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octant

  • Images (3)

octant

Date: 1860-1880
Inventory Number: 5247
Classification: Octant
Subject:
astronomy, navigation,
Maker: Thomas L. Ainsley (fl. 1858 - 1886)
Repaired by: Newton Brothers (fl. 1870 - 1910)
Cultural Region:
England,
Place of Origin:
Hull, South Shields,
Dimensions:
28 x 23 x 26 cm (11 x 9 1/16 x 10 1/4 in.)
box: 8 x 28 x 30 cm (3 1/8 x 11 x 11 13/16 in.)
From tip to tip / cord of: 23 cm (9 1/16 in.)
Index arm to Vernier scale: 26 cm (10 1/4 in.)
top of instrument to bottom of instrument: 28 cm (11 in.)
Material:
ivory, ebony, brass,
Accessories: box
Description:
This octant has a T-form, ebony frame and a curved crossbow with an inlaid ivory name plate. There is a reinforced brass index arm with an ivory vernier scale. The limb has an ivory scale divided -4° - 108° every 20', with the vernier divided 0-20' every 1'.

It has an adjustable index mirror with three square shades, as well as an adjustable horizon glass operated by a tangential rack and pinion thumb screw which moves a small plate. The front sight is a plain pinhole with a cover; the back sight has two pinholes and a cover. There is a slow-motion tangent screw and clamp on the index arm. The instrument has feet.

With keystone case.
Signedstamped on ivory nameplate: T. L. AINSLEY / South Shields

on tradecard in case: NEWTON BROTHERS / .../ II, Prince's Dock Walls, Hull.
ProvenancePresented by David P. Wheatland, 1977.

Bought from Roux Devilla, 7-27-66.
Related WorksM.V. Brewington, The Peabody Museum Collection of Navigational Instruments (Salem, M.A.: Peabody Museum, 1963), 117.

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