3. Nautical Instruments

3.74   BOXED COMPASS by the INVENTOR.   Extra nice 19th century American boxed compass by the inventor of the liquid-filled compass Edward S. Ritchie.  The rim of this high quality compass is marked "E. S. RITCHIE BOSTON," with serial number "29824."   This early liquid compass has a domed float in the center surrounded by an impregnated composition cloth card marked with the cardinal and intercardinal points of the compass rose.  The periphery of the card is also marked in 5 degree increments by 10's, 0 – 35.  The North point is designated by a classic fleur-de-lis.  The body of the compass is solid brass, heavily weighted at the bottom to remain upright within its gimbal.  All serial numbers match.  The entire unit is mounted in its original sturdy mahogany box with all brass furniture.  The lid is secured by two brass hooks.  The compass measures 5 ¼ inches in diameter.  The box is 7 ¼ inches square and 6 inches high inclusive of the lid.  Excellent original condition.  The card is very lively and accurate.  The compass and gimbal ring are high luster brass.  The box, in its original finish, shows alligatored surfaces with some disruption to the finish of the lid, but no damage.  An impressive early American boxed compass of unexcelled quality.  429

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 his partner.  By 1862 his company was known as Edward S. Ritchie & Co. and in 1867 the firm name became E.S. Ritchie & Sons, Boston.  Ritchie is credited with inventing the first practical liquid-filled compass in 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.   He went on to produce thousands of compasses for the U.S. Navy.

In 1886 Ritchie moved from Boston to nearby Brookline, Massachusetts.  Being marked "Boston" indicates this compass pre-dates the move to Brookline.  Of note, the first compass Marked "E.S. Ritchie & Sons" was serial numbered 100336, over 70,000 numbers later than the one offered here.

3.72  INCLINOMETER.   Highest quality ship's pilot house instrument known as an inclinometer or alternatively "clinometer," used to determine the precise degrees of heel at sea, or list in port.  This precision device was made by the early English makers Sestrel (Wm Browne & Son  Barking and Essex) as beautifully inscribed on the white enamel dial.  The range is calibrated in single degrees of roll up to 45 degrees port and starboard, marked by 10's.  A black indicator needle points to the exact degree.  It is flanked by "set" arms on either side which indicate the maximum roll experienced.  Uniquely, these can be set back to "0" by means of the knurled brass set knob rove through the thick beveled glass crystal covering the dial.  The heavy brass bezel is attached to the classic flared brass case with a flanged mount.  At the bottom is another knurled brass knob which locks the device in place when not in use.  8 inches in diameter and 2 ½ inches thick overall.  Pristine original condition.  A beautiful, functional genuine ship's relic from the age of steam.  695

A critical aspect of determining a ship's readiness for sea is its "trim."  All ships have an optimal sailing profile relative to the medium through which they travel -- the ocean, lakes or rivers.  An inherent indicator of trim was the indispensible inclinometer.

3.68  MINIATURE COMPASS.  Authentic mid-19th century navigational compass made for the English speaking market.  This diminutive nautical compass has an engraved paper card overlaid on mica with a central brass/agate pivot.  The compass rose is marked in points of the compass down to ½ points, with the cardinal and intercardinal points identified.  North is marked by a classic fleur-de-lis.  It rests in its heavily weighted brass bowl with wavy glass cover housed within the knurled bezel.   The inside of the bowl is marked with a vertical lubber's line.  The compass is complete with its original brass gimbal ring, swinging freely and accurately.  The card itself measures 3 inches in diameter.  The compass bezel is 3 ½ inches across and the gimbal is 4 ½ inches wide.  Excellent original condition throughout noting toning at the north and south points where the internal bar magnet is attached.  This compass, without a box, is ideal for mounting in a project in need of such a component like an empty binnacle or display.  Circa 1870.  149

3.67  AMERICAN BOXED COMPASS.  Diminutive early 1900's navigational boxed made by the venerable nautical instrument maker and ship chandler "Wilcox Crittendon" as symbolized by the conjoined letters "WC" at the north point.  Further, a complete label in the bottom of the box reads "Wilcox Cittendon Co, Middleton, Conn, U.S.A." dated "1940."  This near miniature compass has a composition card amazingly identified with all of the cardinal and intercardinal points of the compass marked down to half points.  A total of 64!  As noted, North is denoted by the maker's mark.  The card revolves on a high quality jeweled pivot.  The body of the compass is lustrous solid bronze, suspended in a bronze gimbal ring mounted in its machine dove-tailed hardwood (maple?) box in original oxblood paint finish.  The compass card measures a mere 2 inches in diameter and the compass body is 3 inches across.  The box measures 4 ¾ inches square by 3 ¼ inches high.  The lid slides freely and is in perfect condition.  This compass is just about as nice as they come, exhibiting all of the bells and whistles.  295

