West Sea
Company
NAUTICAL
INSTRUMENTS
Catalog Page 3
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3.01 18th CENTURY QUADRANT. Fine, 4th quarter 1700's mariner's quadrant (alternatively known as an "octant") of English manufacture. This splendid, totally complete example has limbs of ebony with brass furniture and ivory scales. The large arc is a long single piece of ivory calibrated from -2 to 99 degrees, divided in 20 arc minute increments. It is swept by the 18 inch long flat brass index arm with ivory vernier, reading from right to left "0, 5, 10, 15, 20" providing a reading with an accuracy of 1 arc minute. The index arm has a single thumb screw stop, of the type which predates the tangent screw fine adjustment feature which was introduced late in the 18th century. This early double reflecting navigational instrument has a large index mirror and two horizon mirrors. The lower of the two mirrors is for the antiquated backsight feature with single peep sight. The upper mirror is for standard sighting using a double peep. For taking sun lines the original set of 3 colored glass filters is present. It is interchangeable for use with either sight. Remarkably, this quadrant is complete with its original, rarely-found ivory-bound pencil for recording observations. Interestingly, some old notations are still present on the vertical limb just below the blank ivory nameplate in the center of the instrument. More typically, such observations would have been recorded on the inlaid ivory notepad on the reverse side. The reverse is also complete with its original brass "feet." This very handsome early navigational instrument measures 18 inches high by 14½ inches wide. It is in an exceptional state of original preservation with all components present and functional. Museum quality. 1695 |
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DETAIL |
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BACK DETAIL |
PENCIL |
VERNIER |
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3.03 EARLY DUTCH COMPASS. Fine late 18th or very early 19th century mariner’s compass signed “H. C. JANE, MIDDELBURG” around the center. This early navigational instrument has an engraved paper card with a fleur-de-lis denoting North and a “harp” shape at East. The cardinal and intercardinal points are identified, “N.O., Oosr., Z.O., Zuld., Z.W., West., N.W.” The central brass pivot is surrounded by “flower petals.” The handsome compass bowl is turned from a single solid piece of wood, glazed on top with the original old wavy glass (one small crack on the edge) and set with the original putty trimmed in red. A single lubber’s line on the inside of the whitewashed bowl indicates the heading. The exterior of the bowl has two decorative scribes and is flared at the base. It bears its original early green paint. Interestingly this compass was never intended to be used in gimbals but rather was “portable” to be used on whatever surface it was placed. 5 ½ inches in diameter by 3 inches high. The compass card is 3 ¾ inches in diameter. Excellent untouched original condition with good evidence of its 200+ year old age. 895 |
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3.02 SEXTANT with STORIED HISTORY. High
quality 19th century mariner's sextant made by the
prestigious 19th century scientific instrument makers
"Negretti & Zambra, London" as hand-engraved on the
large arc. This classic mid-1800's sextant is all brass with
a "T" frame. The inlaid silver scale is calibrated from -5
degrees through 160 degrees, divided down to 10 arc minutes,
actually making it a quintant. The finely divided silver
vernier scale is calibrated in arc minutes, 0 through 10,
right to left, providing a reading down to one arc second!
The scales were obviously cut on a dividing engine, however
all numerals are hand-engraved. The index arm is equipped
with a knurled thumb screw stop and a tangent fine adjust
knob. A built-in adjustable magnifier with light diffuser is
installed above the vernier to make the reading. This
sextant is complete with its original index and horizon
mirrors, full set of 4 index filters and 3 horizon filters –
all in perfect condition. Complete with telescopic sight on
a height-adjustable mount. The reverse has the original
sculpted rosewood handle and 3 brass "feet." This sextant
measures 9 ¼ inches high overall by 10 inches wide on
the arc and is in lovely, highly polished condition. There
is some pitting on the large arc apparently from the
original casting process. The magnifier arm has a
professional repair. And although polished, the scale is
crisp and very readable throughout. A handsome, displayable
instrument with a most interesting, documented past.
