ANTIQUE OCTANT
Welcome to our selection of antique navigators Octant's
The navigators Octant preceded the design of the Sextant and it was invented by John Hadley and Thomas Godfrey simultaneously in 1731.
The Octant gets its name from the Latin word Octans because it is an eighth of a circle (45 degrees) and can measures angles of up to 90 degrees.
By 1780 the octant had almost completely replaced all previous navigational instruments and was half the size of a Davis Quadrant.
In the early days the instrument frames were made from wood, usually Ebony with Ivory scales, however in the later years of Octant production the frames were made from brass and the scales were either Ivory or silver.
Below is our selection of antique octants.
Click on the image to show more information and detail.
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.