3.70  VERY IMPORTANT SEXTANT.  Truly the "Rolls Royce" of sextants, this exceptional example by William Cary has it all.  Of the very best quality construction, this early navigational instrument is remarkably refined and complex.  It is actually a double frame sextant with a rigid cast brass "T" frame overlaid by a sheet brass face attached by a myriad of tiny screws.  The remarkable scale is solid "Platinum" inlaid into the large brass arc reading from -5 degrees to 139 degrees marked by 5's and divided to 10 arc minutes.  The arc is signed in lovely cursive script "Platina Cary, London."  The vernier scale, also of platinum, reads right to left from 0 – 10 and is calibrated to provide a reading of 10 arc seconds.  A pivoting magnifier is installed on the index arm to aid in taking the reading.  This instrument is complete with both index and horizon mirrors, the full set of 4 index filters and the entire complement of 3 horizon filters.  It is equipped with an adjustable sight holder operated by a large knurled knob on the reverse.  To these ends there are a total of 4 sighting telescopes which thread into the eyepiece holder.  The reverse of the instrument has a lovely rich mahogany sculpted handle and 3 supporting "feet."  It has a very complex horizon mirror adjustment system of unparalleled quality.  The original solid mahogany early keystone box is of equal quality.  It contains all 4 original telescope tubes, 2 eyepiece filters and the very rarely-found tortoise shell hand magnifier.  It is complete with box lock and the 2 hook and eye closures.  The original label of "LANGFORD 53 Quay Bristol" is in the lid.  On the top of the lid is the inlaid owner's plaque reading "W. B Fison" in lovely engraved script.  Remarkably, the box is in excellent condition with no substantial cracks, chips or losses.  There are a few scuffs on the lid, but otherwise the box must be rated as "excellent."  It measures 13 inches wide by 11 ¼ inches tall and 5 inches thick.  The instrument itself is beyond reproach.  The index arm is 10 inches long and the large arc is 10 ½ inches wide.  PERFECT in all respects.  Totally complete and original.  Certainly this is one of the finest sextants we have ever had the pleasure of offering in our 40 years as specialists in this business. (See item 7.83)  Over 200 years old!  Price Request

William Cary (1759-1825) was apprenticed to the 18th century master instrument maker, Jesse Ramsden.  William was one of several family members producing scientific instruments from 1782 onward.  Most notably he partnered with his brother John in 1791 to produce their world-famous globes while at the same time working independently to manufacture other instruments such as this. William died in 1825.  John's sons formed the partnership of George and John Cary II in 1821 and continued at 181 Strand, London until 1851 when it was purchased by Henry Gould.  But the name "Cary, London" was continued until the end of the century.  (Gloria Clifton, "Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851," 1995, Philip Wilson Publishers, London.)

3.81  MARINER's QUADRANT.  Very rare, highly desirable 18th century navigational device known as a quadrant, or alternatively "octant."  This early example is patterned after John Hadley's double reflecting quadrant first introduced in 1731.  It is an extraordinary instrument which has limbs of mahogany with brass furniture and a finely engraved boxwood scale inlaid into the large arc.  The scale is divided from 0 to 90 degrees, or one quarter of a circle, hence the designation "quad"rant.  The degrees are marked by 5's.  Each degree is sub-divided into 20 arc minute segments, with diagonal lines cutting across 10 concentric circles.  With this arrangement the index arm and its ivory "line of faith" can provide a reading to an accuracy of 2 arc minutes, interpolated to 1 arc minute.  Below the diagonal scale is a second linear scale divided into single degrees and subdivided to 20 arc minutes.  These precise divisions are quite remarkable considering they were hand-done, before the advent of the mechanical dividing engine!  To attain such accuracy the instrument was necessarily large.  The index arm is slightly over 18 1/2 inches in length and the scale is 15 inches wide.  The quadrant is equipped with an index mirror and horizon mirror, a set of three pivoting filters, and a peep sight with pivoting shade.  It has a blank ivory nameplate in the cross brace.  On the reverse are three brass "feet" and the horizon mirror box adjusting assembly.  The index arm stop is a single brass thumb screw.  There is no fine adjustment feature on these early instruments.  Condition is remarkably excellent for a working device which saw sea service over 260 years ago!  A true museum piece! Price Request

