiful condition. The whole presentation is totally complete in its shaped rich mahogany box. The octagonal ebony handle screws into the frame with a secure fit. There are two optics, a peep and a telescope which fit into the height-adjustable sight holder. Rounding out the accessories, there are both sight tube filters, mirror adjustment tool, and the functional skeleton key for the brass lock. Of monumental importance for its value and appeal is the beautifully-hand-engraved presentation on sterling silver inlaid into the top of the box. It reads, “Presented at the Public Examination on the 13th of June 1851 to Gentleman Cadet, Henry Goodwyn by the Honble Court of Directors of the East India Company, as a mark of the Courts approbation of his attainments in Mathematics while at the Military Seminary.” The overall presentation is nothing short of phenomenal for an instrument 166 years old! Totally complete and virtually in the same condition when it was made. All surfaces are in their original bright brass lacquer finish. This is a nautical gem of the highest order, if ever there was one! Most certainly worthy of the finest world class collection and/or museum. 5350 |
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