995
Accompanying this sextant is a letter dated July 17, 1970
hand-written in cursive script reading (verbatim):
To Whom it May Concern:
This sextant (octant) by Negretti & Zambra, London was
salvaged from the bridge of the SS Lina Makovich in Spring
of 1942 app. 5 miles outside Colon, Panama Harbor after
above ship was sunk in mine field after having ignored
recognition signals. The ship was a Yugoslavian freighter
with Yugoslavian Officers & an American Crew. Salvage
performed while a member of the crew of U.S.S. Mallard,
Submarine Rescue & Salvage Vessel U.S. Navy. (signed)
Stanley Wayne Sewright."
Henry Negretti began work as a glassblower and barometer
maker in Hatton Garden, London in 1840. In 1850 he was
joined by Joseph Zambra to form what was probably the most
prolific scientific instrument making partnership in England
during the Victorian era. Beginning with Negretti's original
premises at 11 Hatton Garden, the firm had several addresses
in London thereafter until the turn-of-the-century. Most
famous for their barometers, they sold a wide variety of
instruments including chronometers, telescopes, sextants
compasses and microscopes.
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3.99 STADIMETER. Dated
World War II station keeping instrument in the form of a
sextant called a “stadimeter” or range
finder. This high quality precision instrument is of
all brass construction with a blackened finish. It
bears the brass maker’s plaque reading, “STADIMETER
U.S. MARITIME COMMISSION Ser No. 4122 –
1945. SHICK INCOPRORATED, STAMFORD, CONN., U.S.A.”
In use, knowing the predetermined height of an observed
object (such as a ship’s mast, a building or
structure), its distance from the observer can be
measured from a range of 200 to 10,000 yards. This
pristine example is in absolutely factory new condition,
having been stored away for the past 66 years! It is
complete with the original telescope, adjusting wrench,
screwdriver and spare mirrors -- all housed in the original
hardwood box with brass fittings and folding handle.
The full pristine label with detailed instructions is in the
lid and a second matching brass maker’s plaque is
mounted on the exterior. This is the finest stadimeter
we have seen in our 36 years! 
ex. Midwest institutional collection.
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3.25 EARLY BOAT BINNACLE.
Very nice museum-quality example of a mid-19th century
English small craft or boat binnacle. This handsome
navigational instrument is all brass with a glazed oval
viewing port. The floating compass card is marked “A.
COPE SOUTHAMPTON” around the center. The card is
marked in points with the cardinal and intercardinal points
of the compass identified and North denoted by a fancy
fleur-de-lis. The card is further marked down to 1/4
points (2 13/16ths degrees). The compass is slung in a
brass gimbal mounted to the inside of the binnacle housing,
and functions properly. The binnacle itself has a
stout brass ring at the top for carrying and a cast brass
base with mounting holes fore and aft. It is equipped
with a very nice sidelight with glazed port, castellated
chimney, hinged door and its original slide-in font with
whale oil burner. The sidelight fits into a sliding
track on the side of the binnacle making it is easy to
remove for servicing. The hinged door closes with a
positive pivoting latch. This veteran of the sea is
fully functional and in outstanding original condition.
The brass has acquired a nice statuary bronze age
patina. Even the old wavy glass is
original!
995
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SIDE
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SIDE LIGHT
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PERSPECTIVE
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HELMSMANS VIEW
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CARD
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3.98 EARLY COMPASS BY THE
INVENTOR. Important 3rd quarter of the 19th
century American navigational compass by the noted inventor
and maker of the first liquid filled compass, “E. S.
RITCHIE BOSTON,” as impressed on the compass
ring. It is marked in 3 more places, “PATENTED
SEPT 9, 1862,” serial numbered “8467,”
with additional patent dates of “APL 7, 1863,”
and “MAY 18, 1868.” The unique early “doughnut”
card is constructed of brass bisected by a tubular float
signed in Ritchie’s own hand “RITCHIE BOSTON”
with a fleur-de-lis at North and “S” for
South. The other cardinal and intercardinal points are
indicated and the rose is further divided down to quarter
points of the compass (2 ¾ degrees each). The
interior is in its original thick white lead paint.
