There is a common received opinion that if the lodestone be rubbed over with garlick or onions that it will obstruct the virtue thereof; or if a knife being touched upon the lodestone and afterwards cut an onion or garlick it will immediately lose its virtue. This conceit hath also been countenanced by the Ancients, but if you are pleased to make a trial you will find it to be but a mere fallacy. It is also false that the diamond doth hinder the virtue of it while it is near it. (John Seller, Practical Navigation, 1694)

FINE BRASS-BOUND LODESTONE, c. late 17th century, measuring 4-1/4" (11 cm) tall including suspension ring, the ends scratch-labeled "N" and "S." This dramatic lodestone has a naturally magnetic irregular "chunk" of magnetite, clearly visible within the two horizontal brass straps which conform to the shape of the stone. Mounted to the upper strap is a U-shaped strap with suspension ring, acting as a sort of "gimbal" mounting permitting the stone to swivel in two directions and thus find its own vertical. There are iron pole pieces, again well-shaped to conform to the natural shape of the stone, in order to concentrate the field strength. Condition is very fine, noting a bit of oxidation to the iron. It retains a low degree of magnetization.

This is a handsome lodestone, "powerful" in making very visible the combination of nature's and man¹s inventiveness. Rarely is the naturally shaped stone so apparent within the metal casing. It may be compared with an encapsulated example (Tesseract Catalogue 100 Item 77), and with a large partially hand-shaped one (97/30). (10203) $6500.

REMARKABLE IN-LINE DOUBLE-REFLECTING MINIATURE QUINTANT, English, c. 1830, beautifully signed "Thomas Jones, 62 Charing Cross, London," and stamped twice on the case "Hudson & Son, Greenwich." This diminutive sextant is constructed of clear lacquered and chemically darkened brass, 4-1/4" (11 cm) overall with a scale radius of just under 3". It is shaped as a quarter-circle, with scale useable from -5° to 148° (and thus covering the 2 x 72° = 144° necessary for a quintant). The rotating index arm carries vernier reading to one-tenth degree, clamp-screw, and quite large mirror silvered but for a clear glass rectangular window within. To one side is a slit sighting vane, to the other a half-silvered "horizon" mirror. The frame is fitted with three legs and a hinged brass handle (which is pierced, probably to save weight). Condition is very fine with its fitted wood case.

In use one sees straight ahead through the unsilvered portions of the two mirrors, and sees simultaneously the doubly-reflected image of the target. It is an ingenious layout, "surprisingly easy to use and makes a very good visual presentation of the sight" (p. 131 in Taking the Stars by Ifland, who illustrates a similar but unsigned example). It can be compared with the extraordinary in-line instrument of Amado Laguna (Tesseract Catalogue 101 Item 22) and with the equally ingenious (and rare) single mirror altitude quadrant of Thomas Jones (94/22).

This well-known maker, who advertised as "Pupil of Ramsden," had the present address from 1816 to 1850. The later retailer Hudson & Son is recorded in Greenwich in the late 19th century. (10193) $4500.

LARGE EARLY OCTANT WITH SOLID BOXWOOD SCALE ARM, American or English, c.1750-1760. Framed in mahogany (or rosewood), with boxwood scale arm 1/2" thick, the octant measures 20" (51 cm) overall. It is equipped with wooden index arm ending in brass "line of faith" reading against transversal scale, and inset blank name plate of boxwood. There are two mirrors, set of three filters (one cracked) interchangeable between horizon and index positions, double peep with pivoting cover, and remains of the backsight assembly. On the reverse are fine brass assemblies for adjustment of horizon and backsight mirror mounts, plus pegged wood feet, this a very early form. The shaped boxwood scale arm (reminiscent of that of a backstaff) is spliced in the center, divided 0° to 90° by thirds, with transversal scale reading to two arcminutes, and zenith distance scale running in reverse. Condition of the instrument is generally fine, noting some chips to the wood frame, and one replaced screw. Included is the lower half of the shaped case.

Construction and layout are very similar to two octants in the Peabody Museum Collection (M1034 and M9270), one of those signed in 1755 by John Dupee (b.1729), important early American instrument maker of Boston. The present octant may well be one one of the very earliest surviving American examples (see D. Warner's inventory in Rittenhouse 3, pp. 89-112). Alternatively, we find similarities to early period English octants, in particular with inclusion of the zenith distance scale found so often on Benjamin Cole's instruments (and see that by John Gilbert, Item 24 in Tesseract Catalogue 61). (10213) $6500.

