BACKSTAFF – DAVIS QUADRANT ROYAL GUARDIAN 1732 - 1744

The back staff is a navigational instrument to determine position, an instrument for angle measurement.  
It was a fairly accurate instrument.
With a little practice one could also measure on a swaying ship.  
On the empty bone label the measure could be written down as a mnemonic.  
The frame is decorated with the Prince of Wales Feathers and numerous little decorations of stars.  
Origin:  The Netherlands, ex private collection Mr. Van Vliet  
Totally original and complete with vanes.  
Length 64 cm. (25 inches)  
Excellent smooth condition.  
Punched in on the large circle arc are the officer’s initials G.B. and the name Royal Guardian.  
The Royal Guardian was a trade vessel of the British Eastern Indian Company.  
It sailed from 1732 until 1744.  
The last captain was William Benson 1742 – 1744.
The instrument is mentioned and listed in Webster signature database.
It was sold by Christies in the past and has belonged to the astronomer Nevil Maskelyne.

SOLD TO AUSTRALIA