The body of this heavy compass is solid brass, weighted on
the bottom to gimbal properly – which it does in its
original brass gimbal ring. As expected after 140
years the compass is dry. We deem it best to leave
this rare compass it in its original state rather than
trying to “restore” it with modern sealants and
liquids. Remarkably the compass is still lively
and accurate. It measures 7 inches across the compass
body and 9 inches tip to tip on the gimbal ring
nibs. Unquestionably a genuine museum-quality relic at
a very reasonable price!
995
Edward Samuel Ritchie was born in 1814. In 1839 he
established a hardware business in Boston, Massachusetts
with a partner forming the firm of Palmer & Ritchie.
From 1842-1849 he ran a nautical chandlery in New Bedford.
In1850 Ritchie began his scientific instrument making career
with Nathan Chamberlain as a partner. By 1862 the company
was known as Edward S. Ritchie & Co. and in 1867 the
firm name became E.S. Ritchie & Sons.
Ritchie is credited with inventing the first practical
liquid-filled compass circa 1860. He produced a compass for
the famed Civil War iron clad USS MONITOR in 1861
and was awarded his first patent for the invention on
September 9, 1862 -- at the height of the war! A number of
improvements and subsequent patents followed. The elder
Ritchie died in 1895, but his sons carried on the business,
which still survives today as E. S. Ritchie & Sons, Inc.
Pembroke, Massachusetts.
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3.96 U.S. NAVY BINNACLE.
Classic World War II lifeboat binnacle as equipped on
lifeboats of U.S. Navy capital ships. This high
quality navigational instrument is made of solid brass and
copper. The front bears the label reading, “U.S.
NAVY BUREAU OF SHIPS (N) THE LIONEL CORPORATION NEW YORK.”
It contains an all brass liquid filled compass with
the rim marked “E.S. RITCHIE & SONS INC. BOSTON.”
The composition card is marked on the float, “Sold by
CHAS. C. HUTCHINSON, BOSTON.” The card is
divided to ¼ points of the compass, with the cardinal
and intercardinal points identified. It is also marked
in single degrees on the periphery. The compass
is lively and accurate and contains no bubble. It is
slung in its original brass gimbal ring which gimbals
properly. The binnacle housing is in perfect condition
with a beveled glass viewing port and a protective
visor. The top is equipped with a pivoting brass bail
handle for carrying and the back has a very substantial
heavy cast brass bracket riveted for mounting. For
night viewing the side of the binnacle has an oil lamp
complete with font, burner, reflector and match drawer
replete with the original old wooden matches! The
front of the lamp also has a port with a knurled cover for
electrical illumination. Access is gained by a hinged
door with positive pin closure. 9 inches wide by
9 inches tall and 8 ½ inches deep. This
exceptional example is in absolutely
pristine condition!
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BACK
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PERSPECTIVE
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HELMSMANS VIEW
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LAMP DETAIL
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COMPASS CARD
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COMPASS
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SIGNATURE
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PLAQUE
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3.95 CASED SEXTANT. Early
1900’s English “Class A” mariner’s
sextant made by the highly esteemed instrument making firm
of “Heath & Co. New Eltham, London” as
engraved on the large arc. This highest quality
navigational instrument has a braced, cast bronze frame in
its original blackened finish measuring 9 ½ inches wide
at the widest, swept by a 9 inch index arm. The inlaid
silver scale is divided up to 160° of arc, effectively
making this a “quintant.” The silver
vernier scale allows a reading down to 10 arc seconds.
It is equipped with a frosted glass light diffuser and
pivoting magnifier to aid in taking a reading. Both
index and horizon mirrors are present as are a full set of
index and horizon filters. The back of the instrument
is equipped with pillar “feet” and a shaped
mahogany handle. The height adjustable sight tube
holder accommodates the accompanying telescopes and peep
tube which insert with a bayonet twist. This sextant
is complete in its original hand-dovetailed mahogany box
with all attachments! It
bears the original National Physical Laboratory certificate
of examination dated August 1919. Overall condition is
good, as last used with expected wear. The box
exhibits shrinkage cracks typical of the solid wood
(pre-plywood) panels used in early construction. It
measures 10 ½ by 9 ½ by 5 ¼ inches. The
original box lock, 2 hook closures, folding brass carrying
handle and inlaid lid shield are all present.
