AN EBONY AND BRASS NAVIGATIONAL OCTANT Inscribed for W.B. Moralee, North Shields, early 19th century, The 11 inch frame incorporating central T-shaped hand-piece inset with bone signature plate inscribed W.B MORALEE NTH SHIELDS, the pivoted arm mounted with mirror opposing aperture for reading the inset bone Vernier scale with clamp and endless screw adjustment to underside, with pin-hole sight opposing horizon glass, set of hinged filters, backsight and conforming horizon, in tapered mahogany box applied with trade label THOMAS L. AINSLEY, MAKER AND ADJUSTER OF, Iron Ships' and Steamers' Compasses, 86 BUTE STREET, CARDIFF... to the inside of the lid; together with a 1.5 inch two-draw refracting telescope, circa 1875, signed R. & J. Beck, 31 Cornhill, London to final draw, with shuttered eyepiece, sliding brass sun shade, end cap and leather grip, complete with cylindrical leather protective case, (2). The sextant box 32.5cm (12.5ins) high, 29cm (11.5ins) wide, the telescope case 27cm (10.5ins) long. The name W.B. Moralee of North Shields appears not to be recorded as a maker of instruments hence could well be that of the first owner of the octant in the current lot. At some point the instrument was with Thomas Liddell Ainsley of Cardiff and South Shields (whose trade label is pasted to the inside of the lid) who was a maker of precision instruments active between 1858-1886. Ainsley also published numerous works on marine navigation and related subjects with his best known work being A guide book to local marine board navigation. The Ordinary Examination first printed in 1859 with no less than 45 subsequent reprints up to 2018. The telescope I the current lot is by Richard and Joseph Beck who is recorded in Banfield, Edwin BAROMETER MAKERS AND RETAILERS 1660-1900 as first working from 31 Cornhill 1867-80 and then 68 Cornhill from 1868. They were best known for supplying microscopes and other optical instruments which were presumably constructed in their factory at Lister Works, Kentish Town, Holloway, East London. Banfield further notes that they often signed their instruments 'R & J Beck Ltd' from 1894. Condition Report: The octant is in complete original condition with all fittings present. The mirror has some degradation to the silvering mainly towards the margins and one of the filters has some slight edge chipping where it is fitted into its mount. Both the Vernier in the arm and the main scale each have a single crack bot no losses. Otherwise instrument is a little dirty/neglected but in good order. The box has corner chips to the top and base panels as well as overall age related wear and shrinkage otherwise is in sound original condition. The telescope has some slight discolouration to the margins of one of the internal lenses otherwise optics appear to be in good original condition and the instrument will focus. The draws appear to be free form noticeable dents or cracks as does the sun shade but there is some noticeable discolouration/tarnishing to the brass. The leather grip is in fine condition, the shutter to the eyepiece and the end cap are also in good condition. The leather outer case is also in good original condition although the carrying strap is no longer present. Condition Report Disclaimer