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Octant

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Postcard of Octant.
000-100-102-770-C
© National Museums Scotland

Octant

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.


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Online ID: 000-100-102-770-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: 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
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 
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