3. Nautical Instruments

3.20/4.17 WHALESHIP COMPASS.  Genuine mid-19th century American drycard compass as used on an American whaleship.  This extra large compass has a beautifully-engraved card marked in points of the compass rose with the Cardinal and Intercardinal points identified.  North is designated by a very elaborate fleur-de-lis which is signed “Breed, Boston.”  East is embellished with a handsome American eagle perched on a Union shield, clutching arrows and olive branches.  The periphery of the card is marked in single degrees in 4 quadrants marked by 10’s.  The center bears its high quality jeweled pivot.  The card is undoubtedly that of Samuel Thaxter & Son, Boston circa 1825.  In our inventory we have an identical card thus signed.  What is so interesting is the fact that the compass was obviously restored by Sherman of New Bedford, bearing the overlaid label surrounding the pivot reading “C. R. SHERMAN * NEW BEDFORD*.”  Sherman was THE preeminent maker/provider of instruments and navigational supplies to whaleships at the height of Yankee whaling in the 1860’s and 70’s.  The compass is housed in its original weighted brass bowl slung in gimbals.  The brass bezel retains its old wavy glass held in with putty in the traditional manner.  The compass is lively and accurate, swinging correctly in its original pine box held with copper nails.  The original chamfered sliding lid is present, opening and closing properly.  Of additional interest and value is the fact that the outside of the box bears the partial label reading “Repaired By C. R. Sherman & Co., 40 North Water Street, New…”  The compass measures 7 inches in diameter and the box is 10 inches square by 7 inches high.  The compass and its box are in excellent condition considering they are 200 years old.   A wonderful original relic from the days of Yankee whaling which is still functional!  A museum piece at a true bargain price.   945

Interestingly, the inside bowl of the compass bears some hand written inscriptions reading:

Charles R. Sherman began his apprenticeship with John Kehew in New Bedford, Massachusetts in 1849.  He took over the company in 1865 under the name C. R. Sherman & Co. at 49 North Water Street.

Samuel Thaxter was born in Hingham, Massachusetts in 1769 and was apprenticed to the Colonial American instrument maker William Williams.  Thaxter began his own business at 1 Long Wharf, Boston in 1792.  Thaxter took his son into the business in 1822 on State Street, Boston.  (M.V. Brewington, “The Peabody Museum of Navigating Instruments,” 1963, Peabody museum, Salem Massachusetts.)

Aaron Breed (1761-1817) was a little known maker of mathematical instruments who worked in Boston into the 19th century. He specialized in nautical, mathematical and optical instruments, with an address at 173 Broad Street, and another at No. 2 Rowe's Wharf, "At the Sign of the Quadrant."  Breed made surveying instruments in brass and in wood.  A brass instrument is in the Henry Ford Museum, and a wooden instrument is in the collection of Old Sturbridge Village.  The latter is fashioned from walnut with an engraved compass card inscribed "Aaron Breed Boston."

3.49/5.59  U.S. NAVY CLINOMETER.  Scarce. authentic World War II fighting ship's pilot house pendulum inclinometer.  The Bakelite body is engraved:

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 the heavy solid brass pendulum bob.  The instrument measures 11 3/4 inches wide by 7 ¼ inches high.  It is in excellent original condition. The action is perfect.  Highly collectible and hard to find, especially in this pristine condtion.  495

3.48   BOXED COMPASS.  Late 19th century American ship’s boxed compass made by E.S. Ritchie & Sons, Boston sold by the Boston ship chandler C. C. Hutchinson, Boston as marked on the composition card.  This small but professional grade compass is marked in points of the compass down to ½ points with the Cardinal and Intercardinal points identified.  North is denoted by a classic fleur-de-lis.  The bronze compass body is serial numbered “74115” and measures 3 inches in diameter.  It is slung in bronze gimbals and mounted in its original dovetail box with sliding lid measuring 4 ¾ inches square by 3 inches high.  Excellent, well preserved,  fully functional condition showing actual use.  Circa1890.  A sweetheart of an early compass with great American history.  329

Edward S. Ritchie, the inventor of the practical liquid filled compass, received a patent for his device in 1862.  One of his first production was used aboard the famous Civil War iron clad USS MONITOR.  His firm, E.S. Richie & Sons continued to produce compasses well into the 1900’s. 

Frederick Lincoln, grandson of Paul Revere, began business in Boston in 1817.  In 1858 Charles C. Hutchinson, his apprentice, became a partner in the Lincoln firm.  Hutchinson eventually purchased the company in 1883.

(M.V. Brewington, “The Peabody Museum Collection of Navigating Instruments,” 1963, Peabody Museum, Salem, Massachusetts.)

