3. Nautical Instruments

3.46 /5.73  U.S. NAVY SEXTANT.   Genuine World War II era ship navigator’s sextant made for the U.S. Navy by the David White Co.  Engraved on the blackened brass index arm is the inscription “U.S. NAVY, BU, NAV. MARK II (N) 4253-1941 David White Co. Milwaukee, Wis.”  This all brass instrument is in its original black baked enamel finish.  The braced index arm terminates in a spring-loaded pinch stop attached to a geared endless tangent micrometer read-out which provides accuracy to 10 arc seconds.  The large arc is marked in degrees from -5 to 145.  This instrument, state-of-the-art for its time, has both index and horizon mirrors and 2 sets of adjustable polarizing filters.  It is equipped with a height adjustable site tube holder.  To these ends it retains the original single telescope 8 ½ inches long which provides a clear, highly magnified upright image of amazing clarity.  It has a built-in focus from -5 to + 3 diopters.  This sextant is housed in its mahogany box bearing the label of the U.S. Naval Observatory in the lid dated “FEB 8 – 1945.”  Included is a table reading “Sun’s Declination and Equation of Time at Apparent Noon.”  The box with brass hardware contains all brass accessories.  The sextant measures 9 ¼ inches on the index arm by 9 ½ inches wide.  The box measures 11 inches square by 5 ¼ inches thick.  Excellent original condition showing good use but no abuse.  595

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.   29

3.44  CLASS “A” SEXTANT.  Highest quality second half of the 19th century English sextant signed “Wilson & Gillie, Bruce & Sons, Ltd., Cardiff. Barry Dock & Newport.” as engraved on the large arc.  This handsome instrument is all brass with a complicated lattice frame and inlaid silver scales.  The large arc reads from -5 to 155 degrees divided down to 10 arc minutes marked in 10 degree increments.  The silver vernier scale inlaid on the index arm reads from 0 to 10 arc minutes divided down to 10 arc seconds, allowing a comparable reading.  To give an accurate reading a complex pivoting magnifier is provided.   Indicative of the best of these instruments, the index arm has a frosted glass light diffuser set above the vernier.  This fine instrument is complete with both index and horizon mirrors and a full set of index and horizon filters.  The telescope holder affords an adjustable height to accommodate the 3 sighting tubes.  The reverse has a sculpted mahogany handle and 3 brass “feet” for mounting in its box.  The original dove-tailed mahogany box contains the sighting telescopes along with the mirror box adjusting tool, the very rarely found tortoise shell magnifier, and a screw-on sun filter.  What’s more, it retains the original functional skeleton key and lock!  The brass lock is stamped “Two Lever Made In England Secure Hand Made.”   This sextant measures 9 ½ inches long on the index arm and 10 inches wide on the large arc.  The box is 9 ¾ by 11 inches and 5 inches thick.  It has a folding brass handle and 2 hook and eye closures.  As late 1800’s sextant go, this is the best of the best in terms of quality and condition.  Totally complete and original!  895

After inspecting scores of sextants of this vintage and type, it is our professional opinion that this sextant was actually manufactured by the famous Heath & Company, London in the 3rd or very early 4th quarter of the 1800’s.

3.43   LOG TIMER.   Genuine late 19th century ship’s sand timer as used in the age old method of dead reckoning navigation.  This diminutive device consists of a single hand-blown glass vial with two bulbs constricted at the center.  The vial is filled with visible dark black sand.   It is housed in a sturdy solid brass canister with cut-out windows on both sides.  The two ends are threaded to receive knurled end caps.  Both are boldly stamped “14.”   3 ½ inches long by 1 inch in diameter.  Outstanding original condition showing beautiful brass surfaces and absolutely no damage.  Still accurate after 130+ years! SOLD

The sand timer was used in conjunction with a chip log to determine the ship’s speed over an interval of time for the purposes of dead reckoning navigation.

