A LARGE EBONY OCTANT CREATED BY T. WATSON 1767

A very large and impressive octant made from ebony wood, index arm included.  
Signed on ivory T. Watson and dated 1767.  
Executed in classic T-frame with protractor up to 90º and ivory vernier.  
Beautiful protractor, made out of one piece of ivory, white as show with no colorations.  
Two brass viewers, mirrors, exchangeable filters and ivory pencil holder.  
Mid-18th century these and similarly large octants were introduced as successors of the backstaff/Davis quadrant.
On ships of the Eastern Indian Company between 1747 and 1762 there usually was just one such octant on board.
The octant was considered a very luxurious and expensive instrument,
priced at fl. 75,00 a piece (florins) The price of one backstaff/Davis quadrant was only fl. 5,20.  
A captain’s wage was fl. 72,00 per month, a mate earned fl. 26,00 and a deck hand fl. 8,50.  
Most crew members had to work several months to save such an amount.  
Size 51 x 44.5 cm. (20 x 17.5 inches)  
Excellent condition.

NOT LONGER AVAILABLE