3.47  CLASSIC TAFFRAIL LOG.  The ultimate in 19th century American taffrail logs as designed, patented and manufactured by John Bliss & Company in the late 1800’s.  This pristine example has a hard-fired porcelain register signed “JOHN BLISS & CO. TAFFRAIL LOG PATENTED.”  The first of 4 dates is 1875 and the last is “July 21, 1885.”   This heavy solid brass log has a cylindrical body with a U-shaped bracket for attachment to the ship.  The working end consists of a rotating shaft connected with internal gearing and exiting with a brass hook for attachment to the line carrying the fish (spinner).  The attachment is made with period cotton line connecting to the 4-finned brass spinner which is marked “JOHN BLISS & Co.” on one of the blades.  Excellent original condition showing actual use.   The log assembly measures 13 1/2   inches long overall from the eyelet attachment to the ship to the bottom of the brass hook attaching the line.   The body of the log is 2 inches in diameter, not counting the suspension bracket which is 2 3/8 inches wide.  The fish (spinner) is 9 ½ inches long and 4 inches wide.   Several feet of the original cotton line remain.  395

3.46  EARLY PARALLEL RULES.  An especially sweet example of a ship’s navigator’s chart rules form the early 1800’s.  This delightfully petite instrument is made of rare (now virtually extinct) British boxwood with brass fittings.  Known as a “rolling rule” the ingenious design incorporated 2 serrated rollers on a central column to traverse the chart table without changing the rule’s longitudinal orientation.  As such the proposed ship’s course could be set over a variety of options on the chart table.  This high quality instrument is likely of English manufacture.  It measures 12 inches long 1 7/8 inches wide.  It is in literally magnificent original condition with a rare. Very sought after “tiger stripe” grain pattern.  Truly one of the nicest of its genre we have encountered in our 40+ years.  A keeper!  195

3.43  VERY EARLY COMPASS BY THE INVENT0R.  Dated, post-Civil War American ship’s compass by the inventor and manufacturer of the first reliable LIQUID compass as signed on the brass rim “E.S. Ritchie, Boston.”  It is further signed inside on the cross float “RITCHIE BOSTON” in the maker’s own hand.  This unique configuration, sometimes referred to as a “doughnut compass,” was not the typical flat disc, but rather an inward facing rim supported on 2 tubes.  It is marked in one half points of the compass with the cardinal and intercardinal points identified.   North is designated by a classic fleur-de-lis.  The compass rim bears 5 U.S. patents dates, the first being Sept. 9, 1862 and the last Aug. 17, 1875.  A very unusual feature of this liquid-filled compass is that the brass bezel is knurled to literally screw onto the compass body rather than being secured by screws as in most all other compasses.  The body has 2 prongs for suspension of a gimbal ring.  5 ½ inches wide from tip to tip.  The compass rim is 5 inches in diameter.  Excellent original condition exhibiting 150 years of careful use.  Remarkably, the compass still contains its original fluid and readily points to magnetic north.  395

3.41  PARALLEL RULES.  Delightful set of miniature parallel rulers used by the navigator of a WWI British warship.  This diminutive pair is made with limbs of ebony and brass fittings.  It is stamped by the famous makers “H. HUGHES & SON, LTD LONDON 1915” on one limb.  Adding to its rarity and value is the fact that both brass arms bear the British broad arrow mark indicating it was used in the British Royal Navy.  6 inches long by 1 5/8 inches wide closed.  Very early World War I.  Perfect original condition.  Sweet!  149

(See item 3.37)

3.39  CASED OCTANT.  Very clean and complete mid-1800’s octant with the ivory maker’s plate signed “SPENCER, BARRETT & Co. LONDON.”  This fine navigational instrument has limbs of ebony with brass furniture and ivory scales.  The large ivory arc is calibrated in degrees from -3 to 108 sub-divided by 20 arc minutes, marked by 5’s.  The ivory vernier is calibrated from right to left ­ 0 - 20 indicating an accuracy of a single arc minute.  The braced brass index arm is 13 inches long, operated by a knurled brass locking screw on the reverse and a knurled tangential fine adjustment screw.  It has the typical mirror box adjustment apparatus on the reverse and 3 brass “feet” for mounting in the box.  The frame is complete with its index and horizon mirrors, its full set of index filters and it singular round horizon filter. The horizon mirror contains a rarely found adjustment feature.  The non-telescopic peep sight is reminiscent of quadrants from the 1770’s with its pivoting shade over the 2 sights. All brass components are in a remarkable state of bright brass, original preservation. The box too exhibits 18th century form being of the “stepped keystone” variety made of oak.  It is complete with its original skeleton lock and striker plate.  This fine instrument measures 13 inches tall by 10 ½ inches wide.  The original box is 14 inches long by 12 ½ inches wide and 4 inches thick on the upper tier. Considering it age, this instrument is in outstanding original condition in all respects.  Far above  average.  Absolutely no noticeable flaws.  Priced to sell!!! 695

Spencer & Co., London began business in 1817.  They were known to have sold octants.
 (Gloria Clifton, “Dictionary of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550 – 1851,” 1995, The National maritime Museum Greenwich, Philip Wilson Publishers, Ltd., London.)