Totally complete. Bargain
priced to sell!
595
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BOX
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CONTENTS
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SEXTANT
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SIGNATURE
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3.94 ROPE GAUGE. Early 1900’s
“rope gauge” as used by mates and masters aboard ship to
determine the weight of and equivalency of shipboard cargo
handling rigging by measuring its size. This high
quality English instrument is made of boxwood with brass
fittings and is incised with much technical data.
Using the sliding brass caliper the diameter (hence
circumference) of a rope, wire hawser or chain could be
measured in inches. With this measurement its overall
weight could be determined and compared to other forms using
the tables. These include, “Wire Circumference,
Rope Weight per Fathom, Hemp Size, Rope Weight per Fathom
(2nd), Chain, Weight per Fathom, Equal to Hemp Rope.”
On the reverse, “ Circumference (Rope), Shroud
Tarred Hemp Coils 120 Fathoms, Laid Manila Coils 120
Fathoms, Circumference, Hawser Tarred Hemp Coils 90 Fathoms
and Laid Manila Coils 90 Fathoms.” This merchant
officer’s instrument is signed on the edge, “JOHN
RABONE & SONS BIRMINGHAM.” With the opposite
edge marked in inches from 0-4 in 1/8th increments. It
measures 4 ¾ inches long by 1 ¾ inches wide and is
1/8th inch thick. Excellent original condition showing
use but no abuse. A classic, very scarce shipboard
deck device.
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3.86 IMPORTANT IDENTIFIED EBONY SEXTANT.
Extremely rare late 18th century ebony and brass
sextant made by the famous English
nautical instrument makers "Spencer, Browning & Rust,
London" as engraved on the ivory maker's label. It was sold
by the American instrument maker and nautical chandler,
"Gedney King, Boston" to the famous American ship Captain
Larkin Turner. This rare instrument has its full set of
index and horizon filters and a braced brass index arm with
ivory vernier. The inlaid ivory scale is marked in 20 arc
minute increments from 0 to 137 degrees and is signed in
script "SBR" indicating it was calibrated on the firm's
dividing engine. The tangential fine adjust knob in concert
with the vernier allows a reading to an accuracy of 30 arc
seconds. It has a sculpted rosewood handle and is
equipped with an height adjustable eyepiece with pivoting
peep, which accepts interchangeable sighting tubes. Both
tubes are present in the original large hand-made "keystone"
oak box with original lock, fancy brass escutcheon and hook
and eye closures. Within the lid is the trade label of
Gedney King, Boston. The instrument itself measures one foot
high on the index arm with the same dimension across the
large arc. The early engraved Gedney King trade label is a
thing of beauty, and represents a rare form of early
American advertising which is extremely valuable in its own
right. The instrument and its box are in a remarkable state
of original preservation. In the box is a small envelope
which reads "The "Tag" and the Gift Card of Capt.n Larkin
Turner's Sextant." Inside it are two original old
hand-penned documents. The first is a small stiff label
reading "Capt L. Turner". The second reads "By Capt L.
Turner purchased of G. King in the year 1804 & Presented
by him to T.L.T. July 1839." Another larger document reads
"Observations of Capt. Larkin Turner" dated "Sept 21, 1832."
This is an incredibly rare early navigational instrument by
famous makers with documented provenance from a famous
American sea captain! A true museum piece!
Capt. Larkin Turner was born in
Grafton, Massachusetts in 1781. At the age of fourteen he
was "put out" to learn the trade of shoemaker. But at the
age of sixteen he began his new career as a seaman with his
uncle's support. After passing through all the grades of an
arduous seafaring apprenticeship he gained his first command
of a vessel from the counting house of the merchants,
William Gray, Esq., at the tender age of 22.
A strict disciplinarian, severe on
occasion, he was a cautious manager on shipboard, but
generally kind to his crews, treating them with parental
anxiety. During his 40 years at sea, there were few parts of
the world he did not navigate, experiencing fewer accidents
than would normally be expected.
