3. Nautical Instruments

3.78   EXCEPTIONALLY RARE MARINER’s QUADRANT.   The real deal!  An authentic 18th century English ship’s navigational instrument made by the most noted instrument maker of his day, George Adams (I).  This incredible relic from ye olde days of sail is made of thick brass beautifully signed in engraved cursive script, “G Adams Mathematical Instrument Maker to His MAJESTY Fleet Street London.”  It is the earliest form of navigational quadrant, calibrated on the arc from 0 to 90 in single degrees subdivided to quarter degrees (15 arc minutes) marked by 10’s.  The precise engraving is all the more remarkable considering it was hand-engraved!   It was NOT done with the yet-to-be-invented dividing engine.  Each increment is less than 1/32 inch (<1 mm) wide!  In use the navigator sighted the celestial object along the 0 degree limb.  A string rove through a small hole at the apex supported a small plumb bob which ran across the scale.  When the sighting was taken, the observer pinched the string on the arc then noted its position on the scale.  The original string, long since deteriorated, is now replaced with a working silk string and brass bob.  This instrument has a 7 inch radius and measures exactly 10 inches wide.  Outstanding original condition showing genuine age and a beautiful statuary bronze age patina acquired over hundreds of years.   Few, if any, examples of a true mariner’s quadrant remain outside of the world’s major museums.  This is the first we have been fortunate to offer in our 35+ years.   SOLD

George Adams (I) was born in 1709.  He worked as a mathematical, philosophical and optical instrument maker from 1734 to 1772.  His first shop was near Shoe Lane, Fleet Street, London.  From 1738 to 1757 he worked at Tycho Brahe’s Head, Fleet Street, then in 1767 at 60 Fleet Street.  He patented a telescope in 1750 and won the Royal appointment to George III, the Prince of Wales in 1760, about the time of this instrument.  He is known to have produced a wide range of scientific instruments.  (Gloria Clifton, “Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851,”1995, Philip Wilson Publishers, London.)

Two of the most highly regarded and comprehensive works on early navigation are books written by co-authors Harriet Wynter and Anthony Turner, “Scientific Instruments,” 1975;  and by Peter Ifland, “Taking The Stars,” 1998.  On page 70 Ms. Wynter writes, “One of the first elevation-finding instruments was the sea quadrant, first used by mariners in the fifteenth century.  It was a simple arc of a circle made of wood or brass with two sighting pinnules along one straight edge, which were directed towards a celestial body.  A plumb bob attached to the apex swings across an arcuate scale graduated 0-90o to show the altitude reading.”  No photograph or likeness accompanies the text.

On page 5 of his book Mr. Ifland states, “The mariner’s quadrant came into widespread use around 1450.  Columbus used one on his first voyage to the New World.  The seagoing version was a quarter circle made of wood or brass.  Pinnules were provided along one edge for sighting Polaris.  A plumb bob suspended by a thread from the apex of the quadrant hung vertically across a scale spanning 90o. “   In Figure 6 he provides a black and white photograph of a similar brass instrument captioned, “A mariner’s quadrant, ca. 1600. Brass, 6.9-inch radius.  National Maritime Museum, London.”