In the early 2000’s this instrument would have easily sold for $1995.  Figure that with inflation!

3.37  NAVIGATOR’s RULES.  Very early 1800’s parallel rules of the type used by the ship’s navigator to determine courses and positions of his ship on the vessel’s charts.  This fine old example is made with limbs of solid ebony affixed with 2 pivoting brass arms.  For aid in positioning brass “buttons” are provided on the center of each arm.  Each arm is squared on the leading edge and beautifully chamfered on the trailing edge.  The brass has acquired a lovely bronze age patina and the ebony wood is solid and straight, without flaw.  15 inches long by 2 3/8ths inches wide.  Excellent, fully functional condition showing years of actual use at sea.  95

(See item 3.34).

3.33  ARTIFICIAL HORIZON.  Mid-1800’s marine navigational device used to simulate the earth’s horizon when the actual horizon was not visible.  This fine English example was made by the noted London instrument makers “Henry Hughes & Son,” as beautifully as extolled on the firm’s trade label in the lid.  This quality instrument consists of a pyramidal cover glazed on both sides.  The frame is blackened brass to prevent glare and the beveled optical glass panels are precisely set at 90 degrees to each other.  The cover fits snugly over the heavy cast iron tray with curved edges to contain the mercury.  To those ends a very stout metal bottle with pourable cap and threaded inner stopper is provided to contain and pour mercury in the tray.   Two pivoting boxwood arms hold the bottle in place.  The entire apparatus is neatly contained in its lovely hand-dove-tailed mahogany box with hinged lid, skeleton key lock and 2 hook and eye closures. Surprisingly this compact instrument weighs a hefty 10 pounds!  The device itself, as configured for use, measures 6 ¼ inches long by 3 ¾ inches wide and 4 1/8 inches high.  The box measures 7 ½ inches long by 6 inches wide and 5 inches deep, and is of exceptional quality as evidenced by  the slight wooden “skirt” around the base of the box.  Overall condition is nothing short of exceptional.  If this device was ever used, it was done in the most respectful manner. 1595 

When the ship’s navigator took a sighting with his sextant or octant he was measuring the angle between a heavenly body and the earth’s horizon.  With that information and the exact time the measurement was taken the ship’s location could be determined.  But what if the horizon was taken at night, or it was obscured by haze or fog?  An answer was the artificial horizon.  A few varieties were employed, including the use of a bubble level.  The most popular of these devices in the 18th and 19th centuries was the mercury horizon.  Instead of sighting the horizon, the navigator would take his reading of the heavenly body reflected from the surface of the mercury pool.  Since the surface of the mercury was level, (at least in theory) the reading was precise.  The problem was the constant movement of the ship made it difficult, if not impossible, to take a stable reading.

3.34  18th C. NAVIGATOR’s RULES.  Especially nice parallel rolling rules made by the preeminent English makers “W. & S. JONES * 30 HOLBORN LONDON” as marked in the center.  This early navigational instrument is made of ebony and ivory with brass fittings.  It consists of an internally weighted rolling axle with corrugated brass drums on each end.  The drums grasp the surface of the chart allowing the instrument to travel in a parallel direction.  Of special note are the ivory ends of the roller which trace from 0 to 2 inches in increments of 1/10th inch when rolled.  This complication is in addition to the fact that the leading edges are ivory scales marked in tenths of inches from 0 to 12!  Absolutely pristine original condition in all respects.  It is hard to believe this original instrument is more than 220 years old!  349

William and Samuel Jones began their scientific instrument manufactory on Holborn Hill, London in1791.  (Gloria Clifton, “Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851, 1995, National Maritime Museum and Philip Wilson Publishers, Ltd.)

