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ID #SA1120150
FOR SALE
£1,195
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Antique Cased Octant, Scottish, Ebony, Navigation Instrument, Sextant, Victorian
London Fine Antiques
for sale €1,398     $1,518
£1,195
London Fine Antiques

London Fine Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2010
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    Fine antiques curated in england and sold worldwide
Id #SA1120150
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Antique Cased Octant, Scottish, Ebony, Navigation Instrument, Sextant, Victorian

19th century
Description

This is an antique cased octant. A Scottish, ebony navigational instrument, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1850.

Appealing navigation instrument with fascinating display interest

Presents a desirable aged patina and in good original order

Octant frame crafted in ebony, with cellulose scale inserts

Accompanied with a fine walnut carry case in a warm caramel hue

Octants measure the height of the sun or a star from the horizon

Positioning can be ascertained using a scale of 45 degrees, or 1/8 of a circle

Vernier loosens the scale arm, giving a reading when light enters the mirror

Rotating neutral density glass rings add protection to the viewer

Maker's mark to the centre for Robert Millar of Leith, Edinburgh

Case finished with a rotating clasp and inset lock — key absent

Supplied with a couple of ancillary accessories

This is a delightful antique cased octant, with a striking ebony appearance and set within a quality carry case. Ideal for display to those of a navigational interest. Delivered ready to enjoy.

Dimensions:

Case Width: 30cm (11.75'')

Case Depth: 33.5cm (13.25'')

Case Height: 12.5cm (5'')

Octant Width: 24.5cm (9.75'')

Octant Depth: 30.5cm (12'')

Octant Height: 10cm (4'')

Physical Dimensions
Height
12.5cm (4.92")
Width
30cm (11.81")
Depth
33.5cm (13.19")
Declaration

London Fine Antiques has dated this Antique Ebony Cased Octant to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1120150
Dealers Internal Reference
24988
Dealers Notes

What our clients have to say: https://www.londonfine.co.uk/pages/reviews

Description
This is an antique cased octant. A Scottish, ebony navigational instrument, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1850.

Appealing navigation instrument with fascinating display interest

Presents a desirable aged patina and in good original order

fig 1. An antique Scottish Victorian ebony octant with brass fittings, displayed atop its custom keystone-shaped wooden storage case.
fig 1. Antique Cased Octant, Scottish, Ebony, Navigation Instrument, Sextant, Victorian

Octant frame crafted in ebony, with cellulose scale inserts

Accompanied with a fine walnut carry case in a warm caramel hue

Octants measure the height of the sun or a star from the horizon

Positioning can be ascertained using a scale of 45 degrees, or 1/8 of a circle

fig 2. An antique Scottish Victorian ebony octant with brass fittings, displayed atop its custom keystone-shaped wooden storage case.
fig 2. Antique Cased Octant, Scottish, Ebony, Navigation Instrument, Sextant, Victorian

Vernier loosens the scale arm, giving a reading when light enters the mirror

Rotating neutral density glass rings add protection to the viewer

Maker's mark to the centre for Robert Millar of Leith, Edinburgh

fig 3. An antique Scottish Victorian ebony octant with brass fittings, displayed atop its custom keystone-shaped wooden storage case.
fig 3. Antique Cased Octant, Scottish, Ebony, Navigation Instrument, Sextant, Victorian

Case finished with a rotating clasp and inset lock — key absent

Supplied with a couple of ancillary accessories

“
This is a delightful antique cased octant, with a striking ebony appearance and set within a quality carry case.
London Fine Antiques

Ideal for display to those of a navigational interest. Delivered ready to enjoy.

Dimensions:

Case Width: 30cm (11.75'')

Case Depth: 33.5cm (13.25'')

Case Height: 12.5cm (5'')

Octant Width: 24.5cm (9.75'')

Octant Depth: 30.5cm (12'')

Octant Height: 10cm (4'')

Height
12.5cm (4.92")
Width
30cm (11.81")
Depth
33.5cm (13.19")
Date of Manufacture

London Fine Antiques has dated this Antique Ebony Cased Octant to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1120150
Dealers Internal Ref
24988
London Fine Antiques
London Fine Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2010

Fine antiques curated in england and sold worldwide

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the London Fine Antiques Profile Page

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An antique Scottish Victorian ebony octant with brass fittings, displayed atop its custom keystone-shaped wooden storage case.
1 / 12
Archive I An antique Scottish Victorian ebony octant with brass fittings, displayed atop its custom keystone-shaped wooden storage case.