After an eventful life as a sailor,
he retired in 1832 to the town of Lexington, Massachusetts.
His modest and gentlemanly bearing gained him friends, and
in the years 1836 and 1837 he was twice sent to the
Massachusetts Legislature to represent his adopted town of
Charlestown. He died in 1854. (Recounted by Thomas Larkin
Turner, son, circa 1850. Abstracted from the original
journals now in the library collection of Mystic Seaport,
Mystic, Connecticut).
Those journals indicate that Captain
Turner served on the following vessels, for a minimum
duration of the dates shown:
Ship CALUMET, January 31,
1804 - August 30, 1805
Ship PRINT, April 19 -
August 9, 1806
Ship PACTOTUS, March 15 -
August 21, 1807
Sloop NABBY, September 10,
1810 - November 28, 1811
Brig TRIM, August 20 -
September 24, 1819
Brig PALESTINE, February 3
- November 20, 1832
Ship HENRY, October 13 -
November 4, 1834
M.V. Brewington in "The Peabody Museum Collection of
Navigating Instruments," Peabody Museum, Salem,
Massachusetts, 1963, notes that "The firm, Spencer Browning
& Rust, first appear in the London Directories
between 1780 and 1784 at 327 High Street, Wapping, London.
Clay and Court in the History of the Telescope
state the firm was at 123 Wapping in 1791, but if so, it was
back at 327 High Street in 1797 according to the London
Directory of that year. In 1798 they moved to 66
High Street Wapping, and remained there until 1840.
In the same reference, Gedney King is reported as being
born in Salem in 1777. He was apprenticed to his uncle
Benjamin of Salem. By 1800, he was an instrument maker first
on Fore Street and in 1805 at 10 North Row, Fish Street,
Boston. In 1832 the firm name changed to Gedney King &
Son, 7 Broad Street, Boston.
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INSTRUMENT
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INSTRUMENT
DETAIL
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SIGNATURE
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LABEL
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DOCUMENTS
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BOX
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3.88 18th CENTURY AZIMUTH COMPASS.
Rare, late 18th century mariner’s navigational
compass with the added capability of taking sightings.
The elaborately engraved paper card is signed around the
center “GILBERT & WRIGHT, near the India House,
LONDON* ” with a lovely floral design. The
compass rose is marked in single points of the compass, with
the cardinal and intercardinal points identified.
North is denoted by a large fleur-de-lis marked “King’s
Patent” and East is embellished with floral designs in
keeping with early compass making tradition. The
periphery of the card is reinforced with a brass ring held
with screws and is precisely hand-engraved in single degrees
of the compass from 0 – 90 east and west of North and
0 - 90 east and west of South, marked in 10’s.
The turned brass pivot contains an agate cap. It is
supported on a pivot post mounted through
glass in the bottom center of the
compass bowl. The body of the compass is brass with a
circular lead counterweight around the inside bottom.
It is suspended in its original brass gimbal mount within
the original hand-dovetailed mahogany box. This
compass has two unique features in addition to indicating
the ship’s course. Two removable brass
sight vanes allow the compass to be used for taking a
bearing. The existence of a small sliding glass filter
on one of the vanes allows the compass to be used for taking
a sun line or azimuth reading. The second feature is
the existence of a compass “stop” which cleverly
dampens the movement of the card within by pushing a small
button on the side of the bowl. The compass itself
measures 6 inches in diameter across the bowl. As
configured it stands 9 ½ inches tall overall with the
box measuring 8 ¾ by 9 inches. There are some age
cracks and minor losses in the brass of the bowl. The
card has darkened with age but is undamaged. The
original sliding lid of the box has been replaced.
With these minor exceptions, the overall condition of this
extremely scarce nautical relic must be rated as “excellent”
considering that it is 220 years old!
The partnership between William Gilbert and Gabriel
Wright lasted briefly from 1790 to 1794 before they took in
another partner, William Hooke, changing the firm name to
Gilbert, Wright and Hooke. Their “Navigation
Warehouse” address remained the same, 148 Leadenhall
Street, London where they were known to have sold
sextants. (Gloria Clifton, “Directory of British
Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851,” 1995,
National Maritime Museum, London).
