1760 Antique Maritime Octant/Sextant Mahogany/Boxwoo (09/16/2011)...

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1760 Antique Maritime Octant/Sextant Mahogany/Boxwood George Adams/Hadley London

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1760 Antique Maritime Octant/Sextant Mahogany/Boxwood George Adams/Hadley London

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Sold Date: 09/16/2011
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Tools

Antique Mahogany Octant
Hadley / George Adams Type

From a local estate, this antique octant is in strong, stable condition with no visible repairs but is missing many of its original brass parts and has some damage to the wood.

Many of the details on this item indicate that it is probably made by George Adams of London and is an early example from around 1750-60. The fact that is is made of mahogany and boxwood rather than ebony and ivory is one of the indicators of its age.

Unfortunately it is missing the original name plate and has no other inscriptions on it that would definitively indicate a maker.

Also, the calligraphic markings and numbers on the scale, the scrolled ends of the bow and the type of joinery are of a style and quality identical to known examples of Adams' octants from around 1760.

Please See: http://www./collections/explore/object.cfm?ID=NAV1252&picture=4

The index arm is mahogany with a brass readout end that has a very dark patina and the locking screw is missing.
It measures 17 inches across the bow and 19 inches high.

More on condition:
The remaining mirror has a small amount of it's original mercury guilding.
The top pivot joint on the index arm has a missing chip of wood, probable missing brass j oint end cap (disk) and a questionable brass screw inserted.
There are two 1.25 inch circular marks on the wood that appear to have been made by a compass.

Many other metal parts are missing including the main (largest) mirror. Please have a good look at the photos because I am not enough of an expert to inventory the missing parts.

The solid condition of this octant makes it well worth restoring and it is in "as found" condition with the dust from the old wood shop it was kept in.

Please don't hesitate to ask specific questions about this item. I will be available to take closeup photos/ measurements of specific areas on request.

Don't hesitate to make an offer! I sell most of my items by "Best Offer" format and usually accept lower (and lower) offers over time.

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