EARLY MARINER'S QUADRANT
Britain, Circa 1780
Unsigned. Ebony "T" frame with inset ivory scale calibrated from -2 to 99 and divided in 20 arc minute increments. Brass 18" flat index arm with ivory vernier reading from right to left "0 5 10 15 20", providing a reading with an accuracy of one arc minute. Index arm with a single thumb screw stop, of the type which predates the tangent screw fine adjustment feature introduced in the Late 18th Century. Additionally includes an ivory name plate (blank), an ivory-bound pencil, a peephole sight, three colored filters, mirrors, brass feet and other details. Lacking box.
Length of radius arm 18". Width of scales 14.5".
Provenance:
West Sea Company, Old Town San Diego, 2012.
The Kelton Collection of Marine Art & Artifacts.

Notes:
This early double reflecting navigation instrument has a large index mirror and two horizon mirrors. The lower of the two mirrors is for the antiquated back sight feature with a single peep sight. The upper mirror is for standard sighting using a double peep. For taking sun lines the original set of three colored glass filters is present. It is interchangeable for use with either sight. Remarkably, this quadrant is complete with its original, rarely found ivory-bound pencil for recording observations. Interestingly, some old notations are still present on the vertical limb just below the blank ivory nameplate in the center of the instrument. More typically, such observations would have been recorded on the inlaid ivory notepad on the reverse side. The reverse is also complete with its original brass "feet".

Excellent with minor wear commensurate with age and use.

The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their
age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact Eldred's before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction.