£1,800
7½IN. RADIUS BRIDGE-FRAMED VERNIER SEXTANT BY JESSE RAMSDEN, LONDON, NO. 1227, CIRCA 1794
with lacquered-brass frame signed at the apex Ramsden London and numbered '1227' behind, the inset silvered scale divided to 130°, Vernier with lateral adjusting magnifier and rotating light prism, bridge-frame supporting adjustable sighting tube socket, mirrors and six shades, now mounted on pillar stand within glazed wooden box and presentation plate along top, with telescope's test certificates for 1902 and 1922, a privately written manuscript on vellum of the history of Jesse Ramsden along with a history of this instrument before presentation in 1921, both in full calf gilt embossed bindings -- 20 x 13½ x 14in. (51 x 34.5 x 35.5cm.)
The Honourable Company of Master Mariners.
original owner informs us in his history of the instrument that he had one mirror replaced, added the rotating glass prism and had the scale redivided by a London instrument maker, which he admitted was not quite as accurate as Ramsden's, when he mounted the instrument in this display case the original threaded wooden handle and stepped keystone case were disgarded, the certificates are foxed and have some losses
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