3.32  IMPORTANT EARLY AMERICAN COMPASS.  Authentic early 1800’s sailing ship’s main steering compass.  This extra large dry compass has a beautifully-engraved card marked in points of the compass rose down to one half points, with the Cardinal and Intercardinal points identified.  North is designated by a very elaborate fleur-de-lis which is embellished with multiple draped flags, a handsome American Federal eagle, Union shield, star spangled canton and a classic fouled anchor below.   The center bears its high quality jeweled pivot.  Surrounding the center the card is boldly signed “S. THAXTER & SON, Boston.”  The compass is housed in its original weighted brass bowl slung in gimbals.  The brass bezel retains its old wavy glass held in with putty in the traditional manner.  The compass is lively and accurate, swinging correctly in its original pine box held with copper nails.  The original chamfered sliding lid is present, opening and closing properly.  The compass measures 7 inches in diameter and the box is 10 inches square by 6 3/4 inches high.  The entire presentation is in excellent condition considering it is circa 1830 and nearly 200 years old!   A wonderful original relic from the days of the early Yankee packets and later clippers that is still functional!  A museum piece at a very reasonable price.   895

Samuel Thaxter was born in 1769, and was apprenticed to William Williams.  Thaxter initially started 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).
(See also item 3.20/4.17)

3.31  INCLINOMETER.   Very finest quality turn-of-the-last-century English steamship’s pilot house clinometer with white enameled dial signed “<HEZZANITH>.”  This precision navigational instrument is marked in single degrees of the ship’s heel (roll) from 0 to 50 port and starboard, marked by 10’s.  A knurled thumbscrew at the bottom locks the pivoting indicator need in place when the instrument is not in use.  The heavy solid brass case is mounted to a lovely laminated backboard having 3 brass brackets.  Attaching only the top bracket allows the instrument to rotate and the needle to move.  If all 3 brackets are attached it will register as designed on a rolling ship.  The brass case is 8 ¾ inches in diameter on the flange.  With brackets the entire assembly measures 12 inches across and weighs a hefty 9 pounds.  WAS $795 NOW! 295
The venerable firm of Heath & Co. was originally founded by Thomas Heath, the mathematical instrument maker in 1720 on the Strand, London.  By 1910 the firm was located at 2 Tower Royal, Cannon Road, London producing instruments under the trade name “Hezzanith.”         (M. V. Brewington, “The Peabody Museum Collection of Navigating instruments,” 1963, Peabody Museum, Salem, Massachusetts.)

3.28  PRISTINE BOXED COMPASS.  Turn-of-the-last-century American small craft boxed compass by the famous maker “E. M. Sherman, Seattle, DIRIGO Trade mark,” as signed on the composition compass card.  This liquid-filled compass has a rose marked in points of the compass down to ½ points and is also marked in 10’s of degrees on the periphery.  North is denoted by a fancy fleur-de-lis.  The center has a high quality agate pivot.  The detailed card is a mere 2 inches in diameter while the bronze compass body is 3 inches across.  It is set in its stout bronze gimbal ring.  The entire unit is mounted in its machine dove-tailed oak box with lid.  Two brass hooks and 3 dowelled “keepers” assure the box closes securely.  4 ¾ inches square by 3 ¼ inches high.   Unbelievably, this item is over 100 years old!  They don’t come any nicer.  389

The well-known Dirigo compass was first manufactured in Lexington, Massachusetts by boat builder and violin maker Eugene M. Sherman in 1907.   Sherman was born in Somerville, Massachusetts to a New England seafaring family in 1872.  “Dirigo,” translated from Latin means “I Lead.”  In 1911, Sherman moved to the Pacific Northwest where he opened his compass making business in Bellevue, Washington.  This compass dates to his early manufactory.   He sold his stake in the company in 1944.

3.26  LOG TIMER.  Authentic mid-19th century ship’s timer used in conjunction with a chip log to determine a ship’s speed and position using dead reckoning.   Of significance, this navigational instrument was commercially-made.  It consists of a hand blown glass vial with two bulbous section connected by a narrow neck in the middle.  One of the bulbs contains a cloth plug by which iron filings were inserted.  The glass is contained within two turned wooden discs supported by 4 simple wood columns.  The discs are decoratively scribed with concentric circles and the end with the plug bears a paper label.  The embossed lettering reads “28 SECONDS.”  It is difficult to read but is legible under magnification.  The timer measures 2 7/8 inches in diameter and stands 4 ½ inches tall.  It is in working condition and surprisingly accurate.  679

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, 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).  "Dating old sand glasses can be difficult, but the color or tint of the bulbs is a help. The glass was greenish up to about 1700. During the 18th century it was darker; then in the 19th century it gradually acquired the transparency of crystal.  There were also variations in the actual sand which, prior to about 1720, was reddish or orange-red in color.  After about 1720, white or green sand was increasingly used." (Alan Major, "Marine Antiques," 1981, A.S. Barnes & Co., New York, pages 178-179.)