The first printed reference to a chip log was recorded in 1574 with William Bourne’s, "A Regiment for the Sea."  The log was a triangular wooden device attached to a “log-line” which was thrown off the bow of the ship.  Its travel was timed as it passed down the ship’s side.  Bourne devised a half-minute sand glass for timing.  In that era, a mile was determined to be the equivalent of 5,000 feet.  At a speed of one mile per hour a ship would travel about 42 feet in 30 seconds:
          Distance in ft = 1 mile / hour (3,600 seconds) = 30 sec. x 5000 ft/ 3600 sec = 42 ft
In the early days of navigation the length of the log-line was measured directly by sailors as it passed through their hands.  With the introduction of the nautical mile (6,000 feet) as a standard unit of measure at sea in the late 16th century, sailors began to mark the line in equal segments of a nautical mile relative to the time of travel of the log.  At first the markings were simply knots in the log-line.  Later, sailors inserted identifying markers into the knots.  Most ships used knots spaced 7 fathoms (42 feet) apart.  The resulting time interval directly related to the distance between knots in the line.  Using 6,000 feet (2,000 yards) for 1 nautical mile, the above formula yields 28 seconds for a distance of 7 fathoms.

With the advent of steam navigation and much faster vessels, the time required to measure the chip log’s travel was shortened.  Accordingly, 14 second timers were introduced in the second half of the 19th century.  The use of 14 second timers was still being used as a back-up navigational method well into the early 20th century.

The exact origins of sand timers are unclear, although they are generally attributed to the Arab world.  From ancient times the passage of water was used as a measurement of time in "water clocks."  As a follow-on, the "fluid dynamics" of flowing sand was seen to be similar. "By the Middle Ages the sand-glass came into its own and, fragile though it was, this was the first clock which the men who made the great voyages of discovery took with them."  (Jean Randier, "Nautical Antiques for the Collector, 1977, Doubleday & Co., New York, page 96).

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

J. A. Nicholl worked from 1848-1901+.  In 1865 his address was 42 Stanhope Street, London and from 1885 onward it was 153 High Holborn, London WC.  He was known to have made and sold protractors.  (Gloria Clifton, “Dictionary of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851,”

3.41   AMERICAN OCTANT.  Extra nice second half of the 19th century brass octant by one of  America’s most noted makers, “John Bliss & Co., New York” as engraved on the large arc.  This quality instrument has an inlaid silver scale divided in degrees from -5 to 120 subdivided to 15 arc minutes.  The silver vernier scale inlaid in the index arm is calibrated from 0 to 15 minutes providing a reading to an accuracy of 15 arc seconds.  The braced cast bronze frame is in its original blackened finish.  It supports the pivoting index arm 9 ¾ inches in length.  The large arc is 8 ½ inches wide.  The arm has knurled index stop and a knurled tangent fine adjust knob.  To aid in taking a reading the arm is equipped with a pivoting vernier magnifier.  This fine instrument is complete with both index and horizon mirrors, full set of index (4) and horizon (3) filters.  It is equipped with a fixed telescope mount which accommodates either of the 2 sighting scopes – one peep and one telescopic.  The back of the instrument retains its original early style sculpted mahogany handle and three mounting “feet.”   It is totally complete with screw-on sun filter and mirror adjustment tool.  The entire presentation is in an outstanding and original state of original preservation.  The blackened finish is excellent throughout.  The brass surfaces are clean and bright.  This octant is housed in its original hand-dovetailed mahogany box with brass furniture 11 by 9 ½ inches and 5 inches thick.  Complete with box lock, folding bail handle and closure hooks.  Overall condition is truly exceptional.  There are the typical age cracks in the solid wood panels of the box, expected of wood over 130 years old.  But it is sound and very handsome in its original finish.  A great find priced to sell.  585

John Bliss was first listed in the New York directories with his partner Frederick Creighton as watch makers at 42 Fulton Street, New York.  In 1843 they advertised “American Chronometers equal to English.”  In 1845 they moved to 26 Burlington Slip and the firm name became John Bliss & Co.  In 1869 the company moved to 66 South Street.  In 1872 Bliss purchased the entire stock of the venerable Blunt & Co.  In addition to chronometers, Bliss manufactured other nautical instrument including a taffrail log which they patented in 1864.  The Bliss firm continued well into the 1900’s supplying nautical instruments and charts to mariners. (M.V. Brewington, “The Peabody Museum Collection of Navigating Instruments,” 1963, Peabody Museum, Salem, Massachusetts.)

