Lot 318
Northwestern Europe, England, ca. early to mid-19th century CE. An ebony wood and brass nautical octant inlaid with engraved bovine bone plates, as well as the original wood storage case! This instrument was the precursor to the sextant and an invaluable celestial navigation instrument for 18th and 19th century sailors. This octant is outfitted with 3 glass shades - two red and one green, and 2 mirrors to reflect the light from the sun, moon, or stars, to measure altitudes between celestial objects and the horizon - up to ninety degrees. The octant was originally known as Hadley's quadrant, after the English inventor - the frame resembles a quadrant shape but contains a 45-degree arc which is only 1/8 of a circle - hence the name "octant." This is a very handsome piece of antique nautical equipment that would be a classic décor addition to a library or study. Size of octant: 11.25" L x 13.5" H (28.6 cm x 34.3 cm); case: 14" L x 13" W x 3.75" H (35.6 cm x 33 cm x 9.5 cm)
Ebony was the material of choice for nautical instruments- the wood was resistant to warping and expanding from temperature changes and humidity- which was crucial to maintain accurate readings. Bone was also used for similar reasons and was easier to engrave with the tiny scale markings and numbers. An early reflecting quadrant was designed by Isaac Newton; however, the description and drawing were not published until 1742- about 15 years after Newton's death. In 1730, two men developed the octant independently - English mathematician John Hadley and American glazier Thomas Godfrey- however due to the prominence of the London Royal Society at the time, Hadley is usually given greater credit in the octant's invention. The octant had a limited angle range of 90 degrees, and so the sextant - which could measure up to 120 degrees - was developed in the late 1760s. Despite the sextants superior range and accuracy - it was a larger and more expensive tool - so some navigators used both instruments - the octant for routine and day use- and the sextant only when necessary for lunar distance, conserving the tool for optimal performance.
Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection, purchased April 14, 2022; ex-Big Ship Salvage, Nautical Lighting & Décor, Milan, Ohio, USA
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#176053
- Condition: Small bone plate where the maker name was is a modern replacement. Original bone scale plate has a loss to one end as shown. Fissure and cracks in glass, and cloudy mirrors and lenses, but secure in frames. Stable pressure fissures to ebony frame, and some light green patina and toning to the brass. Overall great condition. Instrument not tested for functionality. Wooden case has surface wear, chips and abrasions, as expected with age and use. A 19th C. and a newer 20th paper label on interior lid as shown.
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