Octant

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An octant is a navigational instrument used for measuring angles necessary for determining a ship's position at sea. This example dates from around 1880. It is signed by David Stalker of Leith, but was probably made in the English Midlands or London.

The octant has an ebony frame and a maximum radius of 10 inches. The case contains the trade card for David Stalker's business between 1876 and 1895.

David Stalker was born in Leith around 1830, son of a master sailmaker. He set up in business in 1855 in Commercial Street and continued to trade there until his death in 1895.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-701-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1962.48
• Date: Around 1880
  c. 1880
  
• Material: Ebony. Inscription: Stalker Leith
  Octant / case
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Octant / case
  
• Subject:
• Who: David Stalker, Leith, Midlothian (Retailer)
  Stalker Leith
  
• Where: England, London
  Scotland, Midlothian, Leith
  
• Event:
• Description: Octant of ebony, with a maximum radius of 10 inches, and in a case, signed by David Stalker of Leith, c. 1880
  
• References:
  • Clarke, T.N., Morrison-Low, A.D. & Simpson, A.D.C. Brass & glass scientific instrument making workshops in Scotland as illustrated by instruments from the Arthur Frank Collection at the Royal Museum of Scotland. Edinburgh: NMS, 1989. p 108-9 
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