COMPASS PLOTTING RULE WITH MAGNETIC DEVIATION, English, c. early 19th century, the 15-1/4" (39 cm) long ebony parallel rule with twin brass linkages for parallel motion, rotatable brass compass rose divided to 128ths and readable against an inset ivory line-of-faith, rotatable and clampable brass square with linear edge divisions and central 4 x 90° scale similarly readable, plus inset bone or ivory notepad marked "V(ariation) of C(ompass), Local Deviation" and with fields for 16 principal compass directions. Condition is very fine noting one small edge nick.

This is a versatile rule permitting direct migration of any compass heading complete with correction for magnetic deviation. We are struck by the variety of designs for parallel rules used in navigation and drafting (cf. the lifting right angle one Tesseract Catalogue 94 Item 40, etc.) It would make for an interesting collection and study. (10163) $1350.

SUB-MINIATURE FULLY-FUNCTIONAL SEXTANT, English, c. second quarter 19th century, beautifully signed "Watkins & Hill, London." With a scale radius of only 2" (5 cm) and an overall height of 2-5/8", the sextant can be essentially concealed within one's hand. Despite the size it is fully functional and operational with the human grip and human eye. It is equipped with peepsight, twin mirrors, swing-away red index filter, and turned ivory handle. The index mirror alignment is adjustable by four screws to its mount, the horizon mirror by a mounting screw and a thumbscrew beneath. There is a slot probably for an auxiliary horizon filter, not present. The scale is divided directly on the brass, every degree from -4° to +145°, and is numbered every 10° upside down (for convenient readout when held in the right hand). The index arm has a three-arcminute vernier divided on the canted brass end, an adjustable scale magnifier, and a little push knob. Condition is very fine throughout, with no noticeable wear. We note that the handle has a hairline age crack, and that much of the original lacquer remains.

This is a splendid example of an eminently portable functional sub-miniature of the classic form of navigational sextant. The partnership of Francis Watkins and William Hill was in business from c. 1819 to 1856, as optical, philosophical, and mathematical instrument makers. They produced the full range of such instruments, and of very high quality craftsmanship. (9179) $4500.

A CROWN OF A CAPTAIN¹S COMPASS -- A DUTCH TELL-TALE UPSIDE-DOWN COMPASS, c. 1790, signed on the printed card "J.M. Kleman Fecit, Amsteldam." The 6-5/8" (17 cm) diameter glazed compass bowl would be suspended upside down over the Captain's bunk. The pivot is set in the glass, and the approximately hemispherical brass bowl is set with a crown-like floral (bronzed-metal?) casting, and with a gimbaled suspension mounting and large integral wood screw. The compass dry card is printed with a fine 32-point rose with floral decoration leading to a fleur-de-lys north point. The card is laid over a rigid mica sheet for stability, and backed with an identical but hand colored card. The flat bar needle is attached by pins at the ends, and by glued paper splints. Sections of card glued near one end probably serve to balance the needle. The conical brass hub is set with an agate pivot. Condition is fine throughout noting some old apparent repairs to the rather soft decorative casting. The assembly is rather heavy (perhaps to dampen its motion?) weighing 4.7 pounds in total.

The maker, Jan Marten Kleman (1758 - 1845) formed a major instrument making firm in 18th century Amsterdam, earning the title "Royal Instrument Maker." He specialized in nautical instruments (e.g., the rare pleinschaal navigation rule, our Tesseract Catalogue 94 Item 32), but also provided standard measures, etc. The present instrument is unusual for the signature of him alone, presumably not yet into partnership with his son as "J.M. Kleman & Zoon", starting 1809 -- see ter Kuile and Mörzer Bruyns, 1999, Amsterdamse kompasmakers ca 1580 - ca 1850. Also notable is the earlier "Amsteldam" spelling, coming from the city¹s origin at a dike at the mouth of the river Amstel.

Other crowned tell-tale compasses exist, coming from Northern European countries. We note Danish and Swedish examples, and Schück (1915) illustrates German ones from Altona, Rensburg, and Berlin. Some are topped with a cross, and some have a lower glass bowl rather than glass plate. Here we have a very rare Dutch example. (9169) $9800.