It is interesting to note that the signature on this
compass indicates Gilbert & Wright’s location as
being “near the India House, LONDON” rather than
their street address. This was in keeping with the
traditional practice of early makers who identified their
location near a well known landmark, rather than with a
numerical address. East India House on Leadenhall
Street was the headquarters of the British East India
Company. The structure was built on the
foundations of the Elizabethan mansion Craven House, the
London residence of Sir William Craven, Lord Mayor of
London. The design was by merchant and amateur
architect Theodore Jacobsen which was completed in 1729.
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SIGHT
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CARD STOP
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CARD
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CARD DETAIL
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MAKERS
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3.33 TELLTALE COMPASS. Rare, totally
original first half of the 19th century sailing ship
captain's cabin compass. This exceptional example is all
brass with the engraved paper card signed around the center
"John Campbell, 7 South Castle Street, Liverpool." The North
point is designated by a fancy fleur-de-lis with the
cardinal and intercardinal points identified. The pivot has
an agate cap and the card is divided to 1/4 points of the
compass with single degrees on the periphery. The all brass
glazed housing is slung in its original gimbal which is
suspended in a magnificent cast brass mounting bracket with
floral designs! In use, this compass would have hung from
the overhead in the captain's quarters allowing him to
monitor the ship's heading from his bunk or desk -- hence
the name "tell tale." Outstanding original condition with a
fine, rich patina. Definitely the finest example of its type
we have ever seen. The compass card is 6 1/4 inches in
diameter. The compass housing is 7 1/2 inches in diameter.
The overall width of this presentation is 10 inches.
2495
John Campbell was listed as a chronometer and nautical
instrument maker at 17 Warren Street in Liverpool from 1845
- 1855. (Gloria Clifton, "Dictionary of British Scientific
Instruments Makers 1550-1851".)
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COMPASSCARD
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CAPTAINS VIEW
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SIDE
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3.84 IVORY CHART DIVIDERS. Extremely
rare, matched pair of early 18th century navigator’s
dividers used for plotting the ship’s position on a
sea chart. This unusual set consists of two
beautifully-turned solid ivory pointers or pins looking much
like miniature fids. Each is scribed on its circumference
with several parallel incisions for a sure grip. The center
or locus pin is drilled through the top and out one side to
receive a small braided cord. The cord is secured at the top
with a knot. The cord then extends to the moveable or
plotting pin which is drilled through the top and both
sides. In this way the length of the cord can be varied, and
when set, locked into place using the fingers griping the
plotting pin. The method though simple, was fast and
accurate, and could record and repeat distances on a chart
much the same as a pair of traditional 2-limb dividers, but
at greater distances! Each pin measures 2 3/8ths inches long
and is just under ½ inch wide at the widest.
Outstanding original condition with a light age patina and
signs of careful use. Museum quality.
295
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3.76 SAILING SHIP INCLINOMETER. Very
handsome solid teak and brass shipboard clinometer faithfully copied
after the original adorning the officers’ dining room aboard
the famous sailing ship the STAR of INDIA. This high
quality instrument is made from solid teak and brass with two “rope
twist” limbs and an arc covered by a brass scale divided in 10’s
from 0 - 40 degrees port and starboard. The heavy cast brass
pendulum has a decorative fleur-de-lis at the top and a unique
cut-out arrow which points to the individual degree of heel or
list. When rotated, the brass pivot knob at the apex serves the
dual purpose of locking the pendulum when not in use. The
screws holding the brass scale on either side also function as the
attachments to the bulkhead. This fine inclinometer
measures 10 ½ inches wide by 8 ½ inches tall on the
frame. The brass pendulum measures 11 inches long.
Complete with an etched brass presentation plaque reading:
.FROM THE ORIGINAL.
3-MASTED BARK
“STAR of INDIA”
_ . _
FORMERLY
“EUTERPE” 1863
In pristine condition, this inclinometer is itself over ¼
century old, having been manufactured in 1983 to commemorate the
120th anniversary of the ship.
