sextant with double scale
Datecirca 1809
Inventory Number5309
ClassificationSextant
Subject
Maker
Ebenezer Hoppé
fl. 1801 - 1821
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions34 × 30.5 × 12 cm (13 3/8 × 12 × 4 3/4 in.)
Material
AccessoriesOn 6/23/98, a telescope was found (1998-1-1412) that may belong to part of this sextant.
DescriptionSextant with a brass frame and a silver scale on arc, -2° to 144° marked to 15', with a vernier to 1'. There is a small arc to adjust the index mirror, a silver scale 120 to 0 to 120 marked to 20' with a vernier to 1'.
There is an adjustable telescope, two sets of shades, and a magnifier.
The index mirror is not mounted directly onto the reinforced brass index arm. Instead, a brass disc with the mirror side painted black lies between the index arm and mirror.
It has a fixed wooden handle.
There is an adjustable telescope, two sets of shades, and a magnifier.
The index mirror is not mounted directly onto the reinforced brass index arm. Instead, a brass disc with the mirror side painted black lies between the index arm and mirror.
It has a fixed wooden handle.
Signedunsigned
Inscribedwritten on sticker on handle: 10-2-4
number stamp on frame: 9 19
painted on frame: 910
FunctionA video demonstration of a sextant was produced by the Harvard Museums of Science and Culture in association with the 2015 exhibit “Finding Our Way: Exploring Human Navigation” and is available on YouTube here.
ProvenanceJefferson Physical Laboratory, Harvard University; transferred to CHSI May 1948.
Historical AttributesPurchased circa 1810 for physics apparatus.
Hoppe wrote to Thomas Jefferson in 1804, enclosing pamphlets and stating that his new design improved determination of the longitude. (http://rotunda.upress.virginia.edu/founders/default.xqy?keys=FOEA-print-04-01-02-0095)
Riggs & Brother
Date: 1820-1840
Accessories: keystone mahogany box, telescope, eyepiece shade
Object number: 5245
Benjamin Messer
Date: 1800-1820
Accessories: Keystone mahogany box, telescope
Object number: 5310
Heath & Company, Ltd.
Date: 1875-1890
Accessories: 7 1/8" telescope, 3 1/4" shade tube, 3 1/4" telescope, eyepiece shade, and mahogany box. with "4" on lid and "H" on front
Object number: 5311
George Whitbread
Date: 1828-1844
Accessories: Mahogany keystone box, telescopes (3), sight tube (1), adjustment tool, tube
Object number: 5307
William Gerrard
Date: 1862-1890
Accessories: rectangular mahogany box, telescopes (2), sight tube, eyepiece shade, eyepiece
Object number: 5263
William Elliott & Sons
Date: 1850-1853
Accessories: case, telescope
Object number: DW0318
Legey
Date: circa 1838
Accessories: shades with double tabs (4); shades with single tab (4); screwdriver and square key.
Object number: 5268
Peter A. Feathers
Date: 1842-1874
Accessories: Square mahogany box, one shade tube (8.4 cm), one erecting telescope (8.3 cm), and one inverting telescope (18.3 cm) with four crosshairs, one pin tool
Object number: 5333
See also/See also
