Octant made by Spencer, Barrett & Co., London, circa 1840 (and case)

octant and case

INSTRUMENTS - OCTANTS
Spencer-Barrett & Co.
England, London
circa 1840
LOA 12-3/4 in.; arc 10-1/2 in.; case 13-1/2 x 12 1/4 x 4-1/4 in.

Cased octant belonging to Henry H.B. Willis, master of clipper ship SUNNY SOUTH, 1856-1858. Ebony frame, reinforced index arm of brass, elephant ivory scale, vernier and nameplate marked, made by "SPENCER.BARRETT & CO./ LONDON", ca. 1840. Ivory tipped pencil in brace. Octant has index mirror with 3 hinged shades, horizon glass with one shade; sight vane missing. Scale graduated -2 deg. to +108 deg, subdivided to 20'. In keystone wood box with brass latch. Box 13 1/2" x 12 1/4" x 4 1/4".

1984.126.6