79
The 3-masted bark STAR of INDIA is the oldest ship in the
world which still sails! She was built at the Ramsey Shipyard, Isle
of Man, England in 1863. With an iron hull, she was
state-of-the-art at the time, when most vessels were still being
built of wood. She was launched as a full-rigged ship,
christened EUTURPE, after the Greek muse of music and
poetry.
EUTURPE began her career on a turbulent note. During her
first trip she suffered a collision and a mutiny. On her second trip
she was caught by a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal. With her
topmasts cut away she barely made port. Shortly thereafter her
captain died on board and was buried at sea.
After these ill-fated beginnings, EUTERPE made four
more voyages to India as a cargo ship. In 1871 she was purchased by
the Shaw Savill Line, London and embarked on a quarter century of
hauling emigrants to New Zealand, Australia, California and Chile. In
this capacity she circumnavigated the globe 21 times with many
voyages lasting up to a year!
In 1897 EUTERPE was sold to Hawaiian interests, then
again to the Pacific Coloional Ship Company of San Francisco in
1899. In that service she made 4 voyages between the Pacific
Northwest, Australia and Hawaii carrying lumber, coal and sugar.
In 1901, EUTERPE was sold to the Alaska Packers’
Association of San Francisco and re-rigged as a bark. In
1902 the newly overhauled vessel began the final episode of her
active career carrying fishermen, cannery workers, coal and canning
supplies from Oakland, California to Nushagak, Alaska. Each
fall she returned with a catch of canned salmon. In 1906,
she was renamed the STAR of INDIA in keeping with the names
of her sister ships in the Packers’ fleet. Finally
in 1923 she was laid up after 22 Alaskan voyages, having outlived her
usefulness in the age of steam.
In 1926 the STAR of INDIA was sold to the San Diego
Zoological Society with the idea of featuring her as the centerpiece
of a museum and aquarium. To this day, she continues to fulfill
that role as the prime attraction of the San Diego Maritime
Museum.
SHIP SPECIFICATIONS:
Hull Length 212 feet
Sparred Length 280 feet
Beam 25 feet
Draft 21 ½ feet
Gross Tonnage 1318 tons
3.73 NAVIGATIONAL QUADRANT. Early
19th century English mariner’s quadrant, alternatively known as
an octant, made by “Walker, Liverpool” as
stamped into the ivory maker’s plate inlaid on the frame.
This traditional instrument was made on an18th century design as
evidenced by its larger size, existence of a backsight,
interchangeable filters, and non-optical peeps. The classic
isosceles frame is made with limbs and arc of ebony inlaid with an
ivory scale engraved from 0 to 99 degrees in 20 arc minute
increments. The braced brass index arm bears an ivory vernier
scale which allows a reading to an accuracy of one arc minute.
It is equipped with a knurled brass thumb screw stop and fine adjust
tangent screw. All of the brass furniture is present,
comprising both peeps, index mirror, full set of interchangeable
filters, innovative single swivel filter, both horizon mirrors; with
mirror box adjustment features and all three brass “feet”
on the reverse. It is fully complete and totally original even
down to the rarely found ivory pencil in the cross brace and ivory “note
pad” on the reverse. This quadrant is housed in its original
stepped, keystone oak box with hook and eye closure and original
lock. Inside it bears the very decorative and informative trade
label of “D. McGregor 38 Clyde Place, Glasgow.” The
box is quite sturdy. It does evidence expected shrinkage with
some cracks, but no abuse. The instrument itself measures14
inches tall by 11 inches wide, while the box measures 15 inches long
by 13 ¾ inches wide. A very nice example of an early
navigational instrument having all the bells and whistles.
1495
By 1820 the backsight feature on such instruments had become
obsolete.
John and Alexander Walker began their trade at 47 Bernard Street,
London as opticians, mathematical instrument makers, and chart
engravers. In 1823 they moved to 33 Pool Lane, Liverpool where
they continue work until 1836. No doubt this early instrument
was one of the first they produced at their Liverpool location.