The search for "The longitude" in early 18th century England was encouraged by the Board of Longitude which offered a massive prize of £30,000 for the solution.  It spurred much innovative interest in celestial navigation.  In May 1731 John Hadley, an English mathematician, presented a paper to his fellow members of the Royal Society in London describing the use of a double reflecting quadrant or "octant."  His quadrant was based on the principle of light reflection and angles of incidence that were described by Robert Hooke, Isaac Newton, and Edmund Halley in the previous century.  The principle is that when the angle described by an observed celestial object is seen through a double reflection, that angle is condensed in half between the two reflecting surfaces.  Thus Hadley's quadrant, reading to 90°, had an arc of only 45°, or one eighth of a circle, making it an "octant."  Basically the instrument consisted of a triangular wooden frame with a swinging index arm pivoted at the apex.  A mirror was fixed at that point which would move with the arm.  A second mirror, half of which was transparent so that the user could view the horizon, was fixed to one limb and a sight was attached to the opposite limb.  A precise scale, calibrated in degrees, was scribed on the arc of the bottom limb of the triangle, across which the index arm moved.  This continued to be the basic form of angle measuring navigational instruments for the next 250 years, and still remains, even with the advent of GPS!
    
Quite independently of Hadley, Thomas Godfrey, a Philadelphia glazier and an acquaintance of Benjamin Franklin, devised an improved altitude measuring device based on the same principle over a year earlier.  The instrument was tested in the Sloop TRUEMAN on a voyage to Jamaica and Newfoundland from 1730-1731.  The Royal Society recognized the equal contributions of both men and awarded them a prize of £200 each.  Godfrey also received a prize from the Board of Longitude (of chronometer fame) for his work.  However it was Hadley who received the most credit for the invention.

The improvements in navigation of the Hadley quadrant or "octant" as it came to be known, over previous instruments was immense.  Not only was it more accurate, it provided simplicity of operation and the ability to "capture" the object being sighted for rapid, multiple sightings.  The merits of the quadrant were immediately noticed by the British Admiralty and it was quickly put into commercial production.  Even so, the instrument did not find popular acceptance and general use amongst traditionally minded mariners until after 1750.

The earliest Hadley quadrants, like backstaves, were constructed of walnut or other indigenous woods, with the scales being engraved on boxwood (although examples on brass do exist). With the discovery and growing importation of exotic woods such as African mahogany around 1750, the use of mahogany was quickly implemented, gradually giving way to the exclusive use of ebony and ultimately brass.

From the article "Evolution of the Sextant" by Rod Cardoza
http://westsea.com/captains-log/evolutionofthesextant.html

3.65   AMERICAN INCLINOMETER.  Very scarce turn-of-the-last century ship's inclinometer made by the Pacific Northwest instrument maker Max Kuner as engraved on the silvered brass dial "MAX KUNER CO. SEATTLE."  This handsome instrument is most unusual in that the body of the instrument is turned oak wood, not the typical brass.  The bright dial is calibrated in single degrees of heal from 0 to 54 port and starboard, marked by 10's.  The slender steel indicator needle is finely sculpted in a decorative manner in keeping with such inclinometers produced in the 1800's.  The dial is covered by a protective glass crystal housed in its turned brass bezel mounted to oak.  For stability the oak backboard has brass brackets top and bottom for attachment to the pilot house bulkhead.  The dial is 6 ¼ inches across, with the entire instrument measuring 9 ¾ inches in diameter and 11 inches top to bottom on the brackets.  Excellent original condition.  There is one small spot of oxidation at the 2 o'clock position on the dial, indicative of its service at sea.  The instrument performs perfectly.  The action is lively and accurate.  This is the first such cased wooden inclinometer we have seen in our 40+ years in the nautical antique business.  WAS $695 NOW 295