3.40  EARLY BOXED COMPASS.  Particularly fine first half of the 1800’s gimbaled dry card steering compass.  This near pristine example of English manufacture has a mica card overlaid by an engraved paper compass rose marked in points of the compass.  The cardinal and intercardinal points are identified.  It is further divided down to ½ half points.  Of significance and telling of it age is the fact that the East point is decorated with floral flourishes.  The large center brass pivot with agate cap overlays an 8-pointed star burst.  It is housed in a heavily weighted brass bowl with wavy glass cover.  The compass bowl is slung in a substantial cast brass gimbal ring which is mounted by unusually nice brass fasteners in its solid oak box.  The box is of highest quality construction with dovetailed finger joints and is complete with its original splined sliding oak lid.  The outside of the box bears the oval brass label of “J.S. & W. LORD, Birmingham.”  The compass itself measures 4 inches in diameter.  The box is 6 1/8 inches square and 5 inches high.  Truly outstanding original condition in every respect.  The compass card is clear and bright.  The brass bowl retains the majority of its original lacquered surface.  The box is in its original finish with no chips, cracks or losses.  A real keeper if ever there was one.  Over 150 years old!  489

The earliest recorded reference of a compass used in the Western world took place during the Crusades from Europe to the Holy Land in the 11th century A.D.  It was during these Crusades to the Middle East that the Christian cross became symbolic of the destination of the Crusaders as designated by the "East" point on the compass rose.  The centuries old tradition of the "decorated East" remained with mariners until the early 1800’s.

3.39  BOXED COMPASS.  Late 19th century American small wet card boat compass by Star, Boston.  This very handsome navigating instrument is made of solid bronze!  The rim of the compass is impressed “STAR BOSTON. U.S.A.” with the serial number.  The composition cloth card is marked in points and degrees.  Cardinal and intercardinal points of the compass are identified, with North marked by a star and signed “STAR-BOSTON. U.S.A.”  It is divided down to ½ points of the compass and the periphery is divided from 0 – 360 in 5 degree increments marked by 10’s.  The center pivot has a brass cap.  The heavily weighted bowl is slung in gimbals, mounted in a machine-dovetailed mahogany box with sliding lid.  The compass itself measures 3 ½ inches in diameter.  The box is 5 ½ inches square and 4 inches high.  Absolutely outstanding original condition in all respects.  The compass is lively and accurate.  A little gem! SOLD

The Star Brass Manufacturing Company of Boston, Massachusetts was in existence prior to 1885.  A U.S. patent was awarded to the company in 1893 for a steam pressure gauge.  A number of competing companies producing similar products for the industrial revolution after the Civil War included Ashcroft, Crosby, and the American Steam Valve and Gauge Co.

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

The Cary name was highly revered in the late 18th and early 19th century scientific community in England.  William Cary began business as an optician and nautical instrument maker on the Strand, London in 1789.  He partnered with John Cary (I) in 1791.  John Cary (II) was William’s nephew who partnered with George Cary to form the famous globe making firm. William died in 1825.

George Lee was a maker in the early 19th century who enjoyed a Royal appointment as maker to the Crown.

3.37  IMPRESSIVE INCLINOMETER.  Very finest quality ship’s pilothouse gauge used to measure the ship’s heel (roll) when underway and its trim when in port.  This precision instrument has an enamel dial marked in individual degrees PORT and STBD. from 0 to 50.  The first 20 degrees are further calibrated in ½ degree increments.  The measurement is indicated by a black spade hand connected to internal gearing and a heavy brass weight.  The dial is marked “HEEL” and “DEGREES,” then is signed “KELVIN & HUGHES LTD. Made In Great Britain” at the bottom.  The dial is protected by thick beveled glass set into a heavy cast brass bezel.  The bezel is fitted to a thick sold brass case with 3 mounting feet and a knurled locking knob at the bottom for disenabling the mechanism when not in use.  This fine navigational instrument measures 9 inches in diameter an 2 3/8 inches deep.   It is mounted to a rich hardwood backboard 12 inches in diameter.  The backboard has one of our unique hanging brackets which provides secure suspension while allowing movement of the mechanism.  Lovely, fully restored cosmetic condition in a bright brass finish.  695

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

William Cary was a patriarch of the family of instrument makers in England which brought that country to world prominence in the early 1800’s.  Born in 1759, Cary apprenticed to the premier 18th century instrument maker, Jesse Ramsden.  Cary began his own practice in 1789 at 277 The Strand, London.  In 1821 he moved to 181 The Strand where the business flourished thereafter.  In partnership with his brother John, William produced some of the finest and most highly sought after antique globes sold today.  The signature J & W Cary is a mark of excellence in the current marketplace.  William Cary died in 1825.  But his apprentice Henry Porter carried on the firm in his master’s name.  Owing to the quality and execution of the finest details of this superior instrument, it is our opinion that this sextant is indeed by the hand of the master, William Cary, as signed “Cary, London.”  Inasmuch as Porter’s trade label in the lid states “Apprentice and Successor to the Late W. Cary,” surely this instrument dates very close to or prior to Cary’s demise.

Such miniature sextants were popular as functional but very expensive novelties during the second quarter of the 19th C.  Many were awarded as prizes for superior performance by their recipients in navigational academies of the time.  Other well known makers such as Troughton & Simms produced a nominal amount of such quality instruments at the time.  (See item 3.92) 

3.22  VERY EARLY ENGLISH SEXTANT.  Class “A” mariner’s navigational sextant engraved in lovely script “Imray & Son, 89 & 102 Minories London.”  This old instrument has a solid brass large arc inlaid with a silver scale reading from -5 to 155 degrees, effectively making it a "quintant."  The degree scale is subdivided to 15 arc minutes.  It is overlaid by the pivoting index arm with silver vernier scale left-divided from 0 – 15 minutes, subdivided to 15 arc seconds.  This allowed the observer to take a reading down to a 15 second accuracy or ¼ mile!  The reading is made with the knurled thumbscrew stop and the knurled tangential thumbscrew fine adjustment knob.  To aid in taking the reading a pivoting magnifier is set above the scale.   This quality instrument is the standard form of the era with braced brass frame and index arm, both index and horizon mirrors, 3 multi-colored index filters, 3 multi-colored horizon filters and a height adjustable sighting tube holder, all in perfect shape.  The rear of the sextant has 2 brass “feet” and an early form sculpted ebony handle.  It is contained in its old style “keystone” box (not square) made of figural African mahogany with very thin hand-dove-tailed joints.  The box is totally complete with all 3 sighting tubes:  a long telescope, a short telescope, and a peep tube, screw-on eye piece and mirror box adjusting tool.  The lid bears the label of Imray’s neighbor “A. Johansen 149 Minories.” The box itself has some typical age-related drying cracks which do not affect its soundness.  The lid is minus its brass shield inlay.  It is complete with its box lock and 2 hook and eye closures.  The sextant itself measures 10 inches wide on the large arc and 9 1/8 inches long on the index arm.  The box measures 12 inches wide by 10 ½ inches long and 4 5/8 inches thick.  Circa1850.  Overall this is an exceptional surviving relic from the days of sail 170 years old!  Try finding one this good on eBay!  SOLD  

James Imray was a nautical instrument maker and chart publisher in London beginning in1846.  His last address was 102 Minories, London in 1851.  The house number of “89” engraved on this instrument suggests it dates earlier than his final address.  (Gloria Clifton, “Directory of British Scientific Instrument makers 1550-1851,” 1995, The National Maritime Museum, Philip Wilson Publishers Ltd.)

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

Primarily used to determine LAN (Local Apparent Noon) the azimuth instrument is an effective tool for determining the ship’s latitude by measuring the sun’s altitude at the exact time of meridian passage.