U.S. NAVY TELESCOPIC STADIMETER, American, c. 1942, signed on plaques "Schick, Inc., Stamford, Conn." and "U.S. Navy-Bu. Ships, #2244 - 1942," and "Repaired by Boston Naval Shipyard." This elaborate distance measuring device, 10-3/4" (27 cm) overall, is made of brass with black crinkle, clear lacquer, and plated finishes, with a shaped mahogany handle. It works something like a sextant but limited to small angular separations, and with readout directly in distance rather than in angle. One sets the size of a known object (ship height or length, e.g.) on one scale (from 50 to 200 feet), and turns a calibrated micrometer knob until coincident images give the distance away in yards (from 200 to infinity). It is a rather sophisticated form of distance ranger, in fine condition, equipped with three legs, twin mirrors, spare mirror, scale magnifier, large-light-gathering-power telescope, and original fitted mahogany case. This is a very good example of the innovative form developed in the 1890¹s by Lieutenant Bradley Allen Fiske. (9178) $495.

THE ULTIMATE IN DECORATION ON ALUMINUM -- ENGLISH BINOCULARS FOR THE CHINESE MARKET, c. 1870, signed "Callaghan, 23A New Bond St., corner of Conduit St., London; Made for Lapraik, Hongkong." Measuring 4" (10 cm) long (closed), the binoculars extend to 5-1/2" by geared center focus and sliding sunshades. Every square millimeter seems covered with abundant floral and geometric decoration. Condition is very fine and functional, giving excellent images.

The maker was the optician William Callaghan (probably the elder, his son of the same name taking over the firm in 1875). In 1866, Callaghan was advertising "The New Derby Race Glass," as well as "Opera, Race, and Field Glasses made by Voigtländer," and further "The New Aluminum Race Glasses, though of the largest size, weigh but a few ounces. Patronized by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke of Cambridge, and the elite of the Jockey Club."

The inscription explains that this pair was made expressly for the Lapraik firm. Their watch and chronometer business was founded in Hong Kong c. 1845, by the Scotsman Douglas Lapraik (1818 - 1869), and evolved into a group of enterprises including mercantile, steamboat running, banking, dock properties, etc. A successor firm now has 220,000 employees!

Metallic aluminum was first isolated in 1825, and was not available in significant quantities until the last decade of the century. Here we have a splendid early example, with the epitome of decorative craftsmanship. (10191) $1200.

REMARKABLE POCKET DISK -- A TRAVERSE BOARD?, NOCTURNAL?, SAILOR¹S AIDE MEMOIRE?, English, 1853, inscribed "Ivory Coast, Bristol, 1853," and with an anchor design. The substantial hard disk is 3" (75 mm) in diameter and 9/16² (14 mm) thick. The 360° circumference is divided by 24 notches, more-or-less every 15° or every hour of the day. There is an outer circle of 16 holes, presumably for pegs, and thus forming a 16-point compass rose. This circle is somewhat wide and highlighted with scrimshawed hachuring; it is further inscribed with an octagon and a square. Three packets of approximately eight lines radiate from points on the edge and on the circle (two of these seemingly from North and East points), and there are two subdivided circular arcs centered on the large central hole. Finally there are two irregular paths which cross the disk, one being a sequence of drilled holes, possibly for use with marker pegs but notably in the shape of the Big Dipper, and with its two end "pointer" stars aligned with the North point. Condition is excellent. Provenance: Harriet Wynter.

This may be a unique sort of pocket traverse board, also unique in being designed for a specific oceanic route. Bristol had the second largest English port, after London, and was a major center for trade in the Atlantic. Bristol-fitted ships became very important for the slave trade, carrying, through the 18th century, an estimated 500,000 Africans from West Africa to the Caribbean and the Americas. This was part of the "triangular trade," the ships bearing manufactured goods (including brass wares, glassware, gun powder) to Africa on the "outward passage," then slaves on the westward "middle passage," finally raw materials (sugar, tobacco, etc.) from the New World back to England on the "return passage." Perhaps the present rather mysterious device records the requisite ship's course for the outward passage from Bristol. Rare and important. (9354) $9500.

 

THE MESSUM NAUTICAL PROTRACTOR, English, c.1910, signed "Cary, London, Regd. No. 475601." Made of thermoplastic or heavy celluloid, 7" overall, the protractor is engraved on both sides with numerous scales in black and red. Included are a "Masthead Angle Table" and a "Tide Scale For 6 Hr. Tide." The inventor was apparently Cmdr. Stuart V.S.C. Messum, author of Hydrographic Surveying in 1910. Messum does discuss various scales and designs of protractors, as well as the practicality of surveying by measuring the angular height of the top of a ship's mast above water line. He also devotes many pages to tidal calculations. A rare mathematical instrument, with complex calibrations, in fine condition. (9394) $495.

