Navigation Instruments

Navigation Instruments

Navigation Instruments

Here you'll find a wonderful selection of instruments used for navigation. One of the earliest known instruments to be used for marine navigation was the mariner's quadrant. Later, in the 16th Century, the celestial astrolabe was modified for use at sea and it enabled the Portuguese to explore the world. The mariner's astrolabe remained in use for more than two hundred years. Another instrument that was used for "shooting the stars" in the 16th Century was the cross-staff, but it's use at sea was limited. Genuine quadrants, cross-staffs and astrolabes are very rare and expensive, so don't expect to see any here at Nautical Style in the near future. The 17th and 18th Centuries saw great advances in instrument design. The Davis quadrant, or back-staff, invented by the English navigator, John Davis, in 1595, was a big improvement over the cross-staff. The bach-staff remained in use for 150 years. Then, in 1731, John Hadley invented a double reflecting instrument called the Octant, which was the forerunner to the sextant.


Products

Box (Pocket) Sextant

A finely made early 20th Century Box (Pocket) Sextant in 7.8 cm (3") diameter brass drum case.

SKU17556

AUD 340.00

Clipper Ship Sandglass Timer

Clipper ship sandglass timer, 14 seconds, polished brass.

SKU17545

This item is no longer available.

Compass, Bergen Nautik

Liquid filled compass manufactured by Bergen Nautik, Norway. Last serviced in January, 1964.

SKU17514

This item is no longer available.

Octant by Smith of Aberdeen, Mid 19th Century

Antique octant, by Smith of Aberdeen, housed in a keystone mahogany box.

SKU17530

This item is no longer available.

Sextant by Henry Hughes in Mahogany keystone box

Sextant - 19th Century, Mahogany cased by Henry Hughes, London for J. H. Whishham

This early 7 inch sextant by Henry Hughes, London (1830 – 1840+) is housed in it's original mahogany keystone box. The sextant has a black anodised brass curved-pattern frame with an ebony-wood handle.

SKU17584

This item is no longer available.

Vintage Sestrel Hand Bearing Compass

Vintage Sestrel hand bearing compass by Henry Browne & Son Ltd. in teak or oak carry box. Circa. mid 20th Century.

SKU17548

This item is no longer available.