ANTIQUE OCTANT
The navigators Octant was developed around 1730 and is named after the Latin word Octans, which means eighth part of a circle. This is because the Octant's arc is one eighth of a circle. By 1780 the octant had almost completely replaced all previous navigational instruments and was half the size of a Davis Quadrant.
Below is our selection of antique octants.
ANTIQUE OCTANT.
A fine early 19th century navigators Octant made by Steele & Co, Liverpool with applied makers plate.
Ebony frame with brass fittings, double-hole sighting pinnula with swing cover. Pencil compartment with press on cap.
The scale is clearly engraved -2 degrees to 106 degrees and is divided into 10 minute increments.
Index arm length 10" / 30 cm, radius 9.5" / 24 cm.
Complete in original Oak stepped keystone box.
The scale is also engraved SBR (Spencer Browning & Rust) near the 50 degree mark, this indicates that this Octant was probably made by Spencer Browning & Rust who produced navigation instruments from 1784 to 1840 and Steele & Co Liverpool were probably the retailer.
ANTIQUE OCTANT.
A mid 19th century navigators Octant.
Unsigned brass 'T' frame design, trade label inside box for D. Mc GREGOR & Co, LIVERPOOL.
The scale is engraved from -5 degrees to 125 degrees and reading to 100 degrees. The index arm has swinging scale magnifier, the vernier scale reads from 0 to 10 seconds of arc.
Complete with two sighting telescopes, telescope sun filter and mirror adjusting pin, contained within its original mahogany box. Height: 9.75 inches / 25 cm, Radius: 7.5 inches / 19cm.
ANTIQUE OCTANT.
A mid 19th century navigators Octant. Unsigned brass 'T' frame design, indistinct trade label inside box.
The silver scale is engraved from -5 degrees to 115 degrees and reading to 98 degrees. The index arm has swinging scale magnifier, the silver vernier scale reads from 0 to 10 seconds of arc.
Complete with two sighting telescopes, telescope sun filter and mirror adjusting pin, contained within its original mahogany box with lock key.
Height: 9.5 inches / 24 cm, Radius: 7.5 inches / 19cm.
ANTIQUE OCTANT
Antique Navigators Octant.
Made by H.Selfe, Poole with applied ivory makers plate. Ebony frame with brass fittings and ivory scales. 10 inch / 25 cm radius Complete with original keystone box.
THIS ITEM HAS BEEN SOLD.