Mariners have used the chip log for dead reckoning navigation since the first known description of the device in print.  That was "A Regiment for the Sea" by William Bourne in 1574.  Bourne devised a half-minute sand glass for timing.  At that time, a mile was 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 feet = 1 mile/hour (3600 seconds) = 30 seconds x 5000 feet / 3600 seconds = 42 feet

In early times the length of the log-line was measured directly by sailors as it passed through their hands. With the introduction of the nautical mile as a standard unit of measure at sea in the 15th century, they began to mark the line at equal intervals proportional to the nautical mile and to the time interval used for measurement.  At first the markings were simply knots in the line.  Later, sailors worked identifying knotted cords into the log-line.  Most ships used knots spaced 7 fathoms (42 feet) apart.  The time interval was therefore directly related to distance between knots in the line.  Using 6,000 feet (or 2,000 yards) for 1 nautical mile, the above formula yields 28 seconds for a distance of 7 fathoms.  With the advent of steam propulsion and faster ships in the first half of the 1800’s, the duration of the sand timer was cut to 14 seconds.

3.25   SEXTANT PAMPLET.  How to use a sextant, entitled “How to Find Your Position With The Master Sextant.”  This instructive paperback booklet contains 15 pages crammed with information on how to take a sighting with a sextant and then use that information to compute the longitude.  There are also sections on how to use the sextant as a pelorus and as a heliograph.  Well illustrated with charts and line drawings.  Published by Davis Instruments, San Leandro, CA.  Condition of the cover is fair.  Content is fine.  Shipped First Class mail at no additional cost.  16

3.16 EXCEPTIONAL NOCTURNAL.  Splendid, incredibly rare and eagerly sought after by advanced collectors, instrument used by early mariners for telling time at night, hence the name “nocturnal.”   This 17th century English example is made of rich golden brown boxwood with square and hexagonal brass “nuts” framing the sighting hole.  It measures 10 ¾ inches overall including the index arm.  The dial is 4 5/8 inches in diameter.  It is complete with the rotating volvelle and a rotating pointer arm for alignment with the stars of the big and little dippers ( Ursa Major and Ursa Minor) the greater and lesser bears, labeled “GB” and “LB” respectively. The instrument is divided and stamped with scales for the date, hour, lunar age, and polar distance, with a detailed compass rose on the reverse.  The handle has a lovely pierced heart design and is stamped on the front side “BOTH BEARS.”  Condition is absolutely phenomenal.  It is the best wooden nocturnal we have ever seen in or out of public holdings.  6889

In use the volvelle is set to the correct date with the selected constellation.  Holding the nocturnal is held vertically, the Pole star is sighted through the central hole.  The long arm is then aligned with the stars of the dipper.  So-aligned, the local time is indicated on the central scale  The scale on the reverse also gives the correction for Pole Star elevation in order to compute the latitude.  The lunar age scale permits determination of high and low tides.  As such, it was a simple but very effective early multi-function navigational tool.  Because of its simple wooden construction very few examples survive.

See “TESSERACT” catalog of early scientific instruments Summer of 1999, Number 64, item 18.  It depicts a similar, smaller nocturnal with some condition issues, which sold for $8,750.  Adjusted for in inflation it was $15,845 in today’s dollars.  A further consideration is that this nocturnal is now even a quarter of a century older!

3.13  18th CENTURY COMPASS.  Museum worthy mid-1700’s or earlier English-made travelling compass of the finest quality.  This handsome instrument features the classic compass rose found on such early instruments.  The card is hand-engraved paper set on a mica backing supported on a brass pivot with clear agate bearing.  The card is marked in 32 points of the compass with the Cardinal and Intercardinal points identified.  North is denoted by a fancy fleur-de-lis and East bears the traditional archaic decoration.   The circumference of the card is marked in single degrees identified by 10’s.  The center of the card around the pivot is decorated with a subtle octagon design.  The card is housed in its cylindrical brass case with scalloped bezel containing old wavy glass. Of special note is the fact that the original press-on cover with knurled rim is still present after 250+ years!  3 ¼ inches in diameter and 1 3/16 inches thick.  Virtually pristine original condition showing expected age patina.  WAS 895 NOW! 495

The earliest usage of the compass 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 east that the Christian cross became symbolic of the "East" point on the compass rose. The tradition of the "decorated East" point remained with mariners until the late 18th century.