Antique Cased Octant, Scottish, Ebony, Navigation Instrument, Sextant, Victorian

Archive II An antique Scottish Victorian ebony octant with brass fittings, displayed atop its custom keystone-shaped wooden storage case. View II
Archive III An antique Scottish Victorian ebony octant with brass fittings, displayed atop its custom keystone-shaped wooden storage case. View III
Archive IV An antique Scottish Victorian ebony octant with brass fittings, displayed atop its custom keystone-shaped wooden storage case. View IV
Archive V An antique Scottish Victorian ebony octant with brass fittings, displayed atop its custom keystone-shaped wooden storage case. View V
Archive VI An antique Scottish Victorian ebony octant with brass fittings, displayed atop its custom keystone-shaped wooden storage case. View VI
Archive VII An antique Scottish Victorian ebony octant with brass fittings, displayed atop its custom keystone-shaped wooden storage case. View VII
Archive VIII An antique Scottish Victorian ebony octant with brass fittings, displayed atop its custom keystone-shaped wooden storage case. View VIII
Archive IX An antique Scottish Victorian ebony octant with brass fittings, displayed atop its custom keystone-shaped wooden storage case. View IX
Archive X An antique Scottish Victorian ebony octant with brass fittings, displayed atop its custom keystone-shaped wooden storage case. View X
Archive XI An antique Scottish Victorian ebony octant with brass fittings, displayed atop its custom keystone-shaped wooden storage case. View XI
Archive XII An antique Scottish Victorian ebony octant with brass fittings, displayed atop its custom keystone-shaped wooden storage case. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
London Fine Antiques

London Fine Antiques
Telephone 0207 1833511
Location
The Antique Village
Hele
Exeter
Devon
EX5 4PW
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/londonfineantiques
Verified Since Oct 2010
Items For Sale 950
Items Sold 5,619
London Fine Antiques
London Fine Antiques
Verified Since Oct 2010
View Dealer Info
Location: The Antique Village, Hele, Exeter, Devon , EX5 4PW, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/londonfineantiques
Verified
Oct 2010
For Sale
950
Sold
5,619
An antique Scottish Victorian ebony octant with brass fittings, displayed atop its custom keystone-shaped wooden storage case.
Antique Cased Octant, Scottish, Ebony, Navigation Instrument, Sextant, Victorian
Ref: SA1120150
An antique Scottish Victorian ebony octant with brass fittings, displayed atop its custom keystone-shaped wooden storage case.
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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

FAQs

An octant is a reflecting navigation instrument used at sea to measure the altitude of celestial bodies above the horizon to calculate latitude. Developed during the 18th century, it features an arc measuring one-eighth of a circle (45 degrees), which allows angular measurements up to 90 degrees via double reflection mirrors.

19th-century octants were typically constructed using dense hardwoods such as ebony or mahogany for the frame to resist warping from moisture. These frames were combined with brass index arms, glass shade filters, and precision-inlaid ivory or bone scales along the arc.

Authentic period octants display maker signatures or trade marks engraved on the arc or crossbar, natural age patination across brass elements, and period joinery on the timber frame. They are frequently accompanied by a custom-built, keystone-shaped wooden storage case.

An antique octant serves as a scientific focal point when displayed open or resting upon its wooden case on an executive desk, library bookshelf, or console table. It pairs effectively with traditional leather upholstery, dark timber furniture, and historical maps.

Preserve the instrument by dusting softly with a dry cloth and avoiding harsh chemical polishes that can degrade optical filters or inlaid scales. Store the piece in a stable environment away from direct heat and excessive humidity to prevent timber movement.
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