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 1820. It was retailed by Alexander Cameron, a jeweller and nautical instrument retailer based in Dundee.

The octant has an ebony frame, brass fitments and an ivory arc. The scale-dividers mark is indistinct. Engraved on the index arm is 'Cameron, Dundee'.

Alexander Cameron had premises in Dundee's High Street from 1818 to 1824, and at 120 Overgate from 1828 until his retirement in 1848.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-770-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1980.183
• Date: Around 1820
  c. 1820
  
• Material: Ebony, ivory arc, brass fitments. Inscription: Cameron, Dundee
  Octant / box
  
• Dimensions: 296 mm radius
  
• What: Octant / box
  
• Subject:
• Who: Alexander Cameron, Dundee (Retailer)
  Arthur Frank Collection of Scottish Scientific Instruments
  Cameron, Dundee (Engraved in index arm of octant)
  
• Where: Scotland, Angus, Dundee
  
• Event:
• Description: 12" octant with ebony frame, brass fitments and ivory arc, and with a fitted keystone-shaped case, signed by Alexander Cameron, Dundee, c. 1820
  
• 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. pp 140-1 
  • T.N. Clarke, A.D. Morrison-Low and A.D.C. Simpson (1989): "Brass and Glass 
• Translations:
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