3.74   WEST COAST SEXTANT.  Very nice, early 1900’s English mariner’s sextant made for the famous West Coast Nautical chandler George Butler of San Francisco.  This top quality instrument was manufactured by the very highly regarded firm “Heath & Co., New Eltham, London.” as marked on the inspection certificate.  It is signed “Hezzanith.” on the maker’s  index arm plaque.  Then on the large brass arc it is boldly engraved “HEATH & Co NEW ELTHAM LONDON, MADE FOR G.E. BUTLER CO., SAN FRANCSCO.”  State-of-the-art for its time, it has a large brass arc with inlaid silver scale calibrated in single degrees from -5 to 130 marked by 10’s.  The arc is also marked “Made In England B828.”  The 9 inch index arm is marked “HEZZANITH RAPID READER, Patent” and bears the label reading “HEZZANITH Endless Tangent Screw Clamp Semper Paratus –Patent–”   The base of the arm is equipped with a spring-loaded pinch stop and a large drum micrometer fine adjust knob.  Once an observation is taken the reading is indicated to the nearest degree by an arrow in the silver vernier window.  A finer reading to the nearest arc minute is shown on the circular drum.  Then an even finer reading to an accuracy of 10 arc seconds is indicated on the second vernier!  The classic “3-circle” frame is cast bronze in a blackened crinkle finish.  It supports both index and horizon mirrors and a full set of 4 pivoting index shades and 3 horizon shades.  A height-adjustable telescope holder with knurled knob is provided for positioning one of the two sighting tubes contained in the box.  The reverse of the instrument has a sculpted mahogany handle and 2 supporting brass “feet.”  These allow the sextant to rest securely in its sturdy solid oak box of machine dovetailed construction.  The box accommodates both telescopic and peep tubes, 2 adjusting wrenches, a screw-on peep sun filter and a bristle brush marked “TO CLEAN ARC RACK.”  There is also a small piece of chamois included with the optics.  The perfect label in the lid bears Heath’s iconic trade mark reading “HEZZANITH OBSERVATORY LONDON.”   It goes on to state “This sextant No. B828” is shown to have 00 error.  It is signed with the initials “CHJ” and is dated 15th November 1934.  The very sound box is equipped with brass hardware including 2 closure hooks, folding handle and box lock with original functional key.  The lid also bears the later trade label of the “Southwest Instrument Company.”  The box measures 10 ¼ by 11 by 5 ½ inches and is in virtually mint original condition.  A totally complete high quality English navigational instrument over 80 years old.  795

Provenance:  From the estate of Captain “O. C. Thompsen, Berkeley,” California as hand-engraved on a brass plaque fronting the box.

3.71  NAVIGATOR’s DIVIDERS.  Early 1900’s pair of ship navigator’s single-handed dividers used to measure distances on a chart.  This high quality pair is constructed of solid brass with steel tips.  The precisely-fitted hinged joint at the apex assures smooth movement with a positive stop.  The body of these dividers is constructed so as to allow the navigator to manipulate them with one hand while using parallel rules in the other.  This distinctive aspect sets the navigator’s dividers apart from those used by mechanical draftsmen.  5 7/8 inches long.  The inside of one limb is signed “MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN (T145).”  Perfect original condition.  The real deal!   129

Provenance:  From the estate of Captain “O. C. Thompsen, Berkeley,” California in the 1920’s. 

3.65   EARLY 1800’s OCTANT.  Splendid mariner’s double reflecting navigational instrument  formally known as a “quadrant” but more commonly referred to as an octant.  This state-of-the-art device (for its time) was produced by one of England’s most respected and innovative makers, “DOLLOND * LONDON” as engraved on the central ivory maker’s plate.  The ‘A’ frame instrument features limbs of ebony with brass furniture complemented by scales of ivory and a bone pencil.  The perfect large arc was precisely calibrated using a dividing engine in single degrees from -5 to 102, effectively making it a quadrant of 90 degrees.  Each increment is then subdivided into three 20 arc minute segments.  The braced brass index arm carries the ivory vernier over the scale.  The left reading vernier is calibrated in single arc minutes from 0 to 20, thus providing an accuracy of one arc minute.  The reading is fixed by a knurled thumbscrew stop and a knurled tangential fine adjust knob.   At the apex is the large mirror box.  Used in conjunction with the split horizon mirror it provides an image viewed through the simple peep sight on the right.  The early form peep has two pinholes, of which one has an unusual pivoting eyepiece sun filter.  Further this high quality instrument is provided with a full set of 3 index shades and 3 horizon filters, all in working condition, although one of the filters in each set has a small crack.  The reverse of the instrument retains three brass “feet” for level support when not in use, a small trapezoidal ivory note pad on which to record a reading and the bulbous bone pencil used to mark such a reading.  The horizon mirror is also equipped with a very innovative fine adjustment feature.  12 inches tall and 10 inches wide.  Overall the condition of this handsome instrument is just about as nice as they come, with no other noticeable flaws.  Circa 1830.   SOLD

Several features in the construction of this instrument point to its early construction.  The wooden ebony frame has no handle.   Wood ceased to be used in such instruments after about 1860.  The peep sight is of a form used in the 18th century.  The large arc is limited to a maximum reading of only 90 degrees – the traditional scale of the very earliest double reflecting “quadrants” of the 18th century.  And it has the classic pencil and notepad – a throwback to an earlier era.  What it does not have is a backsight, which generally lost favor with makers after about 1820.

