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 1900. It was sold by Peter Airth Feathers, a scientific instrument maker based in Dundee.

The octant is made of brass and bronze. It is engraved on the arc 'P.A. Feathers & Son, Dundee'.

In 1842 Peter Airth Feathers had business premises at 73 High Street in Dundee. In 1845 he had moved to the city's Dock Street. His business was registered at different periods at four different addresses in Dock Street, until his death in 1910.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-771-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1980.184
• Date: Around 1900
  c. 1900
  
• Material: Brass / bronze. Inscription: P.A. Feathers & Son, Dundee
  
• Dimensions: 189 mm radius
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who: Arthur Frank Collection of Scottish Scientific Instruments
  Peter Airth Feathers, Dundee (Maker)
  
• Where: ENGLAND
  Scotland, Angus, Dundee
  
• Event:
• Description: 8" octant with plain cast frame, in oxidised bronze and brass, signed by Peter Airth Feathers and Son of Dundee, c. 1900
  
• 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 142-5 
  • T.N. Clarke, A.D. Morrison-Low and A.D.C. Simpson (1989): "Brass and Glass 
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