3.66  DAVIS QUADRANT.  Very rare, highly sought after authentic late 17th century or very early 18th century mariner's navigational device known as a Davis Quadrant or alternatively "Backstaff."  The backstaff name was given to the instrument which measured the altitude of the sun as projected by its shadow on a scale held by the observer with his back to the sun.  The idea for measuring the sun's altitude using back observations originated with Thomas Harriot.  Many such instruments evolved from the earlier crosstaff, but only the Davis quadrant (1594) remained dominant in the evolution of navigational instruments.  As such, the Davis quadrant is synonymous with the backstaff.   This ancient maritime instrument is made of two hardwoods, one being rare boxwood (prized for its homogeneous grain) for the scales and the other a fruitwood such as pear or apple for the sturdy limbs.  It bears two engraved arc scales.  The large arc is calibrated with the early form diagonal scale reading in degrees left to right 0 - 25 calibrated in 20 arc minute segments, marked by 5's and further divided  to 2 arc minutes on the diagonal scale.  The small arc reads from 0 degrees at the top down to 62 degrees divided by single degrees and marked by 5's.  The back edge of the arc is also calibrated in degrees from 0 - 60 marked by 5's.  The observed altitude comprised the sum of the readings of the two scales.  This instrument is unusually well-decorated with inlaid brass diamonds at the joints and a myriad of stars, fleur-de-lis and herringbone designs.  These all harken back to the time when such an instrument was considered a work of art in addition to being utilitarian.  This example retains its rarely-found horizon vane.  The scales and the vane show evidence of worming that was prevalent in 18th century Europe. This is actually a good sign of its age.  The limbs of this instrument are free of such worming, indicating the construction of two different woods.  There is a large blank ivory maker's plate inlaid near the brace.  25 inches long on the longest limb.  14 ¼ inches wide on the large arc by ¾ inches thick.  The horizon vane is exactly 5 inches wide and 2 inches high.  Definitely a museum piece! Price Request

Captain John Davis invented his version of the backstaff in 1594.  However, Davis was neither the first nor the last to design such an instrument.  Davis was a navigator who was familiar with the instruments of his day such as the mariner's astrolabe, quadrant and backstaff.   Noting the drawbacks of the various instruments to date, he proposed a new instrument which could reduce the inherent shortcomings and increase the ease and accuracy by which a navigator could obtain a solar sighting.  This is such an example.

3.63 EARLY LOG BY NOTED MAKER.  Mid-1800's patent taffrail log by Thomas Walker as marked on its porcelain dial "WALKER'S  SHIP LOG PATENTED 18th SEPt 1866."  This handsome, very ingenious navigational instrument is heavy solid brass.  The dial contains 3 read-outs which record nautical miles the ship has traveled.  The first indicates quarter miles, the second single miles up to 10, and the third 10's of miles up to 100.  Such a log was an essential component of the dead reckoning navigational method when coupled with time traveled.  The perfect porcelain dial is protected by a rotating brass sleeve.  Above, between the attachment point and the register, is a hole for oiling.  There are 4 tapered blades affixed to the body, each stamped with Walker's trade mark "TW" flanking an anchor.  The complex internal gearing system is in excellent, working condition.  The spinner turns freely and registers properly.  19 ¾ inches long overall.   The body measures 1 ¾ inches in diameter.  It is 5 ¾ inches wide on the blades.  Excellent functional and cosmetic condition throughout with highly polished lacquered surfaces.  Museum quality.  895

Thomas Walker was born in London in 1805.  His mother was the sister of the famous maritime inventor Edward Massey.  Thomas was apprenticed as a clockmaker.  In 1836 he moved to Birmingham and opened a clock shop.  Around 1850 he began making logs and sounders under the Massey patent.  In 1861 Thomas took his son, Thomas F., into the business to form Thomas Walker & Son.  The A2 harpoon log was in improvement on the original Massey design which earned a patent in its own right.  Walker logs were the most dependable and widely used amongst mariners in the second half of the 1800's.  The elder Walker died in 1873 and his son continued the business under the name T. Walker.  Thomas F. died in 1921 but the Walker business carried on into the latter half of the 1900's, perhaps best known for its production of the Cherub and Excelsior taffrail logs.

 An identical instrument, catalog item number M533, plate XLI 249, is in the museum's collection.  It is described as "Mechanical log. English. c. 1866.  Made of brass, marked "Walker's A2 Harpoon ship Log Patented 18thSept. 1866."  Three dials register 100 miles by 10s, ten miles by miles and one mile by quarters.  Length overall 18 ¼ ".  Four-blade propeller.    (M.V. Brewington, "The Peabody Museum Collection of Navigating Instruments," 1963, Peabody Museum, Salem, Massachusetts). 

