Clocks & Brass: "Cook & Son - London Octant

ID:

$2,000

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Large size early (c 1820) brass quadrant- Ebony wood and ivory name plate inscribed "Cook & Son - London." Of the many Cooks listed in Webster's database of instrument makers, I believe this one was made by William and George who had their ship at 178 shadwell High Street, London. This beautifully made instrument has a brass index arm measuring 13 7/8" long , well beyond the average length, making this a very early example. The top horizon mirror is mounted on a adjustable turntable. The base can be rotated by loosening a screw which locks the mirrors position. All of these tell tale signs plus others not listed here indicate it is one of the earliest of this type, making it a noteworth instrument .This octant has obviously been used, but the glasses, mirrors and scale are all intact and good. The arc measures from -5 to plus 100 degrees. The box is worn and the lock is missing. One ebony arm has been broken and could easily berepaired. The inside of the box has a resellers label from Samuel Thaxter & Son - Nautical & Optical Instruments 125 State Street Boston

Size - 13" high - arc is 11 1/2" straight across