Peter Dollond (1731-1821) was the son of John Dollond, a Huguenot silk weaver in Kensington, England.  Peter apprenticed to his father in the trade, but his father's amateur interest in optics inspired him to open an optician's shop in London in 1750.  Two years later his father joined him in the new venture.  With his father, and subsequently with his younger brother and nephew, Peter Dollond designed and manufactured a number of innovative optical and scientific instruments.  He is credited with inventing the achromatic lens, for which he received a Royal patent in1763, and he was known to have made a wide range of nautical instruments.  Likely this example was from the workshop of George Dollond who carried on his uncle’s work after the latter’s death in 1821, and who himself passed away in 1852.

3.31  AMERICAN YACHT LOG.   Second half of the 1800’s taffrail log made by “JOHN BLISS & CO. TAFFRAIL – LOG – NEW YORK U.S.A.” as marked on the porcelain register.  This virtually pristine example features a porcelain dial housed within a cylindrical solid brass body with glazed zinc cover.  The side of the cover is cast in relief on both sides, “BLISS. NEW YORK, U.S.A.”  The register itself contains three dials internally linked by reducing gears to the spinner.  The uppermost indicator is calibrated in tenths of nautical miles.  The middle register records whole miles, 0 – 10, and the lower register indicates 10 of miles from 0 – 100.  Accordingly, this “nautical odometer” can record distances traveled through the water from one tenth of a mile to more than 110 miles.  This is accomplished by the taffrail spinner otherwise known as the “fish” which trails the log under water and rotates by means of its curved fins as the vessel makes way.  The fish is finely balanced using small cuts in the anterior fins, one of which is impressed “BLISS.”  A substantial pivoting brass yoke with eye is provided for attaching the log by the cotton line to the vessel.   The entire presentation is in a remarkable state of restored preservation, functional, with bright brass surfaces.  The log itself measures 10 ½ inches long and the spinner is 9 ½ inches long by 4 inches wide.  Included in this offering is the original cotton line which is several fathoms long.  595

3.37   PILOT HOUSE INCLINOMETER.  Charming mid-century sailor-made ship’s bridge clinometer made of solid brass and mounted to a wooden backboard.  This genuine ship’s relic is hand-made, fashioned from a thick piece of solid sheet brass in the classic form of an isosceles triangle with the pendulum bob pivot at the apex.  The indicator arm is in the form of an arrow pointing to the arc scale which is calibrated in 5 degree increments from 0 to 40 port and starboard.  The instrument itself measures 8 inches high by 9 7/8ths inches wide.  The backboard measures 11 ½ by 9 ¾ inches high.  It is completely functional and all surfaces are original and show good age.  195

3.62  WEST COAST BINNACLE.  Turn-of-the-last-century lifeboat binnacle compass with the card signed “A. LIETZ CO., SAN FRANCISCO” flanking the fleur-de-lis marking North.  This wet card compass has a very heavy cast brass bowl with the ring marked “E.S. RITCHIE & SONS – BOSTON.”  The early-style composition card, supported by its large hemispherical float, is calibrated in single degrees around the periphery, marked in 10’s.  It is further marked in the traditional points of the compass, with the cardinal and intercardinal points identified.  The serial number on the float and the compass ring match.  It is mounted in functional gimbals.  Speaking to its early origin, the brass binnacle housing is hand-made using riveted construction.  It has a glazed viewing port, a side lamp with burner, a hinged door, and a stout suspension loop at the top for carrying.  The flanged base measure 9 inches in diameter.  The binnacle stands 9 inches tall by 10 ½ inches wide at the widest.  Excellent overall condition.  The compass is lively and accurate, with no bubble.  The side lamp is complete with its original oil sump, burner and wick.  495