3.56  INCLINOMETER.  Delightful, near miniature ship’s pilot house clinometer made by the famous British instrument making firm Sestrel as boldly marked on the dial, below which is  “MADE IN ENGLAND.”  The flawless white enamel dial bears a scale indicating the heel port and starboard up to 45 degrees calibrated in single degrees marked by 10’s.  Each end of the scale is embellished with a nautical fleu-de-lis.  A free swinging pendulum indicates the reading.  When not in use the pendulum can be locked on center by means of a knurled thumbscrew at the bottom of the case.  The case is bright solid brass with a heavy cast bezel housing the beveled glass crystal.  The base of the case flares to a flange containing three holes for mounting to the bulkhead.  The flange measures 5 1/8 inches in diameter.  The dial is 3 5/8 inches in diameter and the case is 2 ½ inches deep.  Condition is outstanding, cosmetically perfect and functional in all respects.  A fine nautical instrument.  239

3.57  EARLY SEXTANT.  Particularly nice mariner’s sextant of English manufacture dating from the second quarter of the 19th century.   The large arc is engraved “Youle 83 Leadenhall St. London.”  This all brass navigational instrument is of early form with an inlaid silver scale calibrated from -5 to 150 degrees subdivided in 15 arc minute increments, marked by 10’s.  The silver vernier inset into the braced index arm allows a reading with an accuracy of    arc seconds.  To aid in taking the reading a pivoting magnified is provided.   The classic “T” frame is cast brass in its original blackened finish (to prevent glare during sun shots).  This instrument retains both index and horizon mirrors and a full set of 4 index filters and 3 horizon filters, all in excellent condition.   The back is equipped with its sculpted mahogany handle and 2 brass “feet” for alignment in the box.  The sight tube holder has an adjustable height feature and accommodates all 5 sight tubes.  These consist of the long telescope with cross hairs, short telescope, night telescope, peep sight and interchangeable tube for varying the power of the long telescope.  The screw-on eyepiece sun filer is present as is the rarely-found adjusting screw driver.  Its presence indicates the care lavished on it by its owner Captain.  All components are housed in the especially lovely keystone mahogany case with fine dovetailed construction.  Amazingly, there are no cracks in the lid and it bears the trade label of the famous American instrument makers and ships’ chandlers “T. S. & J.D. Negus, New York.”  The case has all brass hardware including 2 hook and eye closures, the original lock and the brass escutcheon!  The instrument itself measures 11 inches wide on the large arc and the index arm is 10 inches long.  The box measures 13 inches wide by 11 inches long and is 4 ½ inches thick.  This offering is totally complete and in exceptionally fine, untouched, original condition.  Truly museum quality.  1095

William Youle was listed at 83 Leadenhall Street, London in 1845 as a spectacle maker as well as a  mathematical and philosophical instrument maker.  (Gloria Clifton, “”British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851,” 1995, The National Maritime Museum, Philip Wilson Publishers, London.)

3.55  EARLY AMERICAN BOXED COMPASS WITH PROVENANCE.  Classic 2nd quarter 1800’s American boxed compass by perhaps America’s most famous makers and ship’s chandlers “THAXTER & SON. BOSTON” as boldly engraved on the center of the paper card backed with mica!  The finely engraved compass rose is marked in points and half points with the cardinal and intercardinal points identified.  The knurled brass cover retains its original old wavy glass held in with plaster of Paris.  The compass is mounted in its solid brass weighted bowl slung in gimbals, mounted in its original mahogany box with copper fasteners.  Remarkably, the box still retains its original sliding lid!  The side is stenciled “DORY COMPASS.”  The compass measures 3 1/8 inches in diameter while the box is 4 7/8 inches square and 3 ¾ inches high.  Truly amazing original condition after nearly 200 years!  A rare find offered at a ridiculously low price in these Coved times.  This is a museum piece which could easily fetch $600 or more.  One of the nicest examples of its type we have handled in over 40 years.  Rare to find a ship's name. A keeper of the first order! 499

A faint pencilled inscription on the underside of the lid reads, "Sloop Rambler, Apr 1890, (Unlegible)." The sloop RAMBLER, essentialy a ketch, was homeported out of Gloucester, Massachusetts. She was 37.6 feet long and displaced 8.26 tons. ("List of Merchant Vessels of the United States," 1891 edition, Treasury Department Bureau of Navigation, page 216).

