Record

Octant

< 1 of 1 > Back

probably made in England

Postcard of Octant.
000-100-102-701-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 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

To search on related items, click any linked text below.

Online ID: 000-100-102-701-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: 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
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 
Translations:
Related Records:
< 1 of 1 > Back
 
Powered by Scran