FINELY BOUND IRREGULAR LODESTONE, engraved "N" and "S" at the two poles. Measuring 2-1/4" x 2-3/4" x 2" (6 x 7 x 5 cm) overall, the brass is beautifully shaped to accommodate the natural form of the stone. It features large iron plates to concentrate the force, and a swiveling brass suspension ring. Constructed with a type of naturally magnetic magnetite stone, it dates 17th / 18th century, in very fine condition, retaining noticeable magnetism. Such mounting and assembly was often done in Western Europe, the stone itself coming from Eastern Europe or Russia. The lodestone was of course essential for the early navigator, to apply and then restore as necessary the magnetism of his compass needle, without which he would be literally lost. (9014) $6500.

SIGHTING QUADRANT, English, c. early 19th century. This all-brass instrument stands 6-1/4" (16 cm) tall, with cross-hair equipped sighting tube moving in altitude over the 0(1)90 degree quadrant, and swinging freely in azimuth on the short pillar mount. Sighting horizontally the scale reads 0°; vertically, 90°. Thus we have a straightforward astronomical quadrant measuring angular altitudes of celestial bodies as well as topographic features, buildings, etc. But a small scale, with index pointer, on the reverse tells a further story, and speaks of probable maritime use. Covering altitudes of less than 8°, this scale is divided from 500 yards to 2000 yards and beyond. The 500 yard mark corresponds to about 7.°25, which is the angular height of an object about 190 feet tall, at that distance. Few things on land have such a typical height but it is a reasonable estimate for the mast heights of the tallest sailing ships. For example, we find in 1830 the 1300 ton merchant ship had a main mast of 179 feet. Contained in a somewhat stained simple pine box, this unusual instrument is in very fine condition. (10192) $1350.

LARGE ELEGANT SCISSOR-HINGE PARALLEL RULE, English, 18th century. This lovely mixed-material rule is constructed of a dense tropical wood, finely shaped and pierced brass linkage, and ivory edge rails, one beveled down and one elevated. It is a full 12" (30 cm) long, and expands to 6-1/2" (16.5 cm) high using the two brass knobs. There is no right or left shift thanks to the scissor linkage with two ends riding in slots. Condition is fine noting light wear. The size is remarkable for this form, most 18th century scissor rules being approximately 6" long. We have had one other large one by Thomas Wright, c. 1735 (Tesseract Catalogue 87 item 28), plus an all-brass one by Jeremiah Watkins c. 1800 (Tesseract Catalogue 96 item 16). (10211) $2950.

 

JENKIN'S "PATENT MAGNETIC COMPASS BEARING PROTRACTOR AND COMPASS COURSE FINDER," English, late 19th century, unsigned. Made of plated brass with an 11-1/2" (29 cm) long clampable brass index arm, this multipurpose navigational charting instrument has a divided square and calibrated clampable circle with compass headings and degree scale. We have seen an original instructional sheet and testimonials, indicating that the principal advantage of this instrument to the navigator is the ability to apply the compass error (variation and deviation combined) to "any Bearings he may wish to take before they are actually taken, and this entirely does away with the chance of applying the Error the wrong way, a not uncommon mistake." A most uncommon instrument, very fine, with the original mahogany box. (9384) $650.

GOOD AMERICAN SEXTANT OUTFIT, c, 1850, signed on the arc "E. & G.W. Blunt, New York." With its sturdy 1/2" thick lattice frame, the sextant measures 11" (28 cm) across at its widest point, and has a 9-1/4" (23 cm) long index arm. Constructed of blackened brass, it is fitted with shaped mahogany handle, three shaped brass legs, two mirrors, seven swing-away filters, index arm clamp and long tangent screw, scale diffuser, swing-away scale magnifier, and adjustable telescope mount. The inlaid silver scale is divided every 10 arcminutes, with silver vernier reading to ten arcseconds(!) The outfit includes lacquered brass sighting tube and square mahogany carrying case, but no other accessories. Condition is very fine.

Edmund and George Blunt were in partnership in New York 1824 - 1866, as foremost American suppliers of navigation instruments, designing their own dividing engine, publishing a nautical almanac, etc. They advertised that "American ships may be navigated by American made instruments," in particular with their own sextants and quadrants. Two other Blunt brass sextants are recorded in Warner's inventory (Rittenhouse 3, 86-112), both in museum collections. She found a total of only 12 surviving American brass sextants, all makers included! (10201) $2500.

FINELY SHAPED SINGLE-HANDED CHART DIVIDERS, European, c. 17th century. Made of two pieces of iron, hand wrought and filed, decoratively cut and riveted together, these early navigator's dividers measure 7-1/2" (19 cm) overall. They are most attractive, with thin legs topped by zig-zag cut decoration, and extraordinary waviform head. Condition is fine noting overall light oxidation. A very special early example. (10202) $950.

THE HAY / STEBBING DIRECT SIGHTING STATION POINTER OUTFIT, English, c.1865, signed "Invented by Com'r. Hay R.N. & J.R. Stebbing F.R.A.S. Southampton, No. 514" and with an 1862 registration mark. This multipurpose instrument is constructed of brass and boxwood, 12-1/2" (32 cm) overall. An adjustable sight vane is mounted above three pointer arms, on a semicircular protractor and 12" rule. Accessories include a centerpoint / plumb support interchangeable with the sight vane, a hold-down screw, and a curious brass cone and brass bar. It is an unusual navigation outfit in fine condition in the original wood case. One of the inventors was presumably Joseph Rankin Stebbing, optician and instrument maker of 47 High St., and mayor of Southampton in 1867. (9084) $1950.

EIGHTEENTH CENTURY TELL-TALE COMPASS, French, c. 1763, signed on the marvelous floating compass card "Se vend chez J. Perre Maître Poulieur & Faiseur de Compas à Dunkerque 1763" ("For sale by J. Perre, Master Pulley-Maker and Compass-Maker in Dunkirk, 1763") and "Gravé par Brochery." The 5" (12.5 cm ) diameter printed card is pinned to a bar-shaped needle, and held secure with red sealing wax. Additional wax was applied to the rear to level the card. There is printed a circumferential degree scale, plus a 32-point rose with a sort of floral cross to the East, and large fleur-de-lys North. Principal directionals depict three faces blowing the E, W, and S winds, separated by four charming vignettes of hands holding chart dividers, square, rule, and writing instruments. A brass pivot cap is centered on a heraldic device topped by a crown which is designed like that of the French King, surmounted by one fleur-de-lys and showing five others around the sides. The card floats within a 6" (15 cm) diameter cylindrical brass bowl with white-painted interior and glazed lid with long pivot stem. The bowl hangs in gimbals with shaped support arm, and is designed to be mounted upside-down where it can be read by the skipper while in his bed or at the chart table. Condition is fine, the brass uniformly dark with age, the card with light stains.

This is a good example of ³tell-tale² compass, used below deck to assure the correct route was followed. The compass card is very special, being dated, doubly signed, and bearing these fine vignettes. Marcelin records J. Perre's name on a tell-tale compass rose in the Maritime Museum in Dunkirk. (9044) $3800.

EXCEPTIONAL DIRECT-PLOTTING SEXTANT, Austrian, c.1840, signed "C.E. Kraft in Wien." This lovely sextant measures 5-3/4" tall and 6" (15 cm) wide overall, of clear lacquered brass with blued steel screws and shaped wood handle. It is fitted with clampable index arm and mirror, half-silvered horizon mirror rotatable by thumbscrew below, and sighting tube. The angular scale is divided directly on the brass, every degree from 0 to 140 (but useable only to 122° making this a true sextant); readout is against a spring-loaded screw-adjustable vernier on the index arm, divided every four arcminutes. This fine little sextant has an added direct-plotting feature, with a fixed shaped steel tip on the body corresponding to the 0° position, and a similar tip on the index arm. Condition is excellent, near new throughout.

With this instrument any angular separation can be immediately plotted as a distance on chart paper. The conversion is in fact quite simple; at 45° the points are exactly 5 cm apart, and at 90°, 10 cm. We have seen a few other sextants with this feature, noting a similar one by Kraft but with a different vernier geometry (Bennett, 1987, The Divided Circle, Fig. 99), one by Lenoir of Paris, and one by Brander and Höschel (Kern, 2010, vol. 3, item 143). The quality of workmanship and finish is like that of Pister and Martins in Berlin (see Tesseract Catalogue 94 Item 25). Carol Eduard Kraft established his instrument workshop in Vienna in 1823, and is listed in directories through mid-century. He followed in the fine traditions of craftsmanship of Voigtländer and of Starke. (10222) $3500.

THE PLAIN QUADRANT, English, mid-18th century, made of finely-grained boxwood in the form of a quarter circle, 6" (15 cm) in radius and 9/32" (7mm) thick. The borders are ruled, and the arc is divided every degree from 0 to 90, with calibrations every 10° and intermediate 5° positions marked with triple-dot patterns. The quarter circle's center is pierced with a hole for supporting a string and plumb bob (not present). Condition is very fine throughout. Sometimes referred to as a "mariner's" or "plain" quadrant, this form is useful for simple measurement of solar or stellar altitudes. The angular altitude of the pole star, or the midday sun, leads directly to one's latitude. The plain quadrant also can serve for simple inclination measurements, e.g., in construction, surveying, gunnery, etc. (9176) $1950.

DUTCH PLEINSCHAAL NAVIGATION RULE, first half 19th century, signed "JMK & Zn" (for J.M. Kleman and Son), made of fine boxwood 13-1/2" (34 cm) long. The rule is hand divided and punched with numerous scales, and has six little inset brass studs for use with dividers. One side has a straightforward linear scale of equal parts, running from 0 to 9 in units of approximately 2.2 cm, and with single and double transversal interpolation grids at each end. The other side has three groupings (for three chart scales) of gridded nonlinear scales of Sines and Chords ("H" and "C" in Dutch). Each grid is cut by transversals, and runs 0°-90° vertically, and 0°-10° horizontally. Thus one can pick off immediately with dividers the Sine (or Chord) value for any integral number of degrees. Alongside each grid are vertical axes of hours ("U," running 0-6 and based on 24 hours as 360°) and of compass points or rhumbs ("S," running 0-8 based on a 32-point compass rose). Condition is fine with minor nicks and stains, and a beautiful warm patina.

This is a form of the Plain-Scale or Plane-Scale, important for navigation and required equipment on Dutch East India Company ships. Its existence, design and use has been clarified recently by Otto Van Poelje (see Journal of the Oughtred Society, 2004), who finds only a handful have survived. In a 2011 paper Van Poelje treats, in detail, a rule sensibly identical to the present example, and by the same maker, the well-known instrument making firm of J.M. Kleman and Son, active under this name from 1809 - 1859. (9324) $3950.

BOX SEXTANT OUTFIT WITH GIMBALLED ARTIFICIAL HORIZON MIRROR, English, c.1820, signed "Simms, London." The 2-3/4" (7 cm) diameter brass sextant is complete with inlaid silver scale and one-arcminute vernier, scale magnifier, geared index arm, mirror adjusting tool, peepsight, single draw telescope, two swing-away filters, and screw-on handle/cover. The cover is engraved with tables of tangents and arctangents. The original fitted mahogany case contains a weighted plane mirror in double gimbal rings, which sets up on folding supports in the case top. This is a novel approach to providing a perfectly horizontal reflecting surface; in use one measures the angular distance from a star, the sun, or even a coastal landmark, to its reflection in the mirror. Half this will be the altitude of the object, determined without reference to the horizon itself, which may be obscured by haze, etc. Condition is very fine throughout. This is one of the few known instruments produced by a member of the Simms family of nautical and mathematical instrument makers. Made prior to William (II)¹s partnership with Edward Troughton beginning in 1826, it is the only example of this unusual design we have come across. (8220) $4500.

 

ENGLISH AZIMUTH COMPASS, late 18th century, signed "Bradford" on the elegant fleur-de-lys north point, and "Made by I. Bradford, Wapping Old Stairs, London" around the center of the floating dry card. The large gimbaled compass bowl is made of brass 7-1/4" (18 cm) in diameter, weighted with lead and mounted in its apparently original 10² (25 cm) square wood box. Brass sight vanes, 3-1/2" tall, dovetail into place on opposite sides of the glazed bowl lid. The dry card is printed with a fine 32-point rose with decorative North and East points, and a circumferential degree scale. It is mounted with a long bar needle and brass hub, held together with red sealing wax as usual (some of the wax impressed with the maker¹s fingerprints!). The card is laminated, for stiffness, probably with mica, and with an underneath card which had been printed with an announcement, now partly readable and mysterious.... Condition is fine, the brass now a uniform dark brown.

The maker, Isaac Bradford, worked under his own name from 1794 to 1822, the present address apparently his earliest. He was succeeded by Bradford & Co., and then Bradford & Son (see Clifton). A good example of this important navigational instrument. (9134) $2400.

LARGE ELEGANT PARALLEL RULE, English, c. 1800, hand-engraved on the reverse "J. Watkins, Charing Crofs, London." This all brass rule is 12" (30 cm) wide, constructed with a massive scissor hinge elegantly shaped and pierced, designed with opposing slots which provide an offsetting parallel motion as the rule is opened. There are two small knobs for grasping, and both outer edges are beveled for precision in course marking and chart reading. Condition is good noting some stains and darkening, and minor nicks.