Samuel Thaxter was born in 1769, and was apprenticed to William Williams.  Thaxter initially started his business at Butler’s Row in 1796, moving to 49 State Street in 1806.  The firm name changed to Samuel Thaxter & Son in 1826 located at 125 State Street, Boston.  (M.V. Brewington, “The Peabody Museum collection of Navigating Instruments,” 1963, Peabody Museum, Salem, Massachusetts).

3.49  VERY RARE SEXTANT.  Truly the Rolls Royce of navigational instruments!  This double frame (also known as a “pillar frame”) sextant was made by “Henry Hughes & Son Ltd 59 Fenchurch St London” as engraved on the large arc.  This type of sextant was invented by the renowned English instrument maker Edward Troughton in 1788.  So functional and so precise was its construction that the form lasted well over a century!  This amazing example is all brass meticulously fashioned with over 250 tiny parts, each individually hand-made in the old school tradition.  All of the parts bear the hidden production number “40” and marks to align the one-of-a-kind hand-made fittings.  Above the signature is the inscription “Platina & Gold 4927” indicating the large scale is engraved on platinum and the vernier scale is solid gold!  The arc is calibrated in single degrees divided by 10 arc minutes from -5 – 160 effectively making this a “quintant.”  The magnificent solid gold vernier scale is marked from 0 – 10 divided to single arc seconds.*  To accomplish such a reading a sophisticated pivoting vernier magnifier with glass light diffuser is provided above the scale.  This is the most complicated device of its type we have ever seen, and we have seen literally hundreds.  The high luster solid brass frame is a piece of jewelry.  It mounts the index arm with thumbscrew stop and endless tangent fine adjustment.  The apex has the index mirror reflecting into the split horizon mirror.  This instrument is complete with its full complement of 4 folding index filters and 3 horizon filters.  The height adjustable sighting tube holder operates smoothly by means of a large knurled thumbscrew on the reverse.  The reverse also has a sculpted lignum vitae handle and 3 brass “feet” for mounting in it box.  The handle is fitted with a brass receptacle which would have allowed the sextant to be mounted on a stanchion for taking hydrographic sightings.  The sextant is complete in its original hand-dovetailed mahogany box of exceptional size.  It contains 4 sighting tubes, a screw-on eyepiece filer and a unique revolving eyepiece filer with 6 interchangeable settings.  There is also a mirror box adjusting wrench.  In the lid is the Certificate of Examination from the National Physical laboratory indicating “Class A” with matching “No. 4920” dated “1903.”  The box has all brass furniture with two hefty closure hooks, a substantial folding brass handle and a brass label stamped “S NO. 4920.” The sextant measures 11 ½ inches on the large are and the index arc is 10 ¼ inches long.  The box is 12 by 13 inches and 5 ½ inches thick.  This is perhaps the finest instrument of its type we have had the pleasure of offering in our 40 years –  navigational instruments being our specialty. Price Request

* One minute of arc along the equator equals one nautical mile (or 1.151 statute miles).  An arc second, or one sixtieth of a minute, equals 98 feet.  It is unlikely that a navigator could manually take such a precise sighting.  But it is altogether possible that a sighting with margin of error of ¼ mile could be made.

One of the greatest concerns of the nautical instrument makers throughout history has been accuracy.  Because of the severe conditions and weather extremes encountered at sea, a poorly constructed instrument was apt to shrink, expand, warp, or crack rendering a false, potentially fatal reading.  Numerous materials and innovations were tried in an attempt to ensure rigidity and stability of octants and sextants.  To address the problem, perhaps the most famous of these innovations was the pillar frame sextant patented by Edward Troughton in 1788.  The frame was constructed of two parallel strips of sheet brass joined together by machined pillars secured with screws, much like the trusses incorporated in the newly-constructed iron bridges of the time.  This "double frame" sextant was produced by a few top makers using slight modifications for more than one hundred years thereafter.  A variation of the double frame was the "bridge frame" sextant made by Ramsden and a few other makers late in the 18th century. Examples of both forms of these early sextants are quite scarce and highly sought after by collectors.

Provenance.

An item's history is always bears on its relevant value.  In that regard this instrument has a very interesting past.