3.60  VERY EARLY SEXTANT.  Museum-quality mariner’s sextant from the days of sail.  This remarkable instrument bears the beautifully hand- engraved signature “Hoppes Improved Sextant LONDON No. 271” on the large arc.   Its inlaid silver scale is exquisitely calibrated from  -5 to 145 degrees divided by 20 arc minutes, marked in 5’s, effectively making it a “quintant” or one fifth of a circle vs. one sixth, as with average sextants.  The old style “lattice frame” is telling of it age -- from the era when instrument makers were concerned with the stability and precision of their instruments -- which up until that time were made of wood.  This early, innovative solid brass example has a silver vernier scale, left reading from 0 to 15 calibrated down to 20 arc seconds.  To enable a reading a powerful pivoting magnifier is attached to the braced 10 ¾ inch index arm.  The arm is equipped with a knurled thumbscrew stop and a tangent fine adjusting screw.  The state-of-the art trussed frame is equipped with both index and horizon mirrors and a full set of index and horizon filters, all in perfect original condition.  The height adjustable sight tube holder, perhaps one of Hoppe’s claims of “improvement,” accommodates two accessory tubes in the box:   one peep and one telescopic.  On the reverse of the instrument are 3 brass “feet” for positioning in the box, and a sculpted early-form ebony handle.  Another “improved” feature is the horizon mirror box with unusual adjustment device.  This exceptionally early navigational instrument is housed in its original hand dove-tailed, keystone mahogany box in excellent condition for its age. The original brass hook and eye closure is present,  the lock is absent.  Inside the lid is the partial, much later (1890’s) label of "Max Kuner, Seattle."  The box measures 12 inches high by 12 ½ inches wide and is 5 inches thick.  A truly exceptional navigational instrument, well over 200 yesrs old, still used by mariners at least 90 years after it was made!  1695

According to Gloria Clifton, author of “Dictionary of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550 – 1851,” 1995, Philip Wilson Publishers, The National Maritime Museum, London, Ebenezer Hoppe was a mathematical and optical instrument maker working at Edward Street, Limehouse Fields, London in 1801, having been apprenticed to Michael Dancer in 1793.   He was noted as the inventor of an improved sextant.

 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.

SHIP SPECIFICATIONS:
Hull Length 212 feet
Sparred Length 280 feet
Beam 25 feet
Draft 21 ½ feet
Gross Tonnage 1318 tons

3.20  BRASS OCTANT.   Scarce, first half of the 1800’s English navigational octant made by the noted maker (John) “Crichton, London” as engraved on the large arc.  This precision marine navigational instrument is made entirely of brass with an inlaid silver scale exquisitely-calibrated from -5 degrees to 120 degrees of arc in 20 arc minute increments.  The maximum travel of the index arm is limited to just 103 degrees, effectively making this instrument a quadrant of 90 degrees – or in more contemporary terms of the time – an “octant.”  Of handsome form, it has a 9 ¾ inch index arm with a silver vernier scale calibrated from 0 to 20 in single arc minutes, providing a very accurate, state-of-the-art, reading for such a compact instrument.  To observe the reading a pivoting magnifier is attached to the index arm.  The arm is provided with a knurled thumbscrew stop and another fine adjust tangent knob.  This instrument is complete with both its mirrors, full set of 4 index filters and 3 horizon filters.  On the back are three brass “feet” for support in its box.  And it has a classic sculpted rosewood handle.  The entire presentation fits neatly into the mahogany “keystone box,” typical of early 1800’s manufacture, made using hand-dovetailed construction.  It measures 11 inches tall by 11 ¼ inches wide and 5 ¼ inches thick.  The original brass skeleton key lock is present.  The entire assembly is in outstanding original condition.  It comes complete with all optical and peep sight attachments, along with the mirror box adjusting tool and eyepiece filter.  The lid bears the original label of a Paris chandler as well as the remnants of another vintage label.  Interestingly, some original old observations taken with this octant are penned on the label.  If only it could talk!  This is a beautiful example of a totally complete early 1800’s English octant of rare form and condition. SOLD

John Crichton began his business as an optical, philosophical, mathematical and nautical instrument maker at 32 Fore Street, Limehouse, London in 1831. He moved to 112 Leadenhall Street in 1834 where he remained in business until 1865. Crichton was apprenticed to the well known early sextant maker Benjamin Messer.  Among the items Crichton was known to produce were barometers, compasses, sextants, telescopes, artificial horizons, microscopes and thermometers. (Gloria Clifton, “Dictionary of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851,” 1991, The National Maritime Museum, London).  We have offered other fine quality instruments with the “Crichton” signature which sold immediately.