This is a fine example of an important tool of the early navigator. Jeremiah Watkins was a successor to the well-known Francis Watkins, and is recorded as working under his own name 1798 - 1810. He in turn was followed by Watkins & Hill, who were succeeded in the mid-19th century by Elliott Brothers, and then by English Electric in 1966. Jeremiah was thus an important early link in the two-century history of this succession of quality, innovative instrument manufacturies. (9166) $2400.

GOLD SCALE SEXTANT BY CARY, English, c. late 19th century, #3271. This elegant sextant is Cary's "partial double frame" design and has a splendid inset scale of gold, divided every ten arcminutes, with a silver vernier reading to ten arcseconds. The instrument has Reeves' endless tangent screw (an 1882 patent), the governmental broad arrow mark, the Hydrographic Office mark, and the repair mark of Cooke, Troughton & Simms. The scale radius is 8"; the overall height 10-1/2" (27 cm). The sextant is equipped with one telescope, four index filters, two horizon filters, scale magnifier, scale diffuser, index arm spirit level, and fine adjustment for horizon mirror. There is no case. Condition is fine, noting a couple of small dents.

This is a good example of the rigid but lightweight innovative design by the firm founded in the 18th century by William Cary. Special features here include the quick-release index arm clamp coupled with long tangent screw fine motion with precision readout, and the unusual little spirit level on the index arm, useful when the horizon is obscured or elevated. This sextant must have an interesting history, with its governmental service and documented 20th century repair. A very rare example of the top of the line gold scale on a navigational instrument. (9235) $3950.

FINE ENGLISH SPYGLASS, c. early 20th century, signed "Ross, London, No. 26235; Made for J. Gieve & Sons, Portsmouth." Opening from 17-1/2" to 25" (44 - 63 cm) by single drawtube and objective shade, the telescope has nickel-plated brass construction, with stitched leather binding to the main tube. It is complete with achromatic doublet objective, erecting eyepiece system, dust cover and dust slide. Condition is very fine giving fine images. The retailers had premises on High St. in Portsmouth, and are known for naval swords as well. (7246) $750.

COLLECTION OF EARLY ALL-BRASS DIVIDERS, Continental, 17th / 18th century. Ranging in height from 4" (10 cm) to an almost miniature 1-3/4" (4.4 cm), each of the three is handmade with three-leaf hinge, eight-sided bulbous head, hammered and hand-filed legs, notch decoration on both sides, and maker's punch mark on a leg exterior. The largest has a fine Angus Dei (Lamb of God) punch, the other two a six-spoked wheel. They may well have been crafted in Nuremberg -- Lockner records similar marks used by scale and weight makers. A fine collection, in good condition throughout. (9374) $1950./the collection.

FLAT DRUM SEXTANT, English, c. first half 19th century, constructed of brass, 4-1/4" (11 cm) in diameter and 1-5/8" (3.6 cm) thick, the interior with "wriggle-work" designs and fine clear lacquer finish, the exterior of chemically darkened brass. A geared index arm carries an internal mirror, and is set with a silver vernier divided to one arc-minute. This reads against the 0° - 122° inset silver scale. There is a scale magnifier on long arm, and separately insertable dark red index and horizon filters. The sextant cover can be screwed onto the opposite side to serve as handgrip, and to avoid loss. The instrument itself is quite handsome, and fully functional, but we note a crack and chips to the cover¹s threads, and some edge damage to the sextant surround. The interior lacquer finish is excellent, the exterior rubbed and worn.

This is an unusual form of pocket "box" sextant, considerably larger in diameter than most, and yet no thicker. It is similar to that described and illustrated in Adams'/Jones' Geometrical and Graphical Essays of the late 18th century (although here with interior rather than exterior rack work). For an Adams example see Tesseract Catalogue 38 Item 55. (9200) $1450.

A MINIATURE SOLID SILVER OCTANT, English, 1979, fully hallmarked for London sterling silver of 1979, and with maker's mark. The flat frame measures 5" (13 cm) tall. This diminutive, more-or-less functional "replica" of an 18th century octant has a peepsight, horizon mirror, hinged filter, and index mirror on moving arm. The scale is divided in zenith distance every degree from 90° to 0°, with transversal interpolation, and with readout against the index arm's line of faith which is sub-divided every 10 arcminutes. The arms display floral decor, and the center presents an unusual fish or sea monster. Quality is modest; condition is very fine. Although hardly an antique, at just over 30 years of age, this is nevertheless an amusing, solid silver honestly hallmarked piece which can demonstrate the principles of celestial altitude measurement and transversal interpolation. (9275) $595.

