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 1850. It was retailed by Duncan McGregor, a scientific instrument maker based in Glasgow and Greenock.

The octant has an ebony frame with brass fitments and an ivory arc. It is signed 'D. McGregor. Glasgow and Greenock'.

Duncan McGregor first appeared in the 1844 Glasgow street directory as a nautical instrument and chronometer maker and chart seller at 24 Clyde Place.He is thought to be the 'Mr. McGregor' whose premises were looted in the Glasgow Bread Riots of 1848.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-773-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1980.188
• Date: Around 1850
  c. 1850
  
• Material: Ebony, ivory arc, brass fitments. Inscription: D. McGregor, Glasgow & Greenock.
  Octant / box
  
• Dimensions: 247 mm radius
  
• What: Octant / box
  
• Subject:
• Who: Arthur Frank Collection of Scottish Scientific Instruments
  D. McGregor and Co., Glasgow / Greenock (Maker)
  
• Where: Scotland, Lanarkshire, Glasgow
  Scotland, Renfrewshire, Greenock
  
• Event:
• Description: 10" octant with ebony frame, brass fitments, ivory arc and fitted case, signed by D. McGregor of Glasgow and Greenock, c. 1850
  
• 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 244 
  • T.N. Clarke, A.D. Morrison-Low and A.D.C. Simpson (1989): "Brass and Glass 
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