The Russo-Japanese War, 1904 – 1905, was fought between Imperial Russia and the Empire of Japan over their colonial ambitions in Manchuria and Korea.   Russia had long sought a warm water port on the Pacific Ocean.   Since the end of the first Sino-Japanese War in 1895, Japan feared Russian encroachment on its plans to create a sphere of influence in Korea and Manchuria.  Seeing Russia as a rival, Japan offered to recognize Russian dominance in Manchuria in exchange for recognition of its dominance in Korea.  But Russia refused, choosing to go to war after negotiations broke down in 1904.  The Japanese Navy preemptively started the war with a surprise attack on the Russian Fleet in Port Arthur, China.

The war ended in 1905 with Japan’s total victory affirmed by the Treaty of Portsmouth mediated by President Theodore Roosevelt.   The decisive Japanese outcome resulted in a reassessment of Japan's position on the world stage.  It was the first major defeat of a European power by an Asian country.  It is obvious from the dating of this instrument that it was purchased for use in that war.  The original certificate of examination and correction, in Japanese, by the Tamaya company is included.

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! SOLD

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.

3.42    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,”

3.92  RARE HISTORIC MINIATURE SEXTANT.   Truly extraordinary, mid-1800s presentation sextant made by one of England’s most elite makers!  This delightful little instrument is signed on the large arc in perfect hand-engraved script, “Troughton & Simms, London.”  Of all brass construction with a V-shaped frame, the sextant has an inlaid silver arc reading from -5 to 160 degrees, effectively making it a quintant.  Incredibly, these divisions along with the vernier scale on the index arm, allow this sextant to match the accuracy of it larger cousins, down to 20 arc seconds!  A pivoting magnifier is provided for taking the reading.  The index arm has a miniaturized version of a thumb screw stop and tangential fine adjust.  The sextant is complete with its 2 horizon filters and 2 index filters in perfect condition.  The index mirror and horizon mirror are in beautiful condition.  The whole presentation is totally complete in its shaped rich mahogany box.  The octagonal ebony handle screws into the frame with a secure fit.  There are two optics, a peep and a telescope which fit into the height-adjustable sight holder.  Rounding out the accessories, there are both sight tube filters, mirror adjustment tool, and the functional skeleton key for the brass lock.  Of monumental importance for its value and appeal is the beautifully-hand-engraved  presentation on sterling silver inlaid into the top of the box.  It reads, “Presented at the Public Examination on the 13th of June 1851 to Gentleman Cadet, Henry Goodwyn by the Honble Court of Directors of the East India Company, as a mark of the Courts approbation of his attainments in Mathematics while at the Military Seminary.”  The overall presentation is nothing short of phenomenal for an instrument 166 years old!  Totally complete and virtually in the same condition when it was made.   All surfaces are in their original bright brass lacquer finish.  This is a nautical gem of the highest order, if ever there was one!  Most certainly worthy of the finest world class collection and/or museum.  5350

The East India Company, also known as the Honourable East India Company or the British East India Company was formed to pursue trade with the "East Indies" (present-day Southeast Asia), but ended up trading mainly with Qing China and controling the Indian subcontinent.

Originally chartered as the "Governor and Company of Merchants of London trading into the East Indies", the Company accounted for half of the world's trade  in basic commodities such as cotton, silk, indigo dye, salt, saltpeter (for gun powder), tea, and opium. The Company was also instrumental in the founding of the British Empire in India.

The Company received a Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I on December 31, 1600, making it the oldest among several similarly formed European East India Companies. Wealthy merchants and aristocrats owned the Company's shares, but the government owned no shares and had only indirect control.

During its first century of its operation, the Company's focus was on trade, not the building an empire in India. But early in the 18th century when the Mughal Empire began to decline, Company interests turned from trade to territory as the East India Company competed with its counterpart, the French East India Company.
By 1803, at the height of its rule in India, the Company had a private army of about 260,000, twice the size of the British Army! The Company eventually came to rule large areas of India with its private armies, exercising military power and assuming administrative functions.  Company rule in India effectively began in 1757 and lasted until 1858. But following the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the resulting Government of India Act 1858 led the British Crown to assume direct control of the Indian subcontinent in the form of the new British Raj.

Despite frequent governmental intervention, the Company's on-going financial problems finally led to its dissolution in 1874.

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.