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RARE OCTANT SPENCER BROWNING & RUST COMPLETE
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RARE OCTANT SPENCER BROWNING & RUST COMPLETE
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A Maritime Rarity. Octant with Provenance. 100% ORIGINAL PARTS This is a offering of an ebony and ivory octant manufactured by Spencer Browning & Rust London probably between the years of 1800 and 1845. With the exception of the ivory pencil this octant is complete. It has the back site, dual peep (1/200) mirrors in outstanding condition, big mirror in excellent condition, the little shutter, and the ivory scratch pad. The filters are good and the octant is 100% original parts with all three legs and step up box. I am not an expert in maritime antiques and I have not made any attempt to clean or restore this magnificent piece of navigational history. It was collected by a distant relative in 1920 and has been in storage ever since. The piece of paper inside the box states that it is a 'sextant' from the ship California wrecked January 12 1857 on Black Ledge Cohassett ( Massachusetts ). I have not been able to verify this information - but it is suspect since it is described incorrectly as a sextant. This note is in my uncle's handwriting. HOWEVER if one looks closely - t is a penciled - badly spelled note (in unfamiliar script to me) on the wood inside the box that gives the same ship ID information ' Ship California recked January 12, 1857 Black Lege Cohasset' . Also inside the box is the label Samuel Emery, Mathematical Instruments Maker, Water Street Salem . Orders gratefully received and punctually executed' . T are scribbled notes of navigational data on this label. T is also the name 'Thomas Goos' hand written in pencil with some additional notes I cannot read. Inscribed on the ivory manufacturers label are the initials J.P. The oak box still has the original green paint. I'm not sure if the hardware for the case is complete. While t is no key t the original face plate is loose inside the box and it certainly can be restored. This octant is potentially a museum piece especially if the provenance can be verified which shouldn't be too difficult with the information provided and the knowledge of historians. It is extraordinary, fascinating instrument - and I am saddened to part with it - however I must acknowledge its chances of surviving into the future improve if taken into the care of expert hands. This really should go to a place w it can - not only cared for but shared among maritime historians. Since this is such a remarkable piece prefer to consult the winning buyer should t be one. However, please be advised I will only ship fully insured by special carrier such as Federal Express or UPS with a tracking number. I will ship overseas. T his octant was appraised several years ago and its value declared as being between 1200 and 1600. It is very likely the value has appreciated over the interim years. If t is a winning bidder - you will be a very lucky and fortunate person. You will not regret the purchase. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or if you wish to see photographs of additional details that I may have overlooked. BID WITH CONFIDENCE SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
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