A fine mid 19th century navigators Octant made by Spencer Browning & Rust, London with applied makers plate.

The Octant’s ‘T’ shaped frame is constructed from ebony with brass fittings and ivory scales. The arc scale is crisp and clearly engraved, reading from -4 degrees to 100 degrees and further divided into 20 minutes of arc. This Octant can measure angles of up to 92 degrees.

Double-hole sighting pinnula with swing cover. There is a set of three sunshades for the index arm mirror.

This Octant has a braced brass index arm, which is fitted with an ivory Vernier scale engraved from 0 to 20 and reading 1 minute of arc. There is a clamping screw to the reverse side with a fine adjustment tangent screw off to the side.

The ivory makers plaque is situated on the crossbar of the octant frame and is engraved Spencer Browning & Rust, London. Spencer Browning & Rust are recorded as working from an address in London from 1784 to 1840.

This Octant is complete with its original wooden, stepped keystone shaped oak box. (some repairs to the box are present)

Height of Octant: 13 inches / 33 cm,

Radius of Octant: 10.5 inches / 27cm.