3.15  EARLY AMERICAN OCTANT BY IMPORTANT  MAKERS.  A fine Captain’s navigational instrument made by America’s foremost 19th century instrument makers “E. & G. W. Blunt, New York” as hand-engraved on the large arc.  This especially beautiful all brass instrument bears a large inlaid silver arc calibrated in single degrees from -4 to 115, sub-divided by 20 arc minutes, marked in 10’s.  The silver vernier scale on the index arm is calibrated from 0 to 20 arc minutes subdivided by 30 arc seconds, giving a theoretical accuracy of about ½ nautical mile at the equator.   The index arm is provided with a pivoting magnifier for a precise reading.  The cast solid brass frame supports the sight tube holder, index mirror, 4 index filters, horizon mirror and 3 horizon filters, all of which are without damage, complete and functional.  The reverse of the instrument retains its lovely sculpted rosewood handle, mirror adjustment apparatus and 2 brass “feet.”   It is fitted into its original keystone mahogany box bearing the partial label of the equally revered nautical instrument makers “THAXTER & SON, Boston.”  This early style box is in remarkably well preserved condition, with none of the typical cracks, and is complete with both optics, 2 sun filters and adjusting wrench.  The instrument measures 9 ¾ inches long on the index arm and 8 ½ inches wide on the large arc.  The fitted box measures 11 inches tall by 11 inches wide.  Seeing is believing.  For the well versed collector, they really don’t come any nicer than this!  SOLD

The fact that the large arc is calibrated up to 115 degrees designates this instrument as an “octant” rather than a sextant, which would exhibit a scale of 130 degrees or more.

3.10 EARLY SEXTANT.  Particularly well preserved 19th century English sextant made by the noted scientific instrument makers “Negretti & Zambra, London” as finely engraved in script on the large arc.  This classic 3-circle sextant has an inlaid silver scale reading from -5 to 160 degrees, effectively making it a “quintant.”  The scale is marked in 10’s of degrees and each degree is subdivided to 10 arc minutes.  The silver vernier scale at the bottom of the index arm reads from 0 to 10 arc minutes right to left, subdivided in 10 arc second increments, theoretically allowing for an accuracy of 30 nautical miles.  In use the index arm has a knurled thumbscrew stop and a fine adjust tangent stop.  A pivoting magnifier and a frosted glass light diffuser are mounted on the index arm for viewing the reading.  This all brass instrument is complete with both mirror boxes, height adjustable telescope holder, all 4 index filters and complete set of 3 horizon filters.  It retains its original blackened finish throughout.  The back has its original 3 “feet” for mounting in its box and its lovely sculpted solid rosewood handle.  The index arm measures 8 ¼ inches long and the large arc is 9 inches wide making for a very diminutive instrument.  The handsome solid mahogany box is of hand-dovetailed construction with brass furniture.  It contains one long telescope with 2 interchangeable eye pieces, a separate peep site and screw-on sun filer.  The box has two hook and eye closures, the original skeleton lock with escutcheon and folding brass drop handle.  It is in remarkable condition with no major cracks in the large single panel lid.  It measures 9 ¼ by 9 ½ inches by 4 ¾ inches thick.   Fabulous cosmetic condition.  1285

For someone considering a single quality instrument of this type to fill out a nautical collection, this is it!

The partnership of Enrico Negretti and Joseph Warren Zambra began at 11 Hatton Garden, London in 1850.  Exhibiting at the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace London in 1851, they won a Prize Medal.  Thereafter the business expanded rapidly and they were awarded the Royal appointment of instrument makers to the Queen and the Prince Consort.  The firm was the most prolific manufacturer of scientific instruments in the second half of the 19th century in England.  The partnership made all manner of quality scientific instruments, best noted for their barometers and telescopes.

(Edwin Banfield, "Barometer Makers and Retailers 1660-1900," 1991, Baros Books, Wiltshire).

A later English sextant with a large crack in the lid is currently offered on eBay with a Buy It Now price of $1600.  (eBay item 274510165846)

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:

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. The action of the ball is perfect.  395

3.52 BOXED COMPASS. Late 19th century American small craft boxed compass made by the “Coston Supply Co., New York” as stenciled on the bottom of the bowl. The composition card is marked in ½ points of the compass with the cardinal and intercardinal points identified. North is denoted by a classic fleur-de-lis and “Polaris.” It is mounted on a high quality jeweled pivot. This all brass compass retains its handsome original black e-enameled surface. The compass is slung in gimbals, mounted in the original mahogany box with lid, held by 2 pivoting hooks. The compass measures exactly 3 inches in diameter and the box is 4 ½ inches square by 3 ¼ inches high with lid. Excellent original condition throughout showing signs of use but no abuse. 329

The Coston Company was established in 1840 by Benjamin Franklin Coston, inventor and manufacturer of night signals and ship rockets. He continued as head of the business until his death in 1901, when the business was incorporated. In the early 1900’s the company expanded its product line to include life-saving appliances for ships as well as general steamship supplies. But it was always best known as an innovator and leader in ships’ distress signaling devices.