3.27  GERMAN INCLINOMETER.   Scarce, very high quality all brass ship’s pilothouse inclinometer of German manufacture.  This precision instrument features a white enamel dial prominently marked “CLINOMETER , Oil Damping.” while at the bottom it bears the maker’s name “Hanseatic Instruments Hamburg, Made In Germany.”  It is marked in degrees of ship’s heel from 0 (even keel) to 46 degrees port or starboard in 2 degree increments.  The dial is covered by a perfect convex glass crystal which protects the delicate indicator needle.  This genuine ship’s instrument is in virtually pristine original condition, providing a smooth, accurate reading at any instant in time.  It measures 6 1/8 inches in diameter.  A very nice, functional instrument with a sea service history. Bargain priced!  179

3.50  SHIP’s BINNACLE.  World War I vintage ship’s pilothouse binnacle bearing the embossed brass maker’s plate reading, “KELVIN & WILFRED O. WHITE / NAUTICAL INSTRUMENTS / 90 STATE STREET BOSTON / 38 WATER STREET NEW YORK.”  This handsome, all brass binnacle contains a heavy duty compass with a translucent card supported by a circular float on a jeweled pivot in the center.  The card is marked in single degrees around the periphery and points of the compass down to ¼ point, with the cardinal and intercardinal points identified.  North is marked by a classic fleur-de-lis.  The brass rim of the compass is impressed “Nautica” and is serial numbered “9949,” matching the number on the float and on the gimbal ring.  The bottom of the compass is glazed.  A light on the inside of the binnacle illuminates the compass from within providing a very pleasing effect.  To these ends a modern electric cord with in-line switch is provided for actual 110 use.  This binnacle is complete with its domed hood and sliding doors on the front.  The flanged base is mounted to a thick solid piece of lovely Honduran mahogany which provides a massive presentation.  It stands 14 ½ inches tall and the base is 13 inches in diameter.  The compass measures 7 ¾ inches in diameter.  Outstanding cosmetic condition with a high polish in a lacquered finish.  The compass, originally liquid-filled, now dry, is very lively and accurate.  This is a great guy!   895 Back to Top

3.48  INCLINOMETER.   Most unusual early 1900’s ship’s pilothouse inclinometer marked, “STRUMENTI NAUTICAL E. CHANZ, TRIESESTE,” engraved on the pendulum bob.  This Italian-made ship’s instrument is unique in our experience, having a glazed brass body mounted to a sculpted hardwood backboard.   As configured it is exceptional in that it is both functional and beautiful.  It has a jet black background engraved with degrees of list in single degree increments from 0 to 51 port and starboard, marked by 10’s.  The heavy, solid brass pendulum bob has a center line engraved on the tip of the pointer to precisely indicate the heel or list within a half degree of accuracy!   The pivot at the apex is steel secured within a blackened brass fitting.   It provides a very smooth, uninterrupted action.   The instrument is housed in its sheet brass enclosure with triangular glass window, all of which is mounted to the one piece hardwood backboard in natural finish.  In use this inclinometer was hung on the athwartships bulkhead in the pilot house in a prominent place.  Insuring its secure attachment are three thick brass tabs.   The one at the top is fixed, whereas the two at the bottom are slotted, cleverly allowing the instrument to be “trued up” if necessary.  11 inches tall by 12 ¾ inches wide overall.  2 ¼ inches thick.  Excellent, fully restored condition.  695 Back to Top

The quaint seaport town of Trieste is located on the extreme northeastern border of Italy, at the head of the Gulf of Trieste on the Adriatic Sea.  Throughout history it has been influenced by its location at the crossroads of the Latin, Slavic and Germanic cultures.  Trieste was one of the oldest cities in the Habsburg Empire and in the 19th century it was the most important port of that member of the “Great Powers.”  As a prosperous seaport in the Mediterranean, Trieste became the fourth largest city of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (after Vienna, Budapest and Prague).  It underwent an economic revival during the 1930s and played a key role in the struggle between the Eastern and Western blocs after World War II.  Today Trieste is one of Italy’s richest regions, serving as a center for shipping, shipbuilding and finance.