The Negus firm first appeared in the New York City directories at 84 Wall Street in 1850.  Thomas Stewart was trained as a chronometer maker in England and began working with his brother, John David in 1848, first under the name of Thos. S. Negus & Co.   During the Civil War the firm moved to 100 Wall Street and the name changed to T.S. & J.D. Negus.  The business of chronometer and navigational instrument making continued to grow, causing them to move to 69 Pearl Street in 1875.   From the Civil War onward, Negus enjoyed the patronage of the U.S. Navy as the suppliers of chronometers and other navigational equipment.   By the early 1900’s T.S. & J.D. Negus had established themselves as the leading nautical instrument makers and chandler in the United States.  In 1962 the firm was purchased by Max Low & Co.  Low found success in providing the government with navigational instruments, clocks and deck watches during World War II.  Max Low’s son, Charles, continued the business in New York through the 1980’s when the firm was finally dissolved.

3.17  EARLY BOXED COMPASS.  Rare, first quarter of the 19th century American boxed compass with the card signed around the center pivot “R. L. SHAW 22 WATER St NEW YORK.”  This highest quality dry card compass has an engraved paper card overlaying mica.  The central brass pivot has an agate bearing.  Indicative of its early origins the card is only marked in points, not degrees.  The cardinal and intercardinal points are identified down to the remaining individual points.  32 in all.  North is denoted by an elaborate Fleur-de-lis.  It is housed in its weighted brass bowl with old wavy glass cover slung in gimbals.  The gimbal ring has two extended pivots which fit into brass V brackets mounted in the box.  As such, the compass is easily removed for cleaning and inspection.  The solid oak box is of exceptional quality, being of stout hand-dovetailed construction with it original chamfered sliding lid.   When the lid is inserted it effectively locks the compass in place.  The compass itself measures 5 inches in diameter.  The box is 7 ¼ inches square and 5 ½ inches high.  The compass is very lively and accurate, gimbaling properly within its box.  Overall condition is excellent.  There is some minor age toning on the card in the southern quadrant which in no way affects its quality or appeal.  This is yet another exceptional museum-quality marine antique offered by this longstanding company, about 200 years old!  SOLD

Robert Shaw was a respected nautical instrument maker and ship chandler in New York City in the early 1800’s.  We have sold examples of navigational octants with his signature.

3.16/19.87 YACHT TAFFRAIL LOG. An amazing find! Late 19th century American patent log for small vessels made by the venerable nautical firm of Negus, New York. What is particularly remarkable about this set is its mint, UNUSED condition in the original box with instructions! The lovely instrument has a porcelain dial within its glazed brass housing. The dial is signed“ NEGUS PATENT LOG” and is calibrated on the periphery from 0 – 50 miles in one mile increments, marked by 5’s. The subsidiary dial at the bottom indicates tenths of miles. The log itself is equipped with a large brass bail handle and terminates in a free wheeling governor to which the log line and lead are attached. The “fish” (rotator) is solid brass and is marked “NEGUS M.” It is attached to approximately 10 fathoms of original cotton line. All of this is contained within the original cardboard box with interior “Directions” in the lid and outer decorative label reading “NEGUS PATENT LOG.” It is complete with its rarely-found separate instruction sheet entitled “HOW TO USE.” The box measures 10 inches long by 3 5/8 inches wide and 3 ¾ inches high. Condition of the contents is superb – factory new. The box shows signs of normal wear expected of an object over 100 years old. 595

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, even showing the desirable “real world” remnants of old red and green paint applied by a zealous sailor!  The action of the ball is perfect.  395 

