RecordOctant (detail)< 1 of 1 > Back probably made in London
Octant (detail)An octant is a navigational instrument used for measuring angles necessary for determining a ship's position at sea. This is a detail from an octant made in 1744, probably by Edward Nairne (1726-1806), a scientific instrument maker based in London. The detail shows the arc and, at the top, an ivory plate inscribed 'Thomas Hellyer [the owner] 1774/ NAIRNE LONDON'. Until around 1780, a central zero was common on the vernier of octants, as seen here; after this date the vernier had the zero to the right. Record detailsTo search on related items, click any linked text below.
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