3.06  BINNACLE INCLINOMETER.  Authentic World War I era pilot house binnacle clinometer made by the noted American makers Kelvin and Wilfred O. White as boldly marked on the silvered brass dial "KELVIN-WHITE CO. BOSTON & NEW YORK."  This precision nautical instrument features a blackened brass pendulum bob overriding an arched scale reading in 2 degree increments from 0 to 40 degrees port and starboard.  It is housed in its solid brass case under glass.  The back is curved to fit the front of the binnacle and there are mounting tabs on each side to accommodate screws.  Functional original condition with a lovely age patina to the brass surfaces.  The silver dial is perfect.  279

3.04 NAVIGATOR's  PROTRACTOR.  Patented 19th century American navigational device which consists of a T-square mounted on a long brass arm over which a brass circle with compass rose is mounted.   The circular rose is divided to ¼ points of the compass with the cardinal and intercardinal points identified.  North is designated by a classic flue-de-lis.  The rose is mounted in such a way that it slides the full length of the supporting arm while being able to rotate a full 360 degrees.  The pivot point is off center allowing for cross hairs to pinpoint the precise point on a chart.  This ingenious device is of all brass construction.  It is stamped with maker's mark "J. W. STRANGE Manufacturer, BANGOR, ME."  It is additionally marked"Pat'd June 13. 1876." The long arm measures 16 inches in length and the cross bar 4 ½ inches.  The disc is 4 inches in diameter.  Outstanding original condition with nice golden lacquer surfaces, virtually the same as it was when made 140+ years ago!  A very rare American navigational relic. 389

3.91   NAVIGATOR's RULES.  Spectacular!  An absolutely HUGE set of parallel rules made by England's premier 18th and 19th century scientific instrument makers, "TROUGHTON & SIMMS . LONDON" as marked in the mid-section.  These rules are constructed of rich ebony with brass fittings measuring an amazing 3 feet ¼ inch long by 3 ¼ inches wide!  The set has 3 pivoting brass arms vs. the usual 2.  The size of the individual planks of solid ebony is impressive, particularly in light of the limited world trade in rare woods in the early 1800's.  Condition is outstanding and original in all respects.  One must ponder what type of capital ship would require parallel rules of such massive size?  795  

3.89   PROTRACTOR & RULE.  Genuine mid 19th century American ship's navigator's chart rule with directional protractor.  This ingenious device was made by "L. MORGAN & SON 650 E. 12. ST. N.Y." as stamped on the silvered brass back plate.  It consists of a heavy rosewood rule with silvered brass edges.  Inset into the middle is a semicircular protractor marked in segments of the compass rose with north at the top, divided east to west in one quarter points .  The protractor rotates to the appropriate course or line of bearing and is locked into placed by the knurled brass knob at the top.  Just above the pivot point the protractor is marked "PAT. JAN. 19 69.  This high quality precision navigational instrument measures 17 inches long by 2 ¼ inches wide on the rule itself.  With the silvered protractor it stands 4 ¼ inches high.  This is a very rare  American navigational instrument of exceptional quality circa 1870 in beautiful original condition.  669

3.90  IMPRESSIVE COMPASS.  Fabulous very early 1800's American boxed compass made by Wm. Davenport of Philadelphia as signed in beautiful script from east to west..  This exceptionally handsome drycard compass has a compass rose marked in single points of the compass with the cardinal and intercardinal points identified.  Then on the periphery it is marked in single degrees on the 4 quadrants between the cardinal points.  The northpoint is designated by an extremely ornate fleur-de-lis.  Of special note is the fact that the East point is decorated with floral embellishments indicating its early origins.  Speaking to the quality of construction the center pivot has an agate bearing.  The hand-engraved paper card overlays a stiff mica backing with bar magnet below.  The card rides on its central pivot contained in the large brass bowl covered by the original old wavy glass.  The compass body is slung in brass gimbals mounted in its original rich mahogany box measuring 10 inches square and 6 inches high.  This box never had a cover indicating it was used as protected inside the ship as the master direction finder.  1295

William Davenport was born in 1778 and was apprenticed to Philadelphia instrument maker William Dean.  He took over Dean's business in 1802.  (M. V. Brewington, "The Peabody Collection of Navigating Instruments," 1963, Peabody Museum, Salem, Massachusetts).

