Artificial black glass horizon – circa 1800

The artificial horizon was designed for use when the natural horizon is not visible due to weather conditions or darkness. It is used in conjunction with a sextant. The angle of reflection of a celestial body on the mirror is equal to the angle of incidence. The history of the artificial horizon dates back to…

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Lodestone – 17th century

Lodestone mounted in a brass frame with carrying ring on top. With two pieces of steel at the bottom to increase the magnetic strength of the lodestone. French lilies on all sides. Catalogue: NM.6-06 Date: 1600-1650 HWL: 68x71x53 mm, overall height with ring 130 mm Signed: not signed Origin: probably French Condition: in excellent and…

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Antique French Prisoner of War Bone Ship Model – c. 1810

A fine and early 19th century Napoleontic French prisoner-of-war bone and baleen ship model of a fully rigged 110 gun war ship. With fine planked and pinned hull, open gun ports with brass guns, deck features and fittings including casks, capstans etcetera, bound masts, standing and running rigging with bone blocks. Catalog: SM.1-20 Date: 1800-1820…

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Standard Bearing Sight in wooden case

Standard bearing sight with two vanes for use on the gauge compass. The box is assembled with dove tail connections. Provenance Datema, Delfzijl Netherlands. Catalogue: NM.6-03 Date: ca. 1930-1950 HWL case: 7.5×22.5×26 cm Signed: not signed Origin: unknown Condition: good with signs of wear; case in very good condition

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Azimuth Mirror, Patt. 996

With the azimuth mirror on the compass the direction of a celestial body can be determined, expressed in degrees. Used among other things, to determine the deviation of the compass. The black lackered, brass mirror of unknown maker is never used and comes with a loose pen in a wooden case. The spare pen is…

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Davis Quadrant or Backstaff with vanes – H. Gregory, London, ca. 1780

After the astrhttps://archipel-img.com/wp-admin/edit.php?post_type=objectolabe and the Jacob’s staff, in 1595 John Davis invented the backstaff to determine the altitude of the sun at sea. His improved design became known as the Davis Quadrant. The observer stood with his back to the sun and didn’t have to look at the bright sunlight. The instruments has two concentric…

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