Duncan McGregor (w. 1844-1855) was located at 38 Clyde Place in
Glasgow in 1855. He was known to have sold barometers, octants,
sextants and telescopes. He died in 1867.
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MAKER
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3.34 AMERICAN WOOD BOWL COMPASS.
Genuine, early 2nd quarter of the 19th century American compass
made by the noted compass maker "Robert Merrill, New York." as signed
around the central pivot. The nicely engraved dry card is divided to
1/2 points of the compass, with the cardinal and intercardinal points
identified and North marked by an elaborate fleur-de-lis. The central
brass pivot has an agate cap. Indicative of its early origin this
compass has a decorated East point, a traditional holdover in early
compass making since the Crusaders traveled East during the Middle
Ages. Even more remarkable, the compass housing is of turned
wood! The compass card measures 6 inches in diameter
and is housed in its original green-painted bowl with glazed cover
slung in gimbals within the hand-dovetailed pine box measuring 10
inches square and 7 inches high. It appears that the box originally
had a hinged lid. Overall condition is excellent. The compass is
functional and it gimbals properly. A very nice example of a scarce
American wooden bowl compass by the most famous American compass
maker of the 19th century. Given the wooden bowl construction and the
decorated East point on the card, this compass most certainly dates
from the beginning of Merrill's career, circa 1835.
995
Robert Merrill was born in Newburyport,
Massachusetts on April 19, 1804. He was first listed as a
"mathematical instrument" maker in the New York City directory of
1835-1836 with a partner, William Davis. Shortly thereafter, in 1838
Merrill struck out on his own as a compass maker at the address 141
Maiden Lane. In 1865 Merrill took his sons into the business. He died
in 1876. (Charles Smart, "The Makers of Surveying Instruments in
America Since 1700," 1962, Regal Art Press, New York.)
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CARD
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HELMSMAN'S
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BOWL
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3.10 COMPASS. World War I vintage
American pocket surveyor's compass made for the Army Engineers by the
Herschede Clock Co. as engraved on the silvered brass dial, "U.S.
ENGINEER DEPT. HERSCHEDE 1918" This fine quality marching compass has
a double-ended needle with a jeweled brass pivot. The raised chapter
is finely marked in single degrees on the periphery. The major
points of the compass, with North designated by a fleur-de-lis, are
on the bottom. A brass retaining ring holds in the glazed cover. This
diptych compass is of lovely mahogany with all brass fittings
including a piano hinge and sliding case lock. It is also equipped
with a caging device which engages the needle, securing it into
position when the cover is closed. Slightly over 3 inches square by 1
inch thick. Excellent original condition.
250
The Herschede Clock Co. was founded by Frank
Herschede, who apprenticed to Charles Cook as a watchmaker in 1873 at
the age of 16. In 1877 Herschede opened his own shop with an emphasis
on fine jewelry and time pieces. By 1885 he noted the success of
Walter H. Durfee, of grandfather clock fame, who imported English
tall case clocks. Herschede began by importing Elliot movements
himself and putting them into cases that were popular in the U.S. In
1902 he began to produce his own tubes and install them in Herschede
clocks. His son Walter joined the company that year and they
incorporated as the Herschede Hall Clock Company. The company's
reputation grew and by 1909 they decided to make their own movements.
Electric clocks were introduced into the line in 1926 and by 1929
their sales had reached an all time high. But the onset of the Great
Depression caused business began to falter. The company continued to
struggle for market share during for the next 30 years, but never
regained the popularity it enjoyed during the early part of the
century.
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3.57 THERMOMETER. Lovely late 19th
century wall hanging thermometer with a milk glass scale. This
functional instrument reads in degrees Fahrenheit with a large, bold
scale hand painted onto the milk glass which is
bordered by a clear beveled edge. The graduations are in two degree
increments from -28 to 120. The huge bulb is filled with blue alcohol
making the entire presentation very colorful and at the same time
easy to read. The scale measures nearly one foot tall and 2 1/2
inches wide and is complete with its original small brass suspension
loop at the top. 199
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