3.88/ 5.04  PATENT NAVY PARALLEL RULES.  Rare 4th quarter of the 19th century navigator's parallel rulers made by John Bliss and Co., in accordance with LCDR Sigsbee's patent.  This beautifully preserved set is made of ebony with brass fittings.  It is uniquely constructed in such a manner so as to allow the limbs of the instrument to fold over the chart and align at a distance from the indicated course.  This allowed the navigator to "hop scotch" across the chart without sliding the rules over the map's surface.  The upper rule is stamped "PAT. FEB.24' 80."  Remarkably, it is preserved within its original cardboard box with label reading "PATENT PARALLEL RULE U.S. NAVY PATTERN JOHN BLISS & CO., Under Patent granted Feb. 24  to Liuet-Comdr, C. D. Sigsbee U.S. NAVY."  The rules are in absolutely perfect original condition measuring 15 inches long by 2 5/8 inches wide.  The original box is 15 ¼ inches long by 3 inches wide and ½ inches thick.  As expected the box shows considerable wear after 140 years.  But the label with minor losses  is still legible.  595

Charles Dwight Sigsbee is best remembered as the Captain of the ill-fated Battleship Maine which exploded in Havana Harbor, Cuba on February 14, 1898, sparking the Spanish-American War.  Following his service as a junior officer in the Civil War Sigsbee was assigned to the Hydrographic Office in 1871, then the Coast Survey in 1874 where he commanded the Coast Survey steamer BLAKE from 1875 to 1878.  He returned to the Navy Hydrographic Office from 1878 to 1882 at which time he invented this unique parallel rule.  He then served as chief hydrographer in the Bureau of Navigation from 1893 to 1897.  During his service on BLAKE he developed the Sigsbee sounding machine, which became a standard item of deep-water oceanographic equipment for the next 50 years.

An identical item "Sigsbee's Patent Parallel Rules No. 272" is held in the collection of the Peabody Museum, Salem, Massachusetts.

3.83  "WOODEN" BOXED COMPASS.  Federal Period 19th century American boxed compass made by "ROBt  MERRILL & SONS * NEW YORK*" as engraved on the paper card.  This first quarter of the 1800's compass has a bowl turned out of wood!  The old style drycard is engraved with a compass rose divided down to ½ points marked by cardinal and intercardinal notations.  It is mounted on its classic mica disc.  North is designated by a fancy fleur-de-lis and the East point is embellished with scrollwork.  The center brass pivot has a quality agate bearing.  The card, measuring 4 inches in diameter, rests in its wooden bowl protected by wavy glass.  The compass body is slung in the old type thin brass gimbals mounted in its dove-tailed pine box.  It measures 5 inches in diameter. The entire presentation is in surprisingly excellent condition for such an early instrument of this type.  The compass is accurate and it gimbals properly within its box. These early wooden bowl compasses are highly desirable.  Due to their construction, few have survived the elements.  This is a GREAT example approximately 200 years old!  Truly a collectors' piece at a very, very reasonable price.  695

3.79  VERY EARLY AMERICAN BINNACLE.  First quarter 1800's boat binnacle by the esteemed American makers Samuel Thaxter and his son as indicated around the pivot point of the drycard compass "S. THAXTER & SON. Boston."  This very rare navigational instrument has a heavy solid brass housing.  Within is contained the high grade drycard compass marked in points of the compass rose down to ½ points, with the cardinal and intercardinal points identified.  Speaking to its quality it has an agate bearing in the brass pivot and the card is backed by mica.  Two other significant attributes are its decorated east point, and the fact that the innovative compass bowl is brass and not wood, as used up until about 1820.  We were told by the original owners this compass is dated "1818," but we have not opened the body to confirm.  The compass bowl and its gimbal are supported within the very substantial binnacle housing with glazed viewing port.  The top is fitted with a heavy duty suspension ring for portability.  The side bears an auxiliary lamp for night viewing.  It contains a small font with whale oil burners – again, a testament to its early origins.  The compass measures 5 ½ inches in diameter.  The cast brass binnacle base is 9 ½ inches in diameter and the binnacle stands 11 ½ inches tall exclusive of the ring.  Totally complete and in excellent original condition in all respects, showing its great age.  1179

Samuel Thaxter was born in Hingham, Massachusetts in 1769.  In 1792 he began his business as a ships' chandler and nautical instrument maker at 1 Long Wharf, Boston under the name Samuel Thaxter.  In 1796 he moved to 49 State Street.  The firm name became Samuel Thaxter & Son in 1822, the latest possible date of this compass.  (M.V. Brewington, "The Peabody Museum Collection of Navigating Instruments," 1963, Peabody Museum, Salem, Massachusetts.)

The earliest usage of the compass in the Western world took place during the Crusades from Europe to the Holy Land in the 11th century A.D., and it was during those Crusades east that the Christian cross became symbolic of the "East" point on the compass rose. The tradition of the "decorated East" point remained with mariners until the early 19th century.

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,” 1995, The National maritime Museum, Greenswich).