3.13   DOUBLE FRAME SEXTANT.   A very rare 19th century Class "A" English sextant by the esteemed makers, “Heath & Co. Ltd. Crayford, London” as prominently hand-engraved on the bottom of the scale.  This exceptional all brass navigational instrument is absolutely of the highest quality ever made.  It features a large arc with inlaid silver scale divided in degrees from -5 to an amazing 160, subdivided to 10 arc minutes, effectively making it a quintant.  The accompanying silver vernier scale on the index arm is divided from 0 – 10 enabling a reading down to 10 arc seconds!  Incredibly, in the days long before GPS, this allowed the navigator to determine his position within 10 miles of accuracy.  It is facilitated by the knurled index arm stop and the tangential fine adjust knob.  This was an important innovation at the time.  Of special note, this double frame sextant, also known as a “bridge” or “pillar frame: was invented Edward Troughton in the 1780’s.  Troughton’s idea was to make a sturdy, lightweight instrument which provided ultimate accuracy.  In this, he was very successful.  But its complexity and cost of manufacture prevented all but the wealthiest ship owners and captains to purchase such an instrument.  As such, very few were ever produced.  This rare example has a brass “T” frame in its orignal darkened finish with numerous circular screws securing the pillars front and back.  Both the index and horizon mirrors are in place as are the full compliment of 4 index filter and 3 horizon filters.  The index arm is equipped with a pivoting magnifier of exquisite quality – a signature feature of Heath’s splendid output.  This instrument has a height adjustable telescope holder.  On the back, the sculpted mahogany handle has an inset brass sleeve indicating this instrument could have been mounted on a support stand for hydrographic survey use.  It is complete in its very beautiful solid mahogany box of hand-dove-tailed construction.  It contains both optical telescopes and one peep tube, along with the two screw-on eyepiece sun filters and rarely-found folding tortoise shell magnifier together with box lock key.  The outside of the box bears the ivory plaque engraved “NAVAL SEXTANT 7 INCH PILLAR No. 18.”  This indicates Royal Navy use.  Below the plaque is an inset folding brass handle for carrying.  Inside the lid is the last certificate of inspection from the National Physical Laboratory, Kew Observatory dated 1911.  Fabulous original condition in all respects and totally complete.  It measures 9 ¼ inches long on the index arm and 10 ¾ inches wide on the arc.  The box is 10 by 10 ¾ inches and 5 3/8 inches thick.  Without question, this instrument is worthy of any world class collection. Circa 1880.   2785

3.03 EARLY AMERICAN NAUTICAL COMPASS. Quite unusual maritime compass of especially 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 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 its 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 particularly cheap, but worth every penny. Find another! 888

Adington D. Frye and Robert Ludlow Shaw formed a partnership which was listed in the New York City Directories as mathematical instrument makers at 222 Water Street in 1837 and 1838. The New York State Directory lists the firm in operation from 1840-1845. (Charles E. Smart, “The Makers of Surveying Instruments in America Since 1700,” 1962, Regal Art Press, Troy, NY).

The decorated east point on the compass rose found its beginnings in the early Crusades as warriors battled their way East in search of the Cross. Early compasses were embellished with a cross on the east point reminding Crusaders of their goal. As time went on the cross gave way to a more secular embellishment, but the tradition of a “decorated” east point continued for centuries, finally falling out of favor with compass makers in the early 1800’s.

3.99 ANTIQUE HAND-HELD COMPASS. Very nice mid-19th century drycard compass made for the English speaking market. This diminutive all brass compass has an engraved paper card marked down to the single points of the compass with the cardinal and intercardinal points identified. North is denoted by a very fancy fleur-de-lis. The periphery is calibrated in single degree quadrants marked by 10’s, 0 through 90. At its center the card has a high quality brass pivot with inset agate bearing. It is housed under original old way glass within its all brass case with press-fit cover. The lid is engraved in script “DLS.” This compass is exactly 3 inches in diameter and 1 1/8 inches thick. Excellent old condition. The old magnetic compass bar is tired. But eventually it settles out to show North. A great old display piece. 229

3.97 NAVIGATOR’s PARALLEL RULES.   A large and important set of ship’s navigators chart rulers from the early part of the 1900’s.   This impressive set made of Bakelite with brass fittings measures 24 inches long by 3 1/4 inches wide, making it one of the biggest ever made!  It is signed “H. HUGHES & SON LTD” on the left end and “MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN” on the right.  Of special interest, due to its size, it has 3, not the typical 2 brass connecting arms.  Following the invention of Capt. Fields, it is marked as a protractor with 90 and 270 at the center, radiating to 360 on the left and 180 on the right end.   The lower limb is marked with “NESW, S and SENW” respectively.   The action is tight and precise.  Very handsome original condition.  The rich brown tone of the Bakelite nicely enhances the yellow gold of the brass.  A rare signed example which charted the way for many a successful voyage! 295