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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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: 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 LIGHT
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HELMSMANS VIEW
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CARD
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VIEW
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CARD
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PATENT
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PERSPECTIVE
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COMPASS CARD
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COMPASS
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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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SEXTANT
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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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REVERSE
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SIGNATURE
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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. 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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LABEL
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DOCUMENTS
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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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COMPASSCARD
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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:
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.
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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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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.
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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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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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