Images(3)

octant

Date1783

Inventory Number5246

ClassificationOctant

Subject

Maker John Leverton fl. 1761 - 1787

Owner William Tyler fl. 1783

Cultural Region

Place of Origin

Dimensionsoctant: 43.1 × 37.1 × 8 cm (16 15/16 × 14 5/8 × 3 1/8 in.)
case: 5 × 45.5 × 40.8 cm (1 15/16 × 17 15/16 × 16 1/16 in.)

Material

Accessoriesbox

DescriptionThis is a large early octant with a traditional T-form mahogany or rosewood frame, an ivory name plate, and ivory memo plate on the rear. The wooden index arm isreinforced with brass plating at the end. At one time it was broken and mended. The radius is 15.75". The limb carries an ivory scale divided from -5° to 95°, divided every 20' and the ivory vernier is divided 10-0-10 every 1'. The ivory scale is loose. The instrument has a plain pinhole sight with two apertures and a rotating cover, 3 index shades, 2 horizon glasses with screw adjustments, a plain back sight, and three brass feet. The pencil is missing.

Keystone box is missing lid. It was at one time painted green.

The box holds a receipt for duty paid at the Port of New York in 1962 by David P. Wheatland. Some auction tags are still on the instrument.

Signedstamped on ivory name plate: . Leverton . Liverpool . / . Wm . Tyler . 1783 .

Curatorial RemarksBureau of Customs (U.S.) form dated 1/13/62 and fragment of trade label "St. Lazare" loose in box. 6/28/11--tradecard fragment not found in box. Might be in file.

FunctionMeasuring the altitude of celestial bodies for navigation and location.

ProvenanceSir John Ritchie Findlay until his death, 1930. David Wheatland purchased from Sotheby's, London, December 4, 1961 (lot 35), via Ernst Weil. Donated to CHSI April 1977.