ARTIFICIAL HORIZON OUTFIT, English, c. 1900, contained in the original 8" x 4-1/2" x 1-3/4" (20 x 11 x 4 cm) fitted mahogany case, signed "Stanley, Great Turnstile, Holborn, London." The finely made brass cell, finished in beautifully contrasting chemically darkened and clear lacquered finishes, contains a flat dark glass and is mounted with three leveling screws. Also provided is a tubular glass spirit level, one side ground flat. Condition is excellent. With the spirit level set on the black glass plate, one levels the instrument very precisely by adjusting the three screws while repeatedly turning the level by 90°. Then with a sextant, for example, one can measure the angular altitude of a celestial body by measuring the angle between the body and its reflection in the mirror, and dividing the result by two. No knowledge or view of the horizon is required, an exceptional advantage when the horizon is obscured by low fog or haze, or mountains, etc. (9222) $795.

SIGNIFICANT PRESENTATION TELESCOPE IN SHEFFIELD SILVER, English, early 19th century, stamped on the first two drawtubes "Berge, London late Ramsden," and engraved around the objective mount "de M. Berge à M¹r. Emery dit hermély, 1822." The telescope opens from 7" to 20-3/4" (18 to 53 cm) with a mahogany maintube and three drawtubes and mounts of heavy silver over copper. It is fitted with a greenish triplet achromatic objective and erecting optical system giving fine images. Condition is very fine noting the eye cap replaced.

This telescope records an interesting history, having been made by Ramsden¹s successor, Matthew Berge, and presented to the famous Jean Marie Emery dit Herméley (1769 - 1850). The sailor and later lieutenant Emery (who went by the name Herméley) served under Georges Cadoudal in the underground chouanne army, as a Royalist, against the French Revolution. (9255) $2800.

LIGHTNING PROTECTION ON THE WATER, American, 1858, signed "Roswell W. Haskins, Buffalo, N.Y.," comprising the original model submitted to the U.S. Patent Office, as part of the application resulting in the granting of patent 20877, issued 13 July 1858. The model is made of wood, painted, and clad with brass sheeting in various places inside and out. Measuring 12" x 8-1/4" x 5" (30 x 21 x 13 cm), it is in the form of the stern portion of a ship, hollow, and with three open ports. Condition is good noting some scratches to the paint, a few fragments of wood missing, and darkening of the brass sheeting.

Haskins writes, in his application, "The nature of my invention relates to protecting vessels from lightning by means of lining all parts of the vessel above the water-line on the inside with metal, and making a proper connection thereof through the cabin-windows and other openings through the vessel to sheets of metal passing down the stern and sides of the vessel to the water." He argues that lightning at sea has perfect electrical conduction through the water, and that when a ship is struck the real danger occurs if there is a gap in the conductive path to the water. A massive spark will jump the gap, often setting fire to flammable cargo, etc. Thus he proposes lining the bases of the masts, the deck of the vessel (under the wood planking), the hatchway and window surrounds, and inside and outside of the vessel down to the water line, all with sheets of copper "so laid on and connected to each other as to form one entire sheet of perfect and uninterrupted conduction from the deck and sides of the vessel inside to the water on the outside."

A fine protection against the lightning danger to wooden ships, presented here in the unique model originally supplied, as required, to the U.S. Patent Office. (9284) $1450.

A SCOTTISH BOX SEXTANT WITH TANGENT SCREW FINE ADJUSTMENT, c. 1830, signed "Ramage, Aberdeen." The 3" (7.6 cm) diameter brass drum-shaped sextant has a removable cover that screws onto the back as handle. The finely crafted miniature sextant itself has inlaid silver scale and one-arcminute silver vernier, scale magnifier, swinging index arm and mirror with the most unusual feature of clamp and long tangent screw fine adjustment, insertable red and green filters, optional peephole or single drawtube telescope with screw-on solar filter, and mirror adjusting tool. Condition is very fine with original stitched leather outer case, noting case and cover with some wear. The sextant itself is beautiful with its original bright lacquer finish.

This is a fine example of the "snuff box" sextant, useful for exploration on land, navigation at sea especially on small craft or lifeboats, etc. But it is very special for having a precision long-screw fine adjustment to the index arm position. We know of another such instrument, in the National Maritime Museum, that with the same sort of raised quadrantal clamp plate, pierced with three holes, but signed "Adie, Edinburgh." (9191) $1450.