3582

London, Circa 1795

DOUBLE FRAME PILLAR SEXTANT BY EDWARD TROUGHTON

Signed on the arc of the frame "Troughton London". T-frame formed with strips of brass in duplicate, and joined with turned brass pillars. Brass arc inset with a silver scale calibrated from 5 to 155 degrees. Index arm with clamp and tangent screws. With magnifier, vernier scale, lignum vitae handle, two sets of colored filters and telescopic lens. Within the original wedge-shaped mahogany case with hinged lid and a label for "Observatory, Devenport", with date, calibration and owner information, and "J. Combes Admiralty Agent, dec.".
Sextant length 11.5". Width of arc 14". Box height 5". Length 12.5". Width 16.25".
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:
    Sotheby's London, Frank Collection of Scientific Instruments, 1986.
    The Kelton Collection of Marine Art & Artifacts.
  • Exhibited:
    Pacific Asia Museum at U.S.C.: "Trade and Treasure Exhibition", 1987.

    Notes:
    Edward Troughton (1753-1836), was a founding member of the Royal Astronomical Society and one of the most important makers and designers of instruments. He patented this form of sextant in 1788. Termed the "Troughton Type", it was being made as late as 1830. This type of sextant is featured in Winslow Homer's painting "Eight Bells".

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We require prompt payment and removal of your purchases as stated in Paragraph 12 of the Conditions of Sale. If you plan to pick up your purchases, please call ahead and we'll make every effort to have your items ready. Our physical address is 1483 Route 6A, East Dennis, MA. Pick up of smaller items at our Mystic, CT location is also available with advance notice.
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COLLECTION OF PURCHASES: Delivery or shipping arrangements must be made within seven (7) days from the close of the auction for all purchases. All items must be removed from Eldred's facilities within fourteen (14) days of the end of the auction. All items remaining after fourteen days may be subject to a $15/per item/per day storage fee. No items will be released unless storage fees are paid in full. Items remaining over thirty (30) days from the close of the auction may be sold for the buyer's account minus auction and storage fees.

August 5, 2022 9:30 AM EDT
East Dennis, MA, US

Eldred's

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