4635

CAPTAIN MOSES COLMAN'S OCTANT, BINOCULARS AND DIVIDERS

Late 18th Century ebony T-frame octant, unsigned, with an inset ivory scale calibrated from -5 - 95 and a 17" brass index arm with ivory vernier reading from right to left "0 5 10 15 20", providing a reading with an accuracy of 1 arc minute. The index arm has a tangent screw fine adjustment feature introduced in the Late 18th Century. Fitted with dual peephole sight, three colored filters, mirrors, brass feet and other details, but it is missing the ivory name plate. The painted black box is heavily worn commensurate with use and age. Lot also includes Colman's brass navigational dividers, length 7", and his binoculars with shagreen-covered grips, length 7.25" and width 5", signed on each eyepiece "LeMaire Fab - Paris".
Condition: The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact Eldred's before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction. 

  • Provenance:
    The Kelton Collection of Marine Art & Artifacts.

    Notes:
    Captain Moses Rich Colman was born in Scituate, Massachusetts in 1807. He went to sea at the age of nine, held his first command circa 1842, and retired in 1864. He commanded the schooner "Manson", the brig "Sarah", the bark "Sarah", and the medium clipper "Asa Eldridge" from 1857 to 1864. During the Civil War he remained out of the country with his ship for 43 months, partly to avoid capture by the Confederate raider "Alabama". He never lost or suffered severe damage to any ship he commanded.

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August 11, 2023 9:30 AM EDT
East Dennis, MA, US

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