Antique box sextant, the top plate with maker’s signature and address, silvered scale from -5 degrees to 150 degrees, vernier to 30 arc minutes, milled knobs to mirror vernier and shipped mirror adjustment tool, arm mounted scale magnifier. Pin hole sight to blind, red and green shades with activation port and dust guard to rear. Mirror azimuth and declination adjustment squares. Threaded drum cover/handle.

The whole box sextant contained within its original red velvet-lined leather case with some wear, good colour and patination, the straps worn in places but sound.

These box sextants are hard to find and the earlier lacquered patterns are rare. This one is in fine condition retaining most of the original lacquered finish with only minor abrasions, the mirror bright with no perceptible signs of deterioration, the shades in similar condition.

Mechanically the instrument functions perfectly. A very crisp example of this much sought after instrument by a top English maker.

Elliott Brothers is recorded in Banfield, Edwin, Barometer Makers and Retailers, 1660-1900 as working in London from 1853 onwards. The partnership between Frederick Henry and Charles Alfred Elliott was formed to take over the business of William Elliott & Sons when their father died in 1853. In 1857, the firm of Watkins & Hill was taken over and the company expanded rapidly, producing some of the best quality barometers of the time.

Dimensions: 3” diameter x 1½” deep

Stock No: SX0319

Price: SOLD