SEXTANT by SPENCER- BARRETT with KEYSTONE CASE mid 1800

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SEXTANT by SPENCER- BARRETT with KEYSTONE CASE mid 1800

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Sold Date: 02/22/2008
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Fine Art

Item Features
Sextant
This antique mid 1900 ebony frame, ivory arc Sextant by Spencer - Barrett & Co. complete with original Wooden Case would be a magnificent museum quality display item for a collector. The Sextant is made of masterfully crafted ebony, ribbed brass index arm, ivory graduated arc and vernier completing a precisely machined instrument. This Sextant was sold in this country by H. Duren who was a dealer and machinist of nautical instruments. The ivory arc measures between minus 2 to plus 108 degrees. T are the names Spencer . Barrett . & . Co. along with H. Duren London New York inscribed in the ivory located on the center arc. It has the double reflecting mirrors with a three shaded glass assembly, an outlying green lens mounted on a stand and a 2 hole sight.
Wooden Case
The Wooden Case has all the antique characteristics of an original sextant carrying and storing case. The craftsmanship is exceptional with arced end caps and triangulated sides to accommodate the instrument. T is a label inside that advertises Michael Rupp & Co. as manufacturers and importers of chars and sextants.
Condition
Sextant
The Sextant's ebony frame, ivory and brass are in exceptional condition that reflects the vintage of a mid 1800s instrument of this kind. It has the typical for its age brass patina as well as some deterioration of the mirror's silver, and ivory degree scales. All components are present and in working order. T is a small crack on the ivory scale and vernier along with some discoloration which do not take away from its appearance under normal viewing. It is in excellent original antique display condition without any restoration markings.
Wooden Case
The Wooden Keystone Case is structurally sound with original hinges and closure hook. The outside and inside surfaces are in good overall condition with out any significant dents or scratches. However, t is a small chip about 1 inch by ¼ in broken of one underside corner. The top cover also has a 1 inch cracked triangular corner . One of the sides appears to have been nailed on fairly recently and the lock has broken off its mounting. The lock and key are loose in the case.
History
This Sextant and Wooden Case came from a farm along the coast of Maine that had a huge collection of antiques.
Measurements
The Sextant measures 12 ¾ inches from one end to the outside of the vernier. The degree arc spans 10 ½ inches. The ebony frame is approximately 9/16 thick by 5/8 inch wide. The Wooden Case measures 3 7/8 inches thick, 12 ¼ inches at the top portion, 13 3/4 inches long and 3 1/8 inches across at the bottom.
Weight
The Sextant and Carrying Case weigh approximately 2 lb 5oz each.