Octant [Mewes]

Maker and role
W. A. Mewes, Manufacturer
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Object detail

Accession number
2006.282
Maker
W. A. Mewes
Production period
1860s
Description
Octant, solid brass and hardwood (probably ebony). Arc divided into 5 degree increments to 110 degrees. Made by William Augustus Mewes, a watch, chronometer and nautical instrument maker who operated in London between 1859 and 1865. The term "octant" means 1/8 of a circle, or 45 degrees. Because of the arrangement of the mirrors, sextants and octants can measure twice the angle of the scale. Although a reading of 90 degrees was possible for octants, 80 degrees was considered a practical limit. There is a vernier scale at the bottom and 3 swing-arm filters. Like most octants, this model does not have a telescope, but instead has the proper style brass adjustable peep site.
Marks
W.A.Mewes. London Printed
Media/Materials
Processed Material/Metal/Alloy/Copper Alloy/Brass
Organic/Vegetal/Wood
Credit Line
W. A. Mewes. Octant [Mewes], 2006.282. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).

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Public comments

It looks like an early Sextant to me